Best Christmas Movies List

'A Christmas Story' (1983): The Gift of Family

Peace on earth? Goodwill toward men? Pish. Sometimes, the true spirit of Christmas comes packaged as a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock.

Most 9-year-olds don't have time to dabble in altruism. They've got bullies to deal with, parents to con, and Santa's laps to scale. And, instinctively, they suspect that Christmas ain't Christmas unless it comes with some serious loot. Ralphie Parker wants his BB-gun, even as those around him warn that it could "put your eye out." But Ralphie comes to understand that the gun, really, isn't the end all, BB all. Rather, it's his family--understanding, giving and willing to laugh over a Chinese turkey for Christmas dinner— which prove to be the real gift.