Perhaps this is a given, but I love the classic Christmas movies. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street–they all give me warm-holiday-fuzzies the same way opening the box of tree ornaments each December does. Sure, the movies might be a bit tired after decades of repeated viewing, but what I like most about them, of course, is rooted in those years of repeated viewing. (As “Goldyngirl” said in a comment to my recent post about overrated films, “There are some films that I adore if only because they call up a certain period in my life; not because of any artistic merit.”)

Before anyone blows a gasket, let me clarify that I find plenty of artistic merit in these classics (I wouldn’t dare go messin’ with Rudolph!). But you have to admit–even writing about these movies and waxing a bit sentimental is cliche. Watching them is inherently a tad cliche, too.

I highly encourage traditions, so please–continue watching the classics to your heart’s content. If you’re looking for something a bit different, though, The Washington Post just published a fun list under the headline Other Christmas Stories. Here’s what the Post’s Jen Chaney recommends for the holiday season. Each film references the holidays in a subtle or more obvious way, whether it’s a holiday party scene, wintry weather, a Christmas day phone call, or a plot-critical reference to a Christmas hit song. (See the link for more on why Chaney included these on her list.)

- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

- The Sure Thing (1985)

- The Ice Harvest (2005)

- Die Hard (1988)

- Little Women (1933, 1949, and 1994)

- About a Boy (2002)

- Citizen Kane (1941)

- Catch Me If You Can (2002)

- Gremlins (1984)

- The Simpsons and Six Feet Under (TV series)

- Diner (1982)

- When Harry Met Sally (1989)