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Guide Picks - Top 6 "Home" Movies for the Holidays
Hearth and home are focal points for many great movies. They're a delight to watch any time of year, but the holiday season brings with it wonderful opportunities to fill bowls with buttered popcorn, light the fire, and relax in front of the television with family and friends. In its own way, each of these films makes us think about the importance of "home." I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
1) "A Christmas Story" (1983, PG)
The only thing Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun, but his mother, his teacher, and even Santa are convinced he'll "shoot his eye out" with such a present. This autobiographical story from humorist Jean Shepherd stars Peter Billingsly as Ralphie, and Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin as his parents. It's a delightfully funny and nostalgic look at 1940's middle America.
   

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2) "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) has spent his entire life doing the "right" thing. His father's sudden death postponed George's plans to attend college and tour the world. Later events ruled those options out entirely. The story begins on Christmas Eve, 1946, when George finally feels all is lost and that his life has been a waste. The journey he takes that night is one we should all make.
  

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3) "Holiday Inn" (1942)
This holiday film showcases the talents of Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire by surrounding them with the unforgettable music of Irving Berlin. Bing introduces many songs, including the now-classic "White Christmas." Fred is fantastic in every dance routine, but shines brightest during his Fourth of July number. The story? Yes, there's a plot. Two guys, two girls, careers, and a place to call home.
   
4) "The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
Click your heels together and repeat "there's no place like home." Dorothy's flight from problems at her drab Kansas home takes her to the colorful Land of Oz, where she learns how important family and friends truly are. Pop it in the VCR to meet a wonderful cast of characters, see fun choreography, and hear the incredible musical talents of Judy Garland.
   

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5) "Home Alone" (1990, PG)
Eight-year-old Kevin's large, very annoying family is flying to Paris for the holidays, but oops, they forget he's sleeping in an attic bedroom and leave him home alone. Watch Kevin's adventures during the days leading up to Christmas, including the battle to save his home from two bungling burglars. It's slapstick comedy, with a soundtrack that's sure to put you in the holiday mood.
   

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6) "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)
Doris Walker's disappointments have made her determined to see that her daughter grows up with a realistic view of life. The problem is, young Susan is so serious she doesn't know much about fun. Life in the Walker household begins to change when the elderly gent Doris hires to play Macy's Santa Claus claims to be Kris Kringle, the real thing.
   

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