Great Christmas DVDs

Miracle On 34th Street
This is the original 1947 version of the heartwarming tale of Kris Kringle, who may or may not be Father Christmas, and a little girl (played by a very young Natalie Wood) who contrives to find her mother happiness. Find Miracle On 34th Street at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

The Snowman
Raymond Briggs Classic story of a boy who befriends a snowman who takes him on a magical journey. Beautiful animation and lovely music makes this film a joy from start to finish. At over 20 years old it never looked better. From Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

White Christmas
Possibly the best known secular Christmas song in the world forms the basis of this fluffy Christmas film starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye. Great songs and a smaltzy plot make this perfect festive viewing. Dream of a White Christmas at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

It's A Wonderful Life
The great classic and American TV favourite. The tear-jerking story of a man who is saved by a drunken angel who shows him what a very different place the world would have been if he had not been born. Feel-good movie is an overused expression but this truly deserved the name. From Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

The Muppet Christmas Carol
The most filmed Christmas story gets the Muppet treatment with this funny version of 'A Christmas Carol' starring Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit. Great Family Fun. From Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com

Bob The Builder - A Christmas To Remember
Bob's Christmas celebrations are helped along by Elton John and Noddy Holder and, as usual, hindered by Spud. Lots of jokes for the parents, a joy for the kids. Make it A Christmas To Remember at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Postman Pat - Magic Christmas
This Christmas adventure features two stories, one about the re-discovery of the Greendale rocket, and Postman Pat's Christmas adventures. Find it at Amazon.co.uk and Play.com

Santa Claus - The Movie
Festive silliness with Dudley Moore as the litttle elf who has to save Christmas from the evil toy tycoon who plans to distribute dangerous toys. Available at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
The original from 1964 with the voice of Burl Ives, this is the story of how Rudolf really gained the respect of his fellow reindeers. Saving Christmas from the cluches of an evil toytaker, helped by a wanabee dentist elf, he rescues unwanted toys from the Island of Misfit Toys. The 2001 remake wasn't a patch on this. This version has some groan-worthy jokes and an edge missing from the newer version. Get on the sleigh at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com

A Christmas Carol (Cert PG) This new animated version of Charles Dickens’ much loved classic tale stars the voices of Jim Carrey as Scrooge as well as Bob Hoskins, Gary Oldman, Robin Penn Wright and Colin Firth. Available from Amazon.co.uk.

The Polar Express is based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. A child's belief in Father Christmas begins to waiver, and to persuade him of the old man's existence he is taken on as magical train ride to the North Pole. Featuring the voice of Tom Hanks this one could become a Christmas Classic. Find The Polar Express at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com.

Nativity! (Cert U) Starring Martin Freeman this is the story of a primary school teacher who aspires to make his school’s nativity play better than that put on by the local posh private school. Also starring Ashley Jenson, Alan Carr, John Sessions and Ricky Tomlinson. From Amazon.co.uk

Fred Claus (cert PG) Fred has always been in his brother’s shadow, and when he needs help, Santa Claus offers him a job – at the North Pole in his toyshop. Will Fred change his ways or will he wreck Christmas? Starring Vince Vaughn, Miranda Richardson, Kevin Spacey, Rachel Weisz and Kathy Bates. Available from Amazon.co.uk, Play.com and Amazon.com.

Christmas with the Kranks (Cert U). The Kranks are a couple whose only daughter has left for college and tells them that she does not wish to spend Christmas with them. Delighted they decide to dodge Christmas completely and go on a cruise. Then their daughter announces she has changed her mind. Stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen.
From Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com