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I love Elf and Home Alone as much as the next person. But, if you can’t take watching the same Christmas movies year in and year out, give these less obvious Noel flicks a try this December.

Colin Firth & Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones’ Diary

Bridget Jones’ Diary, 2001

As if you really need an excuse to watch Bridget Jones for the twentieth time. Starts at Christmas, ends at Christmas, London, Colin Firth. Okay that’s it. Take a mini break holiday and just watch it, again. Watch it on Amazon Instant Video.

Nathan Lane & Michael J. Fox in Life with Mikey

Life with Mikey, 1993

I’m reaching with this one. If you manage to find a copy, give it a shot. Just as the first half of Michael J. Fox’s career was petering out this film gave us a reminder of his self deprecating humor. Nathan Lane is in fine neurotic form as the other half of the failing Chapman and Chapman Children’s Talent Agency. Cyndi Lauper co-stars as their ditzy secretary, and 14 year old David Krumholtz is fantastic as their most valuable, and very demanding client.  Okay it’s not that hard to find, watch it on Amazon Instant Video.

Tim Allen & Jamie Lee Curtis in Christmas with the Kranks

Christmas with the Kranks, 2004

This film got panned when it came out, and I don’t know why. Yes, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen and Dan Akroyd are all a little over the top but that’s where the madcap humor comes from. I’ve probably watched this film every Christmas since it came out, and it makes me laugh every time. Give it a shot, if you still hate it, well at least you’ll have lots of company. Watch it on Amazon Instant Video.

Johhny Depp & Winona Ryder in Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands

This Tim Burton classic is brilliant at any time of year, but with the snow falling and Alan Arkin stapling fleece to the roof, somehow, Christmas seems the perfect time to watch it. One of Johnny Depp’s finest performances, and Tim Burton’s favorite film of his own, tells the story of Edward. The creation of a local inventor who died before he could give Edward real hands. Taken in by a nearby family Edward has to learn to cope in the real world, away from the fantasy that the inventor had created for him. Watch it on Amazon Instant Video.

Macaulay Culkin behind the scenes of The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, 1993

If you feel you can’t go a Christmas without Macaulay Culkin why not check out his performance alongside the New York City Ballet in The Nutcracker. Why anyone thought having Macaulay in the ballet would be a plus is beyond me; but the actual dancers and Tchaikovsky’s score are on pointe as always. Get it? Watch it on Amazon Instant Video.

Adam Brody & Rachel Bilson in season 2 of The O.C., The Chrismukkah that Almost Wasn’t

Bonus Tip: Got a favorite TV show? Odds are if it takes place in this world it has a Christmas/holiday episode. My personal favorite is from season one of The O.C., “The Best Chrismukkah Ever”.