The markets are lit up and the shops are buzzing with carols. There is a happy chatter of children wearing the Santa hats, with the balls at the end bobbing up and down as they play around. The bakeries envelop you with their Christmas specials heightening your every sense.

In a city, that is always spinning around, people are, wandering around aimlessly—hopping from one shop to other, personifying confusion as they decide their presents.

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In India, Christmas has become synonymous with festivity. People light up their homes, gift presents to their loved ones, decorate a Christmas tree and wholeheartedly embrace the traditions that come with the festival.

Spending time with your loved ones, remembering old family traditions, laughing at old jokes and chatting aimlessly—is the recipe for a perfect Christmas.

However, not all of us have the luxury to do this.

What we do have, however, is this option —dim the lights, snuggle under the blankets, make a cup or two of hot chocolate and watch our favourite Christmas movies. Rewind time to these tales that celebrate Christmas.

Experience joy, heartache, comedy and experience Christmas with these movies. Simply because you do not need to go out to celebrate the festival of lights.

· Elf

One look at this movie is enough to put you in a Christmas spirit. Fifteen years since the movie was released, Elf has become a timeless Christmas classic. Buddy, as an infant was taken to the North Pole and was raised by Santa’s elves. He leaves the North Pole in search of his biological father. The story is filled with humour and is largely considered to be Will Ferrell’s most beloved role till date.

· The Holiday

What happens when it is Christmas and you are lonely and miserable? You swap places with another woman who shares the same fate and leave the country. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz star together in this Christmassy romantic comedy, that shows how you can find love when you least expect it.

· Love Actually

Perhaps the most known among the Christmas movies, Love Actually narrates a parallel story of different people in London. The story starts five weeks before Christmas and ends with an epilogue that takes place a month after Christmas. Considered a must watch Christmas classic, Love Actually shows the life of various people as they navigate their lives and find love in a Christmas filled London.

· Home Alone

A nine-year-old gets left behind when his family flies to Paris for a family vacation. When the movie begins, Kevin detests his family and wants them to disappear. He wakes up the next morning, only to discover that he is alone at home and rejoices. However, as time progresses, he starts missing his family, saves his hours from two burglars, talks to the neighbouring Santa and by the time the film ends, has become one of the most lovable characters ever.

· The Polar Express

Based on a children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this 2004 computer narrated film narrates the story of a boy who boards a train that is scheduled to reach the North Pole. He meets other passengers who are going to the North Pole to meet Santa. The boy receives the first gift of Christmas from Santa and the message behind the movie symbolizes the whole spirit of Christmas and will always remain relevant.