Couch Potato: 'Tis the season

Couch Potato is a weekly blog focusing on the current happenings in the world of television. Come back next Tuesday for the next edition.

Editor's Note: Article updated 1:03 a.m. on Nov. 29. Correction: Original article incorrectly stated that Peppermint Patty tricks Charlie Brown with the football gag.

Now that we're past Black Friday the holiday season has officially started and that means cold winter nights spent curled up by the TV watching holiday movies. It doesn't matter if we've all seen these movies a thousand times, they're timeless classics. Whether they put a smile on your face or a tear in your eye, as you put up those holiday decorations, don't miss out on these must-see holiday movies.

"A Christmas Story"

This movie is definitely a childhood favorite. All poor Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun, but the only problem is that everyone thinks he's going to poke his eye out. The story aptly portrays a young boy pining over a Christmas present, a feeling we've all experienced at least once or twice. "A Christmas Story" is a bit a comedy as well, what with the little boy on the playground freezing his tongue to a pole. "A Christmas Story" is definitely a classic you can't miss out this holiday season.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" Believe it or not, this was the very first prime-time TV special featuring Charles M. Schulz's "Peanuts" characters. Repelled by the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. Everybody loves Lucy tricking Charlie Brown with the old football prank, and Linus toting around his blanket. Of course it just wouldn't be Christmas without "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

"Santa Clause"

A story about believing, this movie focuses on a corporate Santa Claus skeptic who ends up turning into the jolly fat man. It's not Christmas without Disney magic and Christmas haters. With visits to the North Pole and Santa's magical sleigh, this movie is sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy about the upcoming holidays.

"Home Alone" How could it be the holidays without this hilarious holiday heist? Even though a little boy is tragically left behind as his family leaves for Christmas vacation, this movie is amusing with its frozen walkways and tar covered stairs and is sure to illicit a few laughs from everyone in the family. In addition to being fantastically funny, this movie also full of adventure and holiday spirit.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas"

Don't forget about the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and all the people of Whoville. Everyone knows how much the Grinch hates Christmas and how hard he works to steal it from the people of Whoville because his heart is two sizes too small. But it's always so wonderful when his heart grows three sizes and Christmas is returned to Whoville. If you watch nothing else, make sure you see this Christmas classic this year.

Even with the long cold winter nights ahead, there's no need to worry because all these holiday classics will be playing on television all season long to get you in the holiday spirit.