Ranking my top 5 movie Santas

Not to be a Scrooge, but I don’t write much about Christmas, at least not as a columnist. I admit it; I haven’t fully bought into the Christmas festivities this year. I still have to do my Christmas shopping; I haven’t baked any traditional Biscochitos or hung stockings.

However, I have been busy watching movies when I have spare time. There’s something relaxing at the end of the day about curling up all warm and cozy with a cup of hot chocolate. Even with my life full of hustle and bustle, it’s nice to slow down and tune out for a few hours, and what better way this time of year than with a classic Christmas movie?

So many great movies have their take on the central figure of commercialized Christmas: Santa Claus. While some of my tastes may be basic, the St. Nicks I have grown up to love still make me feel like a little kid on Christmas Day whenever I see them on screen.

So, without further ado, here are my top five favorite portrayals of Santa Claus.

Coming in at number five is Jim Carrey in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” I know, technically, he wasn’t Santa, but he impersonated Santa, and that’s enough for me. The Grinch is too iconic and hilarious not to mention. I always quote this movie, Christmastime or not, and The Grinch’s character has a special meaning to me and my family.

Number four goes to Kurt Russell in “The Christmas Chronicles.” This movie deals with loss and grief around the holidays; it’s heavy subject matter, but Santa in this movie is a welcome change of pace and much-needed comic relief. Without giving too much of the plot away, Santa finds himself at the bar and in jail, and how he manages to charm his way out of his challenges had me rolling on the ground laughing.

Three is a two-part: going to Danny Elfman and Ed Ivory in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Once again, the Santa Claus impersonator, this time Jack Skellington, has a special place in my heart. Was he misguided? Yes, but he still wanted to spread holiday cheer in his own unique Halloweentown way. The actual Santa Claus in this story is also fantastic, and I can’t get enough of his scenes with Oogie Boogie.

Two goes to the Santa Claus I’m sure all millennials have on their lists: Tim Allen in “The Santa Clause.” For some reason, I love the idea of a seemingly average guy forced to become Santa Claus; Scott Calvin’s character arc makes for a heartwarming movie.

Before I reveal my top pick, my honorable mentions are Jeff Gillen in “A Christmas Story,” Tom Hanks in “The Polar Express,” Billy Bob Thornton in “Bad Santa,” Richard Attenborough in “Miracle on 34th Street” and J.K. Simmons in “Klaus.”

Finally, number one in my heart goes to Ed Asner in “Elf.” I love how much of a father figure he was to Buddy when his actual father wasn’t in the picture, and his adopted father at the North Pole was possibly in over his head. Some love “Elf,” and others find it annoying. Still, regardless of whatever camp you find yourself in, Santa Claus in that movie is a beautiful example of having Christmas spirit and loving those around you.

Additional note: if you want to revisit these Christmas classics with me, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is streaming on Peacock; “The Christmas Chronicles” is on Netflix; “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Santa Clause” are on Disney+, and “Elf” is on Hulu.

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