These are the top five Christmas movies of all time according to public vote

As we move firmly into the final stretch in the Christmas countdown, it's time to remember what Christmas is really all about.

Believe it or not, it's not about babies in mangers, donkeys, three wise men, shepherds and all that jazz.

Nor is it the food, or the gifts. It's not even about revisiting medieval practices like naming someone the 'Lord of Misrule' and putting them in charge of leading the drinking and debauchery.

No, this is the big question. And it is, of course, what are the best Christmas movies of all time?

A recent poll carried out with the audience of LADnation has determined our top five...

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Universal/Getty Images

How the Grinch Stole Christmas starring Jim Carrey came in at fifth with eight percent of the vote.

The 2000 classic sees the reclusive Grinch menacing the inhabitants of Whoville as they prepare for Christmas.

He might be trying to undermine Christmas, but could the Grinch's grouchy exterior mask a deeply hurt and traumatised person who is just lashing out?

4. Die Hard (1988)

20th Century Studios

Bruce Willis stars as John McClane in the 1988 classic, who has to air-duct and duct-tape his way to defeating the villainous Hans Gruber played by Alan Rickman.

And it all happens on Christmas, so it definitely is a Christmas movie!

And LADnation's audience clearly agree, with the film winning nine percent of the vote.

3. Love Actually (2003)

Universal Pictures

Getting 11 percent of the vote, this British classic follows a variety of budding (and wilting) love stories as they unfold among a series of lovable characters.

Alan Rickman returns, though not as a villainous criminal, but as a man who wrecks his marriage by cheating on his wife with a colleague.

So, still something of a villain.

But regardless of Rickman's character's antics, Love Actually makes for a generally wholesome and joyous festive watch.

2. Elf (2003)

New Line Cinema

Starring Will Ferrell, also from 2003, this festive favourite came in with 14 percent - and quite frankly, I could see this one coming.

The classic sees Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, a human who was raised by Santa's elves when he was abandoned as an orphan. The film follows his journey returning to the human world to meet his biological father in none other than New York City.

Mayhem ensues, and Ferrell's infectious energy carries the film, joined by Peter Dinklage as a brilliant children's story author, and a small role for Kyle Gass of Tenacious D as a writer.

And as for the winner?

1. Home Alone (1990)

20th Century Studios

With a whopping 17 percent vote, Home Alone is (of course) the undisputed top Christmas film.

Macauley Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, who protects himself from bungling burglars Harry and Marv, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

Kevin concocts a string of increasingly sadistic hazards to trap the pair, seeming like a young Jigsaw from Saw as he chortles at his hapless victims.

An honorary mention goes to any adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Whether it's Alastair Simm's classic telling, Patrick Stewart as Scrooge, or of course The Muppets Christmas Carol, they're all excellent.