Christmas movies for the alternative crowd

This holiday season, some of you—no matter what any of you say—will be huddled around the television watching either Christmas Vacation or A Christmas Story. Now I’m not saying anything is wrong with those fine films, but sometimes—like hot chocolate—Christmas needs to be spiked. So for those looking to spice up your television viewing habit this Christmas here is a list of offbeat Christmas films that are usually overlooked during this time of the year.

The Ref

Fifteen years ago, Denis Leary starred in this film about a couple who is taken hostage by an unfortunate cat burglar (Leary) on Christmas Eve. The burglar soon finds he took more than he bargained for when the couple’s family steps into the picture. It isn’t long until Leary’s character is being driven insane by the family’s petty bickering. For his own good, Leary’s character sees fit to referee and resolve the family’s differences.