Christmas, my friends, is under attack. I’m not talking about some vague conspiracy, the encroachment of “Happy Holidays” into our lexicon, or red cups at Starbucks. No, I’m talking about the clear and present danger of evil corporations, extraterrestrial invaders, ancient curses, and Martin Short. Every year, it seems, there is some terrible calamity that faces the holiday season, and it’s up to somebody from our favorite movies and television specials to step up and save the day.

Today, we’re going to rank ten movies and TV specials in which a hero rises to the occasion and saves Christmas. Now keep in mind, saving Christmas is a delicate operation. Not just anybody can do it, and not every disaster really qualifies. There are hundreds of stories in which Christmas is going to suck for our protagonists until some miracle makes them merry after all. You won’t find those stories here. In order to qualify as “saving Christmas,” the holiday has to be in danger for people outside...