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You might have heard your folks talk about it - now it's time for you to wallow in the simple Yuletide magic of It's A Wonderful Life. Well, it's the ONLY time to be honest. This feel good festive classic just isn't the same post-December 25th.

Yes it's in that old black and white stuff, but that's half the fun. Watching It's A Wonderful Life is all about cosy, cosy Christmas nostalgia. Get ready to blub.

The story is about George Bailey (James Stewart - the original Tom Hanks), a mild-mannered building society clerk who's considering suicide on Christmas Eve. Why? Because he's been too nice, that's why. Over the years it's always been him that's sacrificed his dreams for the benefit of others. Now, he's skint and he's had enough.

Luckily, his issues are heard by his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers). Although, to be honest, he's only a guardian angel second class - not the greatest. If he can convince George that his life is worthwhile then he can get his wings.

Watching Slumdog Millionaire earlier this year, it was It's A Wonderful Life that I thought of first. Okay, there are obvious differences - It's A Wonderful Life was made 50 years before Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? even began. But both are ultimately about feel good, even if they put you through the mill a bit to get you there. Relying heavily on flashbacks, they're both about people who you wouldn't normally bat an eyelid at but who each have their own unique qualities.

And that's the punch of the movie - everyday folk realising that (without sounding like a shampoo ad) they're worth it. Look up 'heart-warming' in the dictionary and you'll see the final scene of It's A Wonderful Life pictured right there. I'm welling up just thinking about it. If you want the cinematic equivalent of a mulled wine and a warm mince pie, this is it.

Tuck in.