Day 1: Holiday Inn

"Open holidays only." 

It's that time of year when the lovely people at ABC Family make me wish they had a broader scope when it comes to Christmas movies. Yes, I'm talking about their annual "25 Days of Christmas" marathon.

At my house, we have our own list of at least 25 festive films to enjoy by December 25th — so I'll host my own 25 Days of Christmas right here! There will be feature-length films, shorts, classics, new favorites, musicals, Muppets, and more.

Let's start with my favorite movie for transitioning into the holiday season: Holiday Inn.

The premise: What happens when a crooner leaves show biz to turn a Connecticut farmhouse into an inn that's open holidays only — and his hoofer best friend swoops in to steal his girl?

The stars: Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire

The defining moment: Bing singing "White Christmas."