Christmas movies aren`t such a niche genre field as they might seem to be - they're not limited to the Family Viewing, sentimental type. Christmas spirit in the movies has grown increasingly comic over the years (as has the representation of Santa, his elves and reindeer, and other mythical creatures); now shares the screen with shopping; the perfect movie family has become dysfunctional. But one way or another, the holiday atmosphere is still there. Tradition, romance, fun and optimism are still the main characteristics of Christmas movies, even the cynical ones.