I tend to find inspiration in art. Whether it be movies, music, or TV, I get a nice dose of influence from entertainment.

With the holidays barreling at us like the Titanic toward an iceberg, it makes sense for me to get in the spirit by watching some of my favorite movies

Lucky for us, some of the best holiday movies are flicks set in Illinois. Coincidentally, the great John Hughes had his hand in all three of them.

Home Alone (1990)

Set in Winnetka and written by John Hughes, IMDb says "An eight-year-old troublemaker must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation."

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Written by John Hughes Christmas Vacation was actually shot on a set in Hollywood, it's set in an unnamed suburb of Chicago. IMDb describes Christmas Vacation: "The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster."

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

I know I know, it's not a Christmas movie, and I'm also aware that the movie isn't set solely in Illinois either. However, Planes, Trains is about a guy trying to get home for Thanksgiving and his home is in Illinois. Good enough for me to include it on the list. IMDb: "A man must struggle to travel home for Thanksgiving with a lovable oaf of a shower curtain ring salesman as his only companion."

By the way, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles was directed by John Hughes.

What's your favorite holiday flick? Tell us!

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Sweet Lenny is the brand manager of 97ZOK, Q98.5, and Operations Manager for Townsquare Media Rockford. Catch him afternoons 3 to 7 on 97ZOK. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.

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