Scrooge with Alistair Sim is probably the best version of this classic story.
I too prefer the b/w version. I think most people prefer the b/w version over the colour version because the b/w version more accurately portrays the depressing mood of that period of time in a dark and dreary England. The universal use of coal for heating and cooking at the time meant everything would be covered in a dark, greasy soot and accounted for the heavy fogs that often surrounded London. The cost of coal was high and people would use as little as possible - thereby creating the damp, cold offices and houses that you can feel in the b/w movie. There is a sombre and depressing atmosphere about the whole film until, at the end, the human spirit is lifted and triumphs over the cold, bleak, dreary and depressing surroundings.
The colourized version, especially with its pastel hues, softens the film's atmosphere and this takes away much of the "feel" of despair and depression you get from the b/w version.
I just saw the Muppett's version of Scrooge the other day for the first time. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and, in fact, even made me smile at times (loved the rat).
My favourite Christmas movie for a time was "The Ref". I thought it was hilarious but not many others seemed to share my sense of humour.
