Christmas Day is now just over two weeks away! How did that happen? This year has gone so fast. I know we all say that every year, but really.
The biggest event of 2017 for me and my family, is the addition of my new baby nephew, who arrived at the end of August. We are a small family – neither of my parents have siblings, and so my brother’s and I have no aunts, uncles or cousins. So, for us a new baby – the first grandchild for my parents – is a big deal!
2017 also marks my first full year as a disability blogger. I have acquired a respectable following on social media (respectable according to my expectations, anyway!) and I hope to reach an even wider audience throughout 2018.
Plans for Christmas
Every year, our small family congregate at my parents house where my Mum cooks the traditional turkey roast. My Nan, who has just turned 91, insists on watching the Queen’s speech and so we all gather around the dining table after that lovely treat.
As kids, we would open all our presents early in the morning. But now we usually wait until after dinner to open them all together, as a family. It’s something to look forward to on Christmas afternoon… apparently!
Every year we have a real Christmas tree – my Mum insists. Having never had an artificial one, I can’t really compare. But I must admit, it is much more traditional and exciting to have a real tree, with the natural scent of pine, the imperfect shape and shedding needles all over the floor. Some people complain about the effort and the mess they make. But to me, that’s all part of the festive charm and the count-down to Christmas.
Decorations
Here is our real tree, decorated by my folks and I (a team effort), with plenty of colour, lights and an Angel on top!
I also made a wreath to adorn our front door – get me and my creative skills!
What do you think of my finished wreath? I hope it’s acceptable – I burnt half my fingers off with that bloody glue gun!
Film Recommendations
There are so many great Christmas films to get you in the festive mood (there are also some pretty shocking ones out there too!). But where do you start?
Some people want comedy, others have kids to consider and therefore need a family friendly option. Some want tradition and then there are those who would like to see something more meaningful and dramatic.
A few of my favourites include Home Alone (1990), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Elf (2003), and The Family Stone (2005).
I’ve tried to cater for everyone here, although obviously we all have our own go-to Christmas movies. For those of you who haven’t seen any of my recommendations, maybe start with Elf, which is a charming, clever and witty family film about Buddy, an elf played by the irrepressible Will Ferrell. A good choice to keep the kids entertained now that school has ended, this non-stop comedy is both sweet and slapstick at times. I’m 29 and I still love this one!
My next choice is another hugely popular family friendly festive film about a young boy mistakenly left home alone when his family fly to Paris for the holidays. Macaulay Culkin was in his prime here, offering a highly entertaining and endearing performance that more than matched his established co-stars (Catherine O’Hara, John Heard and ‘Goodfellas’ Joe Pesci). With plenty of comedy, capers and action, Home Alone will excite and enchant both young and old.
Who hasn’t seen A Muppet Christmas Carol, seriously? What is there to say about this one – Charles Dickens classic story is invigorated and enhanced by the Muppets unique blend of humour and musicality. With the addition of Brit movie legend, Michael Caine, who is perfectly cast as Ebenezer Scrooge, this is a must see come Christmas Eve.
My final suggestion is less well known though possibly my personal favourite of the four mentioned. The Family Stone is a heartfelt comedy-drama about a modern-day eclectic American family who reunite for the festive period. One for the grown ups, I’d advise settling down with a glass of wine to watch this one before bed. I’m not overly sentimental but admittedly this movie always makes me shed a few tears. But don’t be put off, there’s also plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout. The ‘Christmas message’ is, in my opinion, subtly yet effectively delivered. Frankly, I could watch this at any time of year as it’s just a good, relatable drama about the trials and tribulations of family life.
Well, that’s it for my Christmas round-up. I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If so, please give it a share!
Here’s hoping you all have a happy and healthy Christmas!