Hey folks,
Well, Christmas Day is now only a week away. Blimey, where has the time gone? I always think that the count down to Christmas is far more exciting than the day itself which can sometimes be a bit of an anti-climax. So this year I’m determined to savour every minute and get as much out of the festivities as I possibly can.
As always my holiday will be spent at home with family, of which there are few of us. My two older brothers will be here on Christmas Eve so I daresay most of our time will be spent watching films (The Snowman, anyone?) and making ourselves sick on Quality Street. Christmas Day will then be a small affair, just the five of us – my parents, my oldest brother, Nan and me. Oh, and the dog! These days we have dinner after the Queen’s speech (obligatory viewing for the elders) and then open our presents.
All my gifts are bought and wrapped and scattered about the house, hidden in various hiding places. All I need to do is remember where they are. 😕 Inevitably at least one stray present makes an appearance days after the event.
Our Christmas tree is up…
…and our homemade wreath adorns our front door. I hope it’s appreciated since I burnt my bloody fingers on the glue gun whilst making it. Do not underestimate the power of the glue gun, people!
And here’s the completed wreath
What do you reckon? Not bad for a first effort if I do say so myself. I’m just hoping we don’t have any torrential rain or high winds as I can imagine mini frosted apples and slices of orange dropping off and battering visitors in the face as they approach. Not the best festive welcome but let’s see what happens, eh.
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 thoughtful 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 and cleverly 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 28 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 at 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 England’s very own 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 ecclectic American family who reunite for the festive period. One for the grown ups, Id 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 since it’s simply a good drama about the trials and tribulations of family life.
Well, that’s all for now folks. I’ll be back in the new year with part 2 of my winter edit, and for those of you who’re interested I’ll post about my experience with a suprapubic catheter (I haven’t forgotten).
Wherever you are and whatever your plans, I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year!
Merry Christmas to you and yours Carrie and I look forward to your 2017 blogs xo