As we fully lean into the Christmas season, it’s time to warm up the mulled wine, prepare the mince pies and relax, as the unpredictable year of 2020 comes to an end. Whilst you are wrapping your presents and writing your cards we wholeheartedly suggest popping your favourite playlist on and listening through your TV bed speakers. Not only does this offer a wonderful surround sound experience, but it also helps you keep clutter-free, so you can focus on whose present is whose.
Another favourite festive pastime of ours is getting cosy under the duvet and enjoying a Christmas film. With a wide array out there, we’ve highlighted our top five films to help you spend less time selecting and more time enjoying some premium seasonal entertainment.
ELF
Will Ferrell at his finest, here we follow Buddy, a human who was accidentally raised by Santa and his elves in the North Pole. When he discovers this, Buddy heads to New York City to find his biological father and hilarity ensues. Follow as Buddy navigates the cold cynical world of NYC and spreads his joyful festive spirit. It’s a comedy treat for all the family and will leave you feeling jolly.
It’s a Wonderful Life
A true classic, this black and white film from 1946 gets better every year. An uplifting story of family, hope and possibility shared through a festive tale of redemption. The film follows George Bailey, a businessman with a mixture of problems that have inevitably led to a depressive episode, however, he is visited by an angel who shows him what his family and friends life would be like without him. Bring the tissues, we can promise an uplifting ending!
The Snowman
A family favourite, The Snowman is a wonderfully animated short by Raymond Briggs. More than the home of the classic song ‘We’re Walking in the Air’ (which still brings us chills to this day) tune in to follow as a young boy starts making a snowman, who with Christmas magic comes to life! The friendly snowman takes us on a journey to meet Santa Claus, which is spellbinding as it is satisfying, thanks to the delicate animated drawings that look as magical to this day.
A Christmas Carol
A moral tale which has seen many on-screen adaptations since Charles Dickens’ story was published in 1843. Our preference is The Muppets Christmas Carol, packed with puppets, comedy and Michael Caine as Scrooge, as he is visited by the Christmas ghosts to show him the error of his ways. Many people claim the 2009 version as the best out there, with a jam-packed cast including Jim Cary, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth. Why not watch them all and decide for yourself, there has even been a Flintstones version!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
It can’t be a list of Christmas films without The Grinch! One for all the family, enjoy the film as we watch the mean-spirited Grinch who sets out to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk of Whoville. The star is of course Cindy Lou, a six-year-old girl who believes in the festive spirit, and sets out to change the Grinch’s attitude with her festive cheer. Funny, charming and with the most pleasing sets, if you haven’t become acquainted with The Grinch before, we highly recommend you do.