It’s oh so quiet…

It’s oh so still…Sshh, Sshh!

I wish. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. What with December birthdays to plan, get-togethers and school being crazy busy at this time of year, there’s no wonder I was in bed by 9.45pm on a Friday night. Part-Ay to the B = bed!

Oh, and then there’s a small little celebration coming up, where generally everyone spends, eats and stresses too much for a single day. I’m sure that only weddings equal the amount of pre-planning put into Christmas based on length of festivities. It’s only 24 hours though…we can do this!

Except, I can’t do it all very well whilst blogging. Not if I want to make sure I don’t wrap a child in festive paper, add categories and hashtags to presents and give you all detention if you don’t read my posts! 😉

So I’m signing off for the festive period. It won’t be a full blogging hiatus – I’ll still be reading, commenting and catching up with your blogs. Plus, I may throw in the odd post – I’m seeing Star Wars on opening night so I’m sure that will deserve a mention! I just won’t be following my regular schedule.

However, to leave on a Chrimble related note and to help get me into the spirit of all things anti-Scrooge, here are my top Christmas movies and songs that I’ll be indulging in over the holidays.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES

There are sooo many out there but as general rule, I’m not a huge fan, feeling that it’s just a way to bang something out on screen and cash in on the money spending. However, there are some that I always watch at Christmas, such as the  Lord of the Rings trilogy – because I don’t have  over twelve hours free to embark on a back to back marathon at any other time of year!

Here are my top 3…

3rd place: Love Actually

I’m sure this film is on many people’s lists of go-to festive flicks. I don’t think I originally saw it at Christmas but it has since become my present wrapping film! I love having it on in the back ground, mouthing the dialogue and singing along to the soundtrack (THE soundtrack for the holidays as far as I’m concerned!)

If the (generally) feel-good, interwoven stories aren’t enough to make it a great film, it’s worth checking out for the cast. Like a ‘who’s who?’ of British actors, peppered with other famous faces from around the globe, any film that can link Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Harry Potter and a supermodel  in one of those odd, pub-quiz questions, is worth a watch!

2nd place: Die Hard

Yippe-ky-yay it’s Christmas!

Okay, so it’s not very festive, but I love action movies and Die Hard has ALWAYS been one of my favourites. Not only another top performance from Mr. Alan Rickman, but it cemented my love for Bruce Willis and his vest! Plus, it contains one of my top 3 festive songs (spoilers!) so gets a double thumbs up.

Although I’ve watched the entire franchise, this is by far the best in my opinion. So kick off your shoes, let your bare feet sink into the carpet and unwind whilst John McClane does his best!

1st place: Rare Exports

A festive horror story anyone? Yes, in my top spot is a Finnish fantasy horror that explores the origins of Santa Claus. It’s dark, quirky and is just a fabulous twist on the saccharine sweet, general view of the commercially manufactured ‘deity’.

Folklore and myth combine in a film that has a acquired a small cult status following the expansion of a short film. Anything Nordic screams Christmas to me, regardless of whether it’s a twisted interpretation! I shall say no more, just give it a watch to find out what happens.

(Hey, I included the cosy Love Actually in the list, so bah humbug if you think it’s not Christmassy enough!)

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CHRISTMAS SINGY SONGS

Again, there are thousands I’d like to include – I don’t even mind hearing the eternal Christmas fantasised by the glam rock band ‘Wizzard’, despite it playing on loop in every public place from November to January!

As I’ve already mentioned, my Christmas album is the Love Actually soundtrack, not least because it includes an amazing cover of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ – dare I say I prefer it to the original? It’s possibly only surpassed by Mariah’s accoustic version with The Roots and Jimmy Fallon playing kids instruments…

A special mention goes to traditional Christmas carols too – they mostly aren’t taught in schools these days as they move away from predominantly Christian viewpoints and become more secular. But these are songs I grew up, and in most cases at least explore the real reason Christmas is set aside as an important day.

The Holly and the Ivy, In the Bleak Midwinter, Once in Royal David’s City and Ding Dong Merrily on High are all favourites, that sadly children today haven’t heard of.

But for the list, there can be only…3!

3rd place: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Immortalised by Judy Garland in the film Meet Me in St. Louis, it’s a bitter sweet song of optimism. It’s a definite ‘hot mug of cocoa by the fire’ listen but also makes me stop and think about what has happened over the past year and look to the future. Okay, it’s a little melancholy…it all becomes more upbeat as the list progresses. Promise!

2nd place: Let it Snow!

Before these three words became emblazoned on Disney merchandise, with one word trimmed down to two letters, this song meant Christmas. And wintery scenes. And love and friendship. And snuggling under a duvet.

And John McClane of course! I love the swing beat and it really doesn’t matter who’s singing it, as long as they’re crooning (Dean Martin nailed it though). Bring on the storm, I’ve got my socks and popcorn at the ready!

1st place: It’s oh so quiet…

Bonkers Björk! I adore this song not only because I’m a fan of her quirkiness but because it’s magical, sparkly and fun. The subdued opening suddenly makes sure you’re wide awake and ready to party, plan or just dance around in your PJs…it never fails to put a smile on my face.

It’s not even a Christmas song, but for a reason I forget, I associate it with the season. Oh, and kids love it…tiptoeing around then being allowed to go crazy? Of course they do!

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So that’s my round-up. I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to give me your movie recommendations and share your favourite songs.

Wishing everyone a fabulous Christmas / holiday season, however you’re spending it, I hope you all find a peaceful place to unwind and escape the madness. And for anyone who’s alone this Christmas, remember that friends are only a keyboard away.

Back soon y’all! 🙂

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Image Credits: Youtube and theguardian.com, mentalfloss.com and someecards.com.

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