@MyBoysClub is a lifestyle, travel and food blog by Deb Sharratt all about enjoying life in a family of boys. Follow at www.myboysclub.co.uk or on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Films
The Christmas film. When I was little there was huge anticipation as to what the ‘big’ Christmas film was going to be. Before the home-entertainment revolution, Christmas meant movies. It was that special time of year, in fact, one of the only times of year that you could see top films on television. Who remembers going through the festive double-issue TV listing magazines and circling the films and programs that you really didn’t want to miss.
The Christmas film was always on BBC1 after the Queen. But as our viewing habits change, these days it seems there is more interest in the new John Lewis advert than the films that will on TV over Christmas. But just because we are not viewing by appointment on Christmas Day anymore doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in our favorite festive films. Whether you’re looking for a classic black and white film, a romantic comedy, a kids’ flick or even an action movie, there’s a Christmas go-to for everyone.
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Film to Watch with the kids: Nativity Trilogy
Nativity is a trilogy of British feel-good Christmas films that includes, ‘Nativity’ starring Martin Freeman, ‘Danger in the Manger’ starring David Tennant and ‘Dude, Where’s My Donkey’ starring Martin Clunes. The largely improvised, festive films are all school based comedies about the Christmas capers of a teacher trying to win a competition be it a nativity, choir contest or flashmob. More importantly, all three films make My Boys laugh out loud!
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Film to Watch with the girls: Love Actually
If you haven’t seen Love Actually (where have you been) it’s a rom-com from 2003 that follows the lives of eight very different couples, all loosely connected by interrelated tales, in dealing with their love lives in the run up to Christmas.
There are ten different stories in play which has an amazing cast including Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Andrew Lincoln and many, many more.
I know all the scenes, all the words, the funny bits, and the sad parts but what I absolutely love about this film is that my 7-year-old is the spitting image of the young boy Sam.
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Film to Get you into the Christmas Spirit: Miracle on 34th Street
This 1947 black and white film (remade in 1994) is one of the most uplifting films I’ve ever seen. It has become a well-deserved classic. Taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York, the story is based on a department store Santa, Kris Kringle, who claims to be the real Santa. He ends up on trial during which he’ll have you (and especially your kids) believing that Santa is real.
My Boys were actually shouting at the TV because they couldn’t believe people didn’t believe he was the real Santa. Whether you watch the 1947 version or 1994 remake you are in for a treat.
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Film to Watch on Christmas Eve: ‘The Snowman’ and ‘The Snowman and the Snowdog’
Watching this 1982 short animation based on a book by Raymond Briggs has become part of our Christmas tradition. The Snowman and its sequel, the Snowman and the Snowdog made to mark the 30 anniversary are both magical. We now watch them both before putting our reindeer dust outside and a mince pie and carrot on a plate. Both involve a young boy and a snowman (and a Snowdog) that the child has built and that comes to life. Together hey take flight and soar over an arctic landscape on the way to meet Father Christmas. However, it’s just one magical experience as in both films the Snowman and the Snowdog … warning spoilers … have melted by morning. They are just really beautiful films.
My Boys Club Favourite Christmas Film to watch With hubby: Die Hard
This action movie about an office Christmas party taken over by terrorists makes many top Christmas film lists.
Bruce Willis, playing a New York City cop is visiting his estranged wife and daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a Christmas party in her work HQ, but the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon he realizes that there’s no one to save the hostages — but him. Ask my hubby for a list of favourite films and this will be in it.
Whatever you decide to watch the year have a very merry Christmas.
Deb x
