Published on 12, July, 2020
It's nearly Christmas and I've read a few things that most of us dislike about Christmas...loads of people in busy shops and towns...bright lights...loud music and for me the worst is the visiting relatives. I love all my relatives but at Christmas it's so much going on and so much to process I can't cope with them. There's so much happening at Christmas time it's a lot to process and deal with and it lasts such a long time. We're going Christmas shopping next weekend *gulp* so I've got to try and prepare myself for this.
But the point of this thread isn't to look at the negatives it's to look at the positives...the things we DO like about Christmas...
What do you like about Christmas?
I'm a big music fan and I love Christmas music, when it's played quietly OC. One of my favourite things is sitting by the Christmas tree, my earphones in, listening to Christmas music.
I also love to watch Christmas films. I like being in my bed, snuggled up under my duvet with my bears watching my fave Christmas films.
Other than that there's not really a lot I like about Christmas lololol
Unless I happen to be in my kitchen, I am thankful that the only person who witnesses my attempts at dancing is my son. I have zero sense of rhythm.
Admittedly, even though I feel comfortable in my son's presence, it can still feel embarrassing to turn around mid-dance and realise my son has been standing in the doorway watching me, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Sporadic Sparkly said:THAT scene where Hugh Grant is dancing
I love when he's like oh-shi- people can see me, it's weirdly relatable lol.
Where do I start? Hmmm...
I like Christmas trees, and the bigger the better. I'm talking floor-to-ceiling Christmas trees. Although real trees are more environmentally friendly, I prefer realistic-looking artificial ones that have plenty of branches for hanging lots of tree decorations, tinsel, and plenty of lights. It always takes me AGES to decorate Christmas trees because I am so particular as to how I want them to look. In case anyone is interested, there are plenty of YouTube videos and online articles full of handy tips for decorating Christmas trees like a professional, which is the effect I try to achieve.
Christmas lights bring me sensory pleasure. I don't just mean tree lights, but other indoor/outdoor festive illuminations, as long as it's not too excessive.
In recent years, I have made a point of swapping some of the diamond paintings on my walls for festive ones.
I also enjoy looking at the Christmas cards I've received. Perhaps more so as I've gotten older, as I receive less of them.
What else?
I love wearing Christmas pyjamas and Christmas jumpers, particularly if they also happen to feature dogs.
In terms of music, Christmas just doesn't feel like Christmas until I've blasted out that well-known song by Slade, along with a whole host of other festive-themed rock and pop songs, along with André Rieu & the Johann Strauss Orchestra thrown in for good measure.
Christmas food traditions... Shortbread, Pigs in Blankets, smoked cheese on crackers, garlic & herb cheese on crackers, smoked salmon and cream cheese on blinis. Turkey, boiled ham, roast parsnips. and roast potatoes. Yes, I'm a weird person who LOVES a turkey Christmas dinner, and turkey sandwiches. Another tradition is drinking Bucks Fizz (made with Prosecco), which seems to be the only alcoholic drink I now enjoy.
Watching 'Love Actually' at Christmas can be a treat, especially THAT scene where Hugh Grant is dancing, as it reminds me of my dad. I also enjoy watching some of the stuff that tends to be aimed at families with young children, such as 'The Snowman' - even though it can sometimes make me cry.
What I do like is both the central religious aspects, as there is a “reason for the season” that seems to get lost among all the other stuff, but also learning about Christmas traditions in other countries, especially in Italy - I find that in many respects, Italian & Irish Christmas traditions and cultures are very similar to each other
That all sounds lovely. I find bright lights a little overwhelming but some people's lights on their houses can be really beautiful, I just wish some of them didn't flash so much. One neighbour puts up loads of lights on his house and last year they had a slow fade which was a lot better for my eyes.
Me and my parents are getting the Christmas tree next weekend
We celebrate yule rather than christmas but I love all the lights, I go out around our neighbourhood to see all the ones people put up
Putting up the decorations which includes lots of lights
Having special foods and drinks I don't have the rest of the year
Watching a christmas Carol and carols from kings
Allowing myself time to just rest, eat and enjoy not seeing anyone!
Knowing we are past the darkest part of the year and the evenings will be getting lighter
I'm not sure I'm an atheist either - just not religious.
Human belief in omnipotent forces and the power of prayer is both old and universal - who's to say it isn't so?
If they gave a prize, for being mean, the winner would be him!
Yeah, the latter.
Santa Clause The Movie is one of my favs. I LOVED that as a kid.Muppets Christmas Carol is good also.
In my really dark and low moments, I pray to God. So can I really say that I'm an Atheist?It probably won't be this year that I go to church.
To save spoilers I will be as nebulous as possible, and don't click the link until after you watch the movie.
The Colin storyline I didn't like it was a bit eh, but it can be chalked down to this was the 00s very easily. The only bit I actively disliked strongly about Love Actually is that guy and Kiera Knightly's character, I couldn't put my finger on it for years and years and then Cinema Therapy hit the nail on the head why it irks me. (Don't watch the analysis until after you have seen the movie but this is the link to the analysis for later if you want to see it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR6H4eGHZJM)
A whack with a sock of sand lolol that's the bit which always makes my mum lose it as well
Love actually is on my still to watch list. I desperately want to watch it but so far I've never got round to it. Maybe this year I can squeeze it in.
My fave part is when Zooey's character gets the courage to sing and then the Christmas spirit lifts when everyone else joins her and the sleigh flies...for me that's just such a special part
youtu.be/Foeeq4Sfwrg
What's yours?
Great! What is your favourite part of the film?
Hi Bees (Fanatically Festive Bees)
That’s a shame! I hope you enjoy your other Christmas film binge watch plans though!
You might be able to find the Elf film on streaming platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime. Or do you want the Elf film to add to your film collection?
I lose it laughing at so much of that.
"Arthur: Kid still asleep? He mustn't see Santa.
Dad would rather die than spoil it.
Grandsanta: So what if you wake the odd nipper? A whack with a sock of sand, a dab of whiskey on the lips, they don't remember in the morning."
And the credits song has the vibe that makes me think of Bill Nighy's character in Love Actually, like Billy Mack years later has still got his music career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UywqdHl5K9M
Lol I watch this a lot
youtu.be/qbFWqe9yqmg
Yes I love Grandsanta he's whacky and crazy but lovely like all grandads should be lolol all the cast is amazing though I think that's what makes it such an incredibly special Christmas film TBH.
The whole voice cast is fantastic. But I especially love Grandsanta, he makes me think of all my fave old folk and their old timey quirks and foibles. Even my dad is getting like Grandsanta nowadays lol.