We kicked off our Christmas celebrations at Enfield this weekend by putting up the tree, wrapping a few presents and I have even started writing out my Christmas cards. Look at me go! Well, there is really no choice in the matter, I need to be organised. Craig and I don't finish work until the Friday before Christmas, which gives us a two day hiatus until the big day, so it is pretty fair to say that we need to get cracking ahead of time. The thought of dealing with manic last minute shoppers on Christmas Eve doesn't exactly fill me with Christmas cheer, so I am going to try and avoid that scenario as much as possible by getting shit done when I can.
I indulged in some early Yuletide tipples with Helen last night as we cocktailed the evening away and attempted to watch a few Christmas/ holiday movies. God, so many Christmas movies are shithouse! With the exception of perhaps a dozen or so, the rest are just unwatchable drivel, in the end we settled for watching back to back episodes of Skin Wars and the 1980's best party anthem music clips on Channel V. The good old B52's reigned supreme with 'Love Shack' at number one, knocking out Wham's 'Wake me up Before you Go-Go' which came in second and Madonna's 'Get into the Groove' in third.
I have to admit that I do have a seriously soft spot for eighties music. I think that most people have an affinity with music from their childhood and that decade definitely takes me back. I realised last night that I still haven't gotten over my lust for Madonna's amazing jacket in Desperately Seeking Susan and every time that I see that clip from the movie it reminds me of how cool that I thought she was back in the day and how I longed to be just like her. Not so much these days, but in the 80's she was a style setter extraordinaire.
I must say, Christmas time never ceases to amaze me, it always brings about such an intense sense of nostalgia. Every year I find myself reminiscing and reflecting on my life in some way. I think that it is impossible to not think about how things have changed in one's life at this time of the year because of the emphasis on tradition and loved ones, Christmas has a way of putting things into perspective. I most certainly do feel blessed to have so many salt of the earth people in my life right now, and that too is one of the best things about Christmas, it makes you count your blessings; and I have so very many things to be grateful for.
What else can I say? I am fortunate and all things considered, it really is a pretty wonderful life.
Release Date: 1946
Rating: PG
Running Time: 130 mins
Based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern, this vintage Christmas fantasy drama from Frank Capra has become traditional viewing during the Christmas season and has won a place in thousands of hearts since it's release in the 1940's.
The story revolves around George Bailey (James Stewart), a man who is contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. His guardian angel Clarence intervenes by showing George what his community would look like if he had never existed.
Although the movie wasn't a box office smash when it was released, in spite of it's five Academy Award nominations, it has since gone on to be recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.
And, it is true, this is certainly an inspiring and touching story, that will bring a tear to your eye and restore your faith in humanity around Christmas time. It's a Wonderful Life is a magnificent and uplifting classic that has a wholesome moral message, making it a perfect and squeaky clean viewing choice for the entire family.
FINAL SAY: Remember, George: no man is a failure if he has friends.
3.5 Chilli Peppers