From Elf to Die Hard, I love Christmas films – but you have to watch them with the right crowd
I love a good Christmas movie. Heck, I love a bad Christmas movie. I can’t resist them, not least because we have a little television in the kitchen, which means I can watch Rocky Mountain Christmas while I make supper and The Flight Before Christmas while I digest it.
I have tried on occasion to watch one while eating supper, but my nearest and dearest were worried that A Texas Christmas might end in a Chainsaw Massacre.
What can I say? Other than I am utterly addicted to the narrative arc of the sassy, successful yet single career woman who somehow ends up in Santa Claus, Indiana – google it if you don’t believe me – and falls for the laid-back odd-job man, a handsome widower with a cute kid who, unbeknown to her, only owns the biggest Christmas tree farm this side of French Lick (see above). He teaches her the real meaning of family, prompting her to abandon her fancy city ways and open a cupcake store. And there I am, wrestling with sprouts. Talk about lifestyle envy.
Solo, I will literally watch any old tinselly guff. But en famille, it’s important to select the right movie for the right moment – if you want the teenagers to remain in the room and the in-laws to stay awake. The Radio Times is 100 this year and its Christmas double issue has been a mainstay for as long as I can remember, but let’s face it, streaming is the new appointment television. So allow me, as a seasonal sommelier, to make some viewing suggestions...
Elf
Christmas Eve mainstay. Heartwarming and hilarious in equal measure. Full-fat family entertainment. Every year.
Office Christmas Party
Differently funny and scurrilous. Not to be confused with the Ricky Gervais series. Definitely post-watershed. Careful not to choke on your Cointreau.
Last Christmas
Really rather sweet romantic comedy. A newish British classic, it was made in 2019 and co-written by Emma Thompson. The critics weren’t hugely impressed but what do they know? It’s set in London and is wonderfully atmospheric.
Love Actually
So many stories woven together into a modern masterpiece. Everyone can root for one couple or another. Misty eyes guaranteed. Laura Linney’s storyline is utterly heartbreaking.
Holidate
A teen favourite. Features two comely strangers who are so fed up of being alone at Christmas, they enter into a platonic pact to be each other’s Plus One, until they catch feels (just ask your in-house Gen Zer what that means). It has a 15 certification but no need for moral panic if a younger sibling wanders in.
Click & Collect
Budget British comedy caper about two woefully mismatched neighbours who embark on a crazy quest to track down the must-have Christmas toy. Stars Stephen Merchant as uptight Andrew, the straight man to Asim Chaudhry’s klutzy but kind Dev. A tonic for anyone who ever tried in vain to buy a Furby the first time round.
It’s A Wonderful Life
The sort of uplifting, nuanced film your offspring ought to watch but never will because it’s in black and white. Ditto Miracle on 34th Street.
Die Hard
Is it or isn’t it a Christmas film? Either way it’s a bracing palate cleanser of proper jeopardy and a tribute to GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Bruce Willis in his prime. Big on action, gunfire and the rest. And who doesn’t secretly crave a little of that?
Of course, I don’t expect my choices to be everyone’s choice. Do let me know what you’d add to the list.
