My top five Christmas films

Inspired by a recent survey on the most popular Christmas films I decided to compile my own top five list!

Elf was voted as the number one Christmas film on website myvouchercodes.com. This was closely followed by Miracle on 34th Street in second place, and Home Alone in third place. (Thanks to Nicola for that information, and for giving me the idea to create this list!)

So, do you agree with those suggestions? My top five list is:

1st: Elf.

I certainly agree with Elf being the number one Christmas film, and it is top of my list. The story follows loveable elf Buddy, who was adopted and raised in the North Pole. On discovering he is not an elf he sets off for New York to find his father.

I could watch this film over and over again. In fact, this year I watched it 5 times. I am a big Will Ferrell fan anyway, but his portrayal of Buddy is comedy gold. I love the story of the 'larger than average' elf visiting the big apple and spreading Christmas cheer. My favourite part is when Buddy gets drunk while working in the post room.

This film is deserving of the first place in the survey, and the first place in my list. And just remember:

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

2nd: The Snowman.

The silver medal in my list of Christmas films goes to The Snowman. Wordless (apart from the song 'Walking in the Air') it is an animated adventure about a young boy who makes a snowman one Christmas Eve, only for it to come to life that night and take him on a magical adventure to the North Pole to meet Santa. This film was made before I was born (in 1982) but it is a classic. It conjures up good memories of childhood my Christmas days, and the song is one I love. The Snowman is responsible for me believing that snowmen really did come to life, and my desire to actually see it happen. And who has not cried when the boy goes out after his adventure to find the snowman melted?!

3rd: Miracle on 34th Street.
In third place is Miracle on 34th Street, another classic film. Six-year-old Susan has doubts about Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so she doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given something to believe in.
I love this film as it is all about miracles happening at Christmas time. It paints Christmas as a magical day, when anything can happen, all you have to do is believe. And I do believe!

4th: The Muppet Christmas Carol.

My fourth place goes to The Muppet Christmas Carol. I love the muppets, and I love Christmas. So what is a better idea than to put the two together?! The film uses Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser's redemption on Christmas Eve. I am sure that everyone has seen this film, and if you havnt....shame on you!

5th: The Santa Clause.

Finally in fifth place is The Santa Clause. It is the story of Scott Calvin, who accidently knocks Santa off his roof, and must take over in his place. This film is my number five purely because it makes me laugh, and is another film I have watched countless times!

So there you go, that is my top five list of the best Christmas films. There are so many to choose from that I have a hard job. However every film in my list deserves its place. Do you agree? Or do you have a different favourite film?

Christmas wishes to all my friends

So, five days to go. Not long at all. Bought all your gifts and wrapped them? The smug ones will say, 'Oh I finished my shopping last month, got in before the rush.' But how many of us actually do that? Every year I promise myself I will start early, and in December be one of the smug ones. It never happens. However, I got my last gift yesterday, which is actually good going for me! No last minute dash for me this year!

I love Christmas. It always feels so magical to me. I love the lights, glitter, decorations and festive feel. I love the food, and the fact that it is ok to have an alcoholic drink with your breakfast! In short, Christmas is my favourite time of the year.

My first Christmas memory was when I was four years old, and my parents (sorry Father Christmas) had bought me a tiny tears doll. This was the toy to have, and I was so excited that I cried.

Another Christmas memory was being Mary in the school nativity when I was five. I was picked because I was the most talkative in the class (which I am sure will come as no surprise to most of you!) My mum was very proud, and spent ages making my costume. She also told everyone she knew about it. However I think she quickly regretted that, as my performance on the night was....interesting. I was allowed to use my doll as baby Jesus, which was great, but I was very protective over it. When one of the wise men tried to pick the baby up I responded by saying loudly, 'thats my baby, not yours' and snatching it away! I then proceeded to hold the baby in my arms and sing to it, while chewing my hair. I was never cast as a lead role in a school production again!

While Christmas is a time of celebration and joy it is also a time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves, and to be thankful for what we have. I am very thankful for my wonderful friends and family, who have supported me, and helped me to become the person I am today. I will be spending Christmas day with my parents, sister and brother at home in Clevedon, and am very much looking forward to it.

Whatever you are doing, and wherever you are celebrating I hope you have a lovely day.

xxxx