What’s your favourite Christmas film?

I think it is safe to say that I am about as much a film nerd as I am a book nerd. I also just happen to be the biggest kid when it comes to Christmas.

Given that films are the whole point of Christmas (aside from the obvious – chocolate), it seemed appropriate for me to put my discussion of writing to one side for a few weeks and spend some time exploring the wonders that are Christmas flicks.

So, let’s have it! What are your favourite Christmas films? If you’re anything like me, you’ll have more than one, possibly even one for each of the twelve days (I don’t have twelve favourites; don’t worry, I won’t be going on for that long about this).

But before I get into some of my own favourites, I have a confession to make. This may come as a surprise (especially given the opening to this post), but I have never seen It’s a Wonderful Life – the film that is consistently cited as being one of the all-time greatest Christmas films ever.

For one reason or another, it just always seems to get dropped from my list of things to watch. Every year I say to myself that I really should get around to watching it; and every year, Christmas melts into New Year and I have put it off again.

Maybe this will be the year…

So what takes the place of It’s a Wonderful Life for me?

Well, for starters, there is this film:

For me, this really is the reason for the season and the way that the Bible story is captured in this film is truly remarkable. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend that you do. Back in 2016, I did a Book -v- Film post about this film because there is so much packed into the film that shows more than just the traditional Nativity Tableau, but really delves into the historical and social realities that Mary and Joseph would have been subject to.

Over the years, I have developed a tradition with this film. Once I have finished my Christmas shopping (or when it is well on its way at least), I will wrap all of the presents in one sitting. This is not as easy as it may seem, as it includes my family’s custom of writing cryptic clues on the gift tags!

Yes, present giving is almost a competitive sport in House Farrimond!

I love wrapping presents. Some see it as a chore, but I look forward to it each year. Usually, I will have Christmas music playing in the background and a cup of tea next to me while I do this. When all the presents are wrapped, I will sit back and watch The Nativity Story.

And just like that, it is Christmas!

For me, there is no other film that sets me up for Christmas like this one does because, above all, it reminds me why I am celebrating.

Over the next few weeks, up until 21^st December, I will share with you some other favourites. Please do share your own favourites.

Specifically, this week, what film most puts you in a Christmas–y mood?

Leave a comment or Tweet me @RachFarrimond to let me know!