Here is today's Advent calendar window ~~~
Today's tradition is a more modern one, that of television and all the special films and cartoons that we only get to see this time of year, unless, of course, we own copies on dvd ~~~
Probably the most famous British television tradition is the Queen's Speech which is recorded at Buckingham Palace well in advance of Christmas Day and then broadcast at 3:00 p.m., probably to coincide with most people just finishing the Christmas Dinner Feast. She offers a summary of her year and words of gratitude and encouragement to her loyal subjects across the Commonwealth. I think this year's speech will be very interesting indeed.
Growing up in Britain Christmas was a time to look forward to seeing a lot of "new" films on television, albeit in the 1960's and 70's most of them were three years old, it was the first time they were broadcast to the general population through the ever increasingly popular medium of television. Over the years, one or two became stalwarts, such as "White Christmas", "The Sound of Music" and "Ben Hur" and at one time I joked that it can't possibly be Christmas because Ben Hur isn't on! As the years progressed so the number of Christmas programmes increased, and many are the remakes of "A Christmas Carol" by both serious actors and The Muppets, as well as musical adaptations. Then Raymond Briggs's "The Snowman" came into our lives and Christmas viewing seemed changed forever.
Nowadays, there are many films that put in a seasonal appearance and Christmas has a new tradition of films and cartoons we all want to see, maybe because they remind us of our youth, or maybe just because most of them have a feel good factor we love. I know, for me, although I'm not a huge fan of Christmas I do tend to make an effort to watch a few special things, partly for old times's sake and partly because it gives me a forced break from all the hubbub of the season!
It's the one time of the year I also buy the Radio Times. I remember as a child we always had a Radio Times at Christmas so that we'd know when our favourites were coming to air ~~~
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{other tv guides are available, but this one is the best!}
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The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings {radio or televised}
The Queen's Speech
The Snowman
The Sound of Music
It's a Wonderful Life
The Bishop's Wife {my favourite}
White Christmas
The Bells of St Mary's
Miracle on 34th Street {the 1947 version}
Any number of old Hollywood musicals that are aired
Other classic Hollywood films {they don't make them like that anymore!}
I always hope "Little Women" will be on {any version}
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures
and this year, there is a Harry Potter~fest, showing each of the eight films over eight days; if I can squeeze those in I will!
So, what are your favourite Christmas films and shows that you don't like to miss? Please share, I'd love to know, and maybe I can find your favourites and check them out this year.
Tomorrow I have a special treat from Iceland which will mean extra trivia daily between now and Christmas Day ~~~ do come back to find out, won't you?
Until next time ~~~
~~~Deborah xoxo
