Christmas is coming! What should we do?
Christmas is finally around the corner! This is definitely a time to wind down, crawl into thick blankets with a cup of hot chocolate and to settle down with a good Christmas book or movie. So, what are some good English Christmas literature that we should spend time on with friends and family? Here are a few recommendations from our ambassadors.
Film: The Polar Express
This is a 3D computer animated film shown in 2004. It tells the story of a little boy whom has started to doubt the existence of Santa Claus, until he boarded the Polar Express headed straight to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The boy and the children on the train go through a rollicking adventure before finally arriving at the North Pole and meeting Santa for real. At first sight, the plot seems childish, but it is a good watch if you need a few ideas on how to make the characters in the stories that you write come to life and grow in the plot. Also, the music in the movie is definitely a pleasant background to your Christmas dinner!
Film: Paddington
Now that Paddington 2 is up in the theatres, it might be a good time to revisit the first Paddington movie which screened in 2014. Although the plot is not really related to Christmas, both movies went up around Christmas time, which is close enough, right? Anyway, it is hard to deny that Paddington Bear is always associated with family, warmth and fun – all very fitting for the winter holidays. The story of how Paddington Bear found love in London with the Browns after leaving everything behind in Peru is not necessarily tear-jerking but would leave you with a comfortable warmth spreading from within your heart. This definitely would go down well with a hot drink and a couple of loved ones immersed in the festivities.
Book: Auggie Wren’s Christmas Story – Paul Auster
Auggie Wren is the cashier of a cigar store and an artist whom the narrator befriends. In search of an unsentimental Christmas story that is not cliché or underwhelming, the narrator reaches out to Auggie, and hears from Auggie a little tale. The story featured a shoplifter in the cigar shop who ended up dropping his wallet by accident. Auggie then tries to return the wallet on Christmas day. The story is short, probably only 4 sheets of A4 paper, but the illustrations in the book are something to look out for. Also, a short little tale is always a good way to relax your mind after a long first term and to get away from textbooks as thick as pillows.
Book: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas – Agatha Christie
If you are seeking a very different kind of Christmas excitement, perhaps detective stories related to Christmas might be of your taste. We would have recommended A Christmas Carol instead, but then you all know about the tale, and we have recently talked about Charles Dickens. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas starts out with a family Christmas dinner – something that a lot of families enjoy hosting to bring together relatives. However, by the time Poirot is invited to Simeon Lee’s home, it is to investigate the locked-room mystery of Lee’s death. Set against a Christmas setting, the riveting narration and the excitement of detective novels might bring up your adrenaline, and get you ready for more fun ahead.
The holidays are always a great time to kick back and do whatever you like, but by reading and watching some English films and reading some English books, you might also pick up various phrases that are useful, and improve your grasp with the language to prepare you for the year ahead. Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone!
