Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger! – 13th December

One of my personal favourite Christmas films. This year, I watched it in early November but will most likely be watching it again this holiday season. In my opinion, this is the best of the Nativity films. David Tennant as Donald Peterson, a supply teacher who stumbles across St Bernadette’s when Mrs Bevan is at the end of her tether. Her nephew, Mr Poppy has driven away the last few supply teachers and she needs someone to discipline them. Fortunately for Mr Peterson, the children are preoccupied with entering the Song for Christmas competition. After Mrs Bevan says no, they kidnap Mr Peterson and go on a wild road trip to the castle in Wales. After Mr Shakespeare, teacher at rival school, Oakmoor turns the sign around on his journey to the competition, St Bernadette’s get very lost.

Featuring magic donkeys; a boat that swims; snow globe sabotage; baby auditions; daring abseiling and white water rafting. This film is non-stop fun and laughter. Most the kids from the first film are back and now that they are a bit older, have more talent and better comedic timing. David Tennant also plays his twin brother Rodrick and if you didn’t know Tennant, you would think he had a twin in real life.

A great British film with fun for all the family that isn’t set during the big day. 5/5.

Love Actually – 1st December

This ensemble comedy from 2003 is widely considered the best British Christmas film. With some of the best British and American actors, many of whom have become household names, this film is full to the brim with talent. It shows different characters in the lead up to Christmas, the newly-wed couple and love-struck best man; the cheated writer who finds a new beau in France; the prime minister and his assistant; the widowed husband and his love-sick step-son; the stand ins with chemistry; the boss and his assistant and his wife; the Brit abroad looking for love in the US; the American who has loved the same man for 2 years but has a troublesome brother and the old pop star and his manager trying to get a new Christmas number one.

An element I really love is that all the characters tie in with each other or bump into each other a some point or another. A few stand out moments are Hugh Grant’s dancing; Natalie’s crazy family and Rowan Atkinson packing a Christmas gift.

I have watched this film every Christmas for the last five years or so, since I discovered it and will definitely be watching it again this year. I give it 5/5.