'Tis the Giving Season...

December! You've made it! Come on in and shut the door. It's nippy out.

Now that festivities can officially begin, it's time to dust off my Definitive Seasonal Viewing List. It's metaphorically laminated on my laptop desktop and I revisit it every year. There's so much lovely stuff to watch but if I forget to refer to my list, I might miss something. I've inserted it here as my gift to you. Do feel free to zoom in. 

Now look, there's no obligation to watch any of these films but, if you're in the mood for something Christmassy and you can't think what, my definitive guide might help. A mix of TV specials, the odd Christmas episode, or out and out festive films, there's something for everyone. Use it as you see fit. 

Writing News

Last week I contacted the sensitivity reader I used last time, and I'm happy to say he's on board. Sensitivity Reader sounds far grander than I mean it to be. My friend's daughter's friend has lived experience that I do not. When one of my characters also has that lived experience, it makes sense that I check with someone more knowledgeable. In the same way, my 

niece has been pestered for months by my regular WhatsApps, asking about the minutiae of her high school life. It takes a village to write a book.

Last Christmas is the 
exception to the rule.
It could NEVER
get samey.

Culture

Every time I enter a shop and am greeted by seasonal sounds coming over the sound system, my first thought is, 'How lovely!' My second thought, however, is spent sympathising with the people who work in retail and have to stomach the same Christmas CD for weeks on end. It can get a bit samey, can't it. There's only so many times you can hear Noddy Holder screaming It's Christmaaaaaaassss before you're ready to snap. So, as I'm in the giving mood, let me offer a few suggestions for your own auditory amusement.

Funny Looking Angels - Smith and Burrows 

This album came out in 2011 which is nearly five minutes ago. It's definitely a Christmas album but avoids all notion of saccharine sweetness and cheese. What a feat!

A Scottish Christmas - Bonnie Rideout, Maggie Sansone, and Al Petteway.

For something more beautifully bleak, this album of carols is just what you need. Riddled with traditional instruments, it makes me shiver. Best listened to in candlelight.

Love Actually Score

In 2017 I watched Love Actually with a live orchestra playing the background music. The film - that I'd fallen out of love with some years before - was fine. The music? Utterly glorious. Whack on this score and let it soundtrack your evening.

Food and Drink

Did you know I have a crisps and chocolate drawer? I know, it's not really me. I don't eat much chocolate and conversely, when there are crisps in the house they don't last long enough for the need of storage. Most of the time, the drawer has the odd box of oat bars, some left over marzipan from last Christmas (which I nibble anytime I crave something sweet) and half a packet of sugar free digestive from the time I made a cheesecake. Meagre stuff.

But no longer! During the last couple of food shops, I've added the odd thing here and there. Now, in my boring AF snack drawer, I've got Twiglets! Cheesy biscuits! Cocoa dusted almonds! Lebkuchen! Cherry brandy liqueurs! All the tastes of the season which I'll eke out over the month. I'm still eating sensible balanced meals right now, but that doesn't mean I can't end them with a festive taste sensation. 

Of course this also serves as a timely reminder. If I can afford to add a few extra things to the trolley just for tasty kicks, I must also add a few extra things to the trolley for the supermarket foodbank. Tis the season, and all that.

Out and About

Oh Albert's Schloss, how do you do it? When I rock up for Sunday lunch, you ooze the cosy ambience of a country pub. When I spent Halloween night with you, the live music and clubby lighting made me feel like I was partying hard. And last Monday, when I met up with three mates that I've not seen for ages, we had a brilliant evening in the classiest of wine bar settings. One bar, so many vibes. 

Me, Newton le Willows 
station, fun times

Catching up with women who've known me forever, was fab. It's a logistical nightmare trying to find times we're all free, but it was worth it. Wine was sipped and the world was well and truly put to rights. Then, on Friday night, I was galavanting again. A catchup with a different old friend for beers and chat. Just for funsies, we met up in a new place - one that was train-accessible for both of us. Fun! Newton High Street, thank you for your service. I enjoyed your hospitality lots.

So, what are you doing to do with your Decembers? Is it all busy-busy and stress-filled or can you eke out some loveliness along the way? What with my Definitive List, music recs, and snack drawer suggestions, I've done the heavy lifting for you. Feel free to copy or ignore anything you like; they're my gifts to you. Regardless, whether it's catching up with friends, music, or seasonal treats, there are loads of ways we can make it the best of months. Yeah? Yeah. 

Have a lovely week, folks.