HealthyBea

The Christmas Edition

With just under a week to Christmas, this post is meant to equip you with the tools and inspiration to support your festive lead-up to the big day. From classic movies and music to delicious food and exciting events, my recommendations below will accompany your most joyful holiday season yet! Excited? ME TOO! Let’s jump in 🎅🎄

MOVIES

We all know that every Christmas movie is wonderful in its own way, but we also know that some are complete rubbish. I have watched a lot of crap for you to share these highlights. You’re welcome. (Bonus points if you picked up on the reference).

• Actually Good
  • Christmas with the Kranks: NOW TV (UK) or Paid on Amazon (Worth It, I Promise)
  • Eloise at Christmastime: Amazon Prime Video
  • The Santa Clause: Disney+
  • Elf: Amazon Prime Video
  • It’s A Wonderful Life: Amazon Prime Video
  • White Christmas: Amazon Prime Video
  • Miracle on 34th Street: Disney+
  • The Holiday: Netflix
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Netflix
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV+
  • The Polar Express: NOW TV (UK) or Paid on Amazon
  • A Christmas Story: Amazon Prime Video
• Silly Good
  • Christmas Inheritance: Netflix
  • The Knight Before Christmas: Netflix
  • A Christmas Prince: Netflix
  • The Princess Switch: Netflix
  • NEW! Christmas on Windmill Way: Netflix
  • The Holiday Calendar: Netflix
  • Christmas in Handcuffs: Disney+
  • The Christmas List: I will pay you £20 if you can find this 1997 movie for me to stream

MUSIC

Luckily, we are also spoiled with an abundance of incredible tunes to enjoy around the holiday season. The list I provided is by no means extensive, but it includes some of my favourites to put you in the holiday spirit!

• Albums
  • *Best One* – “When My Heart Finds Christmas” by Harry Connick Jr.
  • *Runner Up* – “Amy Grant Christmas” by Amy Grant 
  • “Christmas” by Michael Bublé
  • “Merry Christmas” by Mariah Carey
  • “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas” by Ella Fitzgerald
  • “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra” by Frank Sinatra
  • “Merry Christmas” by Bing Crosby
  • “Everyday is Christmas” by Sia
  • White Christmas Movie Soundtrack
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas Movie Soundtrack
  • Home Alone Movie Soundtrack
• Songs
  • *Best One* – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love
  • “Must Be Santa” by Kurt Vile
  • “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
  • “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney
  • “Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea
  • “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Michael Bublé

FOOD

• Sweet
  • Soft Baked Gingerbread (Not the rude old school hard stuff that gave gingerbread cookies a bad reputation)
  • Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  • Peppermint Bark
  • Buckeyes 
  • Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Christmas Crack
  • White Trash Mix or Puppy Chow
  • Oreo Balls
  • Cinnamon Rolls
• Savoury
  • Roasted Winter Veggie: Such as parsnips, turnips, brussels sprouts, squash, & carrots.
  • Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding: Think of it as a savoury popover.
  • Homemade Bread: I promise it’s easy and I promise it’s worth the time.
  • Cauliflower Cheese: I discovered this during my first British Christmas and it was the best dish I tasted at a huge potluck.
  • Baked Brie: Top with nuts, rosemary, and either fig jam or cranberries & honey.
  • Cheese & Charcuterie Board: I love this guide of Trader Joe’s items to build your own.
  • Roasted Rosemary Nuts
  • Brussels Sprouts & Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This is a great recipe, but you’re pretty much set with my winning combination of massaged kale, roasted brussels sprouts & butternut squash, sunflower seeds, feta, bacon, red onions (pickled, roasted, or raw), and a dijon vinaigrette.

ACTIVITIES

• Lights: There are so many ways to find gorgeous and festive lights near you, including a visit to local museums and zoos, a walk in your city center, a drive through your nearby neighbourhoods, and an exploration of establishments specifically set up with displays.  
• Christmas Markets: Most cities have at least a small version of a market with entertainment and festive homemade snacks, drinks, and gifts from local vendors.
• Trains: I doubt everyone reading this will have access to a Christmas-related train ride, but definitely look into it! For example, London offers an hour ride to mimic the feel of an experience on the fictional Polar Express.
• Ice Skating: Not necessarily my go-to, but only because I haven’t taken the time to become skilled enough to enjoy. Definitely a favourite amongst others, though!
• Cookie Decorating and Swaps: Either organise or join an existing date with friends, family, neighbours, or colleagues to share your favourite cookies and taste theirs!
• Tree Decorating: Make mulled wine or hot chocolate, turn on some music, light your fire (real or on YouTube 😉 ), and get cracking on a gorgeous tree to enjoy this season.
• Wreath Making: I joined a wreath making session at work and loved it. Such a fun idea and the final product is a great addition to my home. There is nothing like sporadic whiffs of pine (especially if you’ve opted for a fake tree this year).
• Present Wrapping: My sisters and I like to gather all of the naked gifts (i.e. those to be wrapped) with the necessary wrapping tools and hunker down in a room with a good (or crappy) Christmas movie and of course, Dove Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Best way to make the experience feel enjoyable instead of arduous.
• Christmas Caroling: Join an official carol or turn on music while cooking dinner and sing along like no one is listening…either is perfectly acceptable to fulfill this activity!
• Holiday Reading: Adults should absolutely read A Christmas Carol, and of course those with young kids can consider all sorts of adorable children holiday books.
• Live Entertainment: Such as The Nutcracker ballet, Elf the musical, A Christmas Carol show, and general Christmas music concerts. I know these options can come with a high price tag, but if you’re able to snag tickets at reasonable rates, they are amazing gift ideas to spread the holiday cheer.

Merry Christmas, my friends ❤

Best,

Bea