I’m beginning this list with Christmas films which I have enjoyed, even though I’ve just about reached the point of madness! In a galaxy far, far, away, I once watched countless children’s films with three enthusiastic little viewers. It’s been a while, but this little gem caught my eye. Based on the books of Richard Curtis and Rebecca Cobb, it tells of an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea where the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone’s plans, including Santa’s. The various portraits of each character bring to the fore the special aspects of Christmas such as love, family and friends, but also the loneliness and despair that can overwhelm. With Brian Cox as Santa, well, that’s the icing on the cake

Based on the novel by Maja Lunde, this is a beautiful Christmas offering from Norway, with a story which is somewhat different from the usual fare, but with the same hopes and fears coming through. Christmas Day is Julian’s birthday, but his grieving parents cannot function to celebrate his special day or Christmas. Julian’s life goes from black and white to colour when he suddenly meets the joyful, Christmas-loving Hedvig, whose house is something to behold. Many carry grief with them when celebrating with family and friends, smiling outward. The tranquil, scenic Norway locations are Tromso, Kvaloya and Ersfjordotn.

We appear to be stuck in Nordic climes for Christmas. Perhaps the snow is the attraction for this viewer, as we all prepare for a sweltering onslaught down here in the Southern hemisphere. As far as Yuletide romantic comedies go, this is quite entertaining, although I was a little annoyed by Thea’s family’s reaction when she visits them for Christmas with her secret fiancé, Jashan, who is of Indian descent. But there are underlying family issues here, which contribute to their frosty reception, and it all goes downhill from there. I believe I went to a Nordic Christmas party once, eons ago, in Cape Town. I remember a schnapps drinking game being involved, but I don’t recall much after that. Apparently, I did have fun. God jul!

Christmas has many contrasting concepts for different people, and this is one of them. It’s 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a tad mean. It isn’t great, no, but it’s watchable, and we all know the story inside out. Mary has an otherworldly – I guess that’s an appropriate description, but it sounds like a line from Alien – conception, is shunned, runs a way and hides in a manger and has a baby boy. Jesus! Anthony Hopkins is the horrid, horrid Herod. I was a bit disappointed with the Salome in this one. I mean, she was a feisty broad who chopped off John the Baptist’s head. Still, she was only in it for a few minutes. I wouldn’t look for authenticity. I don’t think anyone did a fact check prior to filming.

I was quite surprised at the funny dialogue in this romantic comedy set in Paris at Christmas, most of which is provided by characters Otto and Roberto. Having spent NYE in Paris, it is the perfect spot to drink champagne and admire the Eiffel Tower in all its glory. In fact, Bar a Champagne atop the Tower is essential for this purpose. Acquisitions Executive Sydney travels to France to secure a renowned champagne brand before Christmas, but her plans are upended when she falls into a whirlwind romance with a charming Parisian – only to discover he’s the founder’s son. Predictable, but the location makes it easy viewing. So grab yourself a glass of Bolley to get in the spirit.

Now, this one wasn’t too bad. It holds the attention as it’s a bit of a different story line than the normal Christmas fare, plus it’s got a rock-out Christmas song over the end credits – Very, Very, Merry Christmas. It’s light-hearted romantic comedy that chronicles the attempts to find love of a hopeless romantic but eternally single LA journalist Natalie who thinks things are beginning to look up when she swipes right on a dreamy guy from the East Coast. Taking a leap of faith, she jumps on a flight to surprise her crush for the holidays, only to discover that she’s been catfished by Josh, using his childhood friend’s photograph. It gets pretty crazy from there, but these situations usually work out in the end.

It’s that time of year again to watch Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Santa and Mrs Claus – a match made in heaven! Kurt is the best Santa, although Billy Bob also is at the top of that list. It’s worth a look just to see Little Steven and Kurt perform Santa Claus is Back in Town. Two siblings in Lowell, Massachusetts, Kate and a blackmailed, sceptical Teddy, lay a trap for Santa Christmas Eve to get him on video camera. How many kids get to ride with Santa on Christmas Eve? They sneak on board the sleigh and hide. As a result, it becomes a bumpy ride – crash landing in Chicago with reindeer, (magic) hat and presents missing. What a wild ride it is!

It’s always a treat to have Christmas in a different country and here we travel to Poland for this delightful holiday movie. It’s a permanent fixture on my Christmas movie list. When a disgruntled co-worker maliciously exchanged gift packages on Christmas Eve, Marysia, a thirty-year-old single courier raising her son must save the city’s residents Christmas. Whilst doing her best to get the right presents to the correct receiver, she meets an extremely eager customer who wants to get his shipment back as soon as possible. Loved this one. Wesolych Swiat!

To take a break from Christmas, I viewed this somewhat revealing documentary on comedian Eddie Murphy, but not too much is given away. Although, I didn’t realise how early his career began. I have watched Eddie many times, but my favourite is his dual role in Bowfinger… “keep it together, keep it together.” This soon became a popular family saying. There are various clips from his work, both past and present, with a detailed account of his meteoric rise to fame, and all his mates come out to give their candid opinions.