I’m conflicted about Christmas, I find it overwhelming and disappointing. But I do enjoy the connections, seeing family, giving presents. Luckily I’ve been able to get back into the Christmas spirit! I played carols on my violin at an event in my local town, and I’ll be spending Christmas Day in wales- which is a place I always love being!!
I think there’s certain things that come out and are discussed around Christmas, as you around family and work out who you want to spend Christmas with. (Interesting when you’re in a new relationship and don’t know how much time to spend with them over the season!) is it too early to do the big day together??
It’s always a big debate over what to watch on TV too. And sadly, I believe a lot of Christmas films lack a feminist perspective. (And we should all believe in equality- right?!) I also think some of the plots are so boring and predictable, but I appreciate that it’s what most people enjoy about them!
Even though I love ‘love actually’, the favourite by most standards, there is a lot of the ‘male gaze’ portrayed. To be fair, in some moments it does seem ironic. The awful Christmas hit from Bill Nighy’s character pokes fun at female sexualisation, with women in the music video wearing revealing Santa outfits. A lot of scenes have objectification, but then there are some important moments too. A look at love transcending class, country, and a coming together of what’s important at Christmas.
The most important thing about love actually to me personally, is the depiction of psychosis. You know that sad love story of the office romance where she’s fancied the hot guy since he started and everyone knows and he probably knows but they only get together at the Christmas party!! When they had to slow dance and enjoyed it…
But then, we realise what has really made her so reserved about making a move.
She’s got a ‘sick brother’ that she calls ‘darling’ and constantly receives phone calls from. He talks about paranoia, religious powers, getting celebrities on the phone, and the staff all wanting to harm him.
These are all things I did relate to in my psychosis. I didn’t ever consider being violent, but love actually does a good job of portraying that element in a sensitive way.
I guess, what I take from that particular storyline is:
**wow, it’s being depicted well
**wow, she’s such a good carer whilst working
**oh gosh I hope I wasn’t so difficult to be around when my mental health broke down!
‘Little Women’ might possibly be my favourite film of all time, regardless of Christmas. It can turn the inner- grinch me to be emotional and soft and happy about Christmas. And I’m talking about the 90s version, rather than the recent one (although that was also great in its own right!)
It has more than one Christmas, it has family, love, trauma, religion.
It stars the absolute stars Winona Ryder, Batman (aka Christian bale), Susan Sarandon, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes, as well as others!! And they’re a perfect ensemble together, which is the most important thing in a family Christmas film.
It’s also massively feminist from a time when feminism hadn’t been through waves yet! The philosophy of the March family, they’re views against corsets and silk made from child labour, as well as American philosophy of working on your self, are some of many points made in the film.
There are a few classics that I also enjoy.
‘The Nativity’ is definitely sweet and funny, and with two teachers in the family I do know it’s relatable and a little bit realistic (in the humour!)
I also watched ‘Home Alone’ for the first time last year and since have appreciated its genius. Maybe this year I’ll venture into home alone 2 and not be put off by Donald trump!
All the best, merry Christmas, and thanks for reading!! Warmest wishes, Annie x
AnCarrot Rose Rants 