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.

Perhaps this family adventure wouldn’t be so magical without the superb Maggie Smith as the forthright, but whimsical Aunt Ruth, the storyteller of this fine tale. It is definitely part of the attraction for me. There is a touch of sadness and melancholy to these first films on the list, but all comes to right in the end, and everyone needs to feel that is a possibility, no matter what age. When Nikolas’s father sets out on a journey to find the fabled village of Elfhelm, he fears that his dad will never return. Nikolas sets out to find him, aided by Blitzen, a reindeer with a special skill, and pet mouse Miika, hilariously voiced by Stephen Merchant. Adventures abound in lots of snow in glorious Finnish locations, and dastardly villains are at their dastardliest, but it all works, as these stories inevitably do.

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!

The talented Chris Columbus steps up to helm the second film in the series where Kate and Jack are kidnapped by rebellious elf/human and Santa hater Belsnickel as he plots to get into Santa’s Village on the North Pole and destroy it. The kids are saved by Santa and taken to the elf populated Santa’s Village and Mrs. Claus, where they get a tour of the place, dinner and a bedtime story, while Belsnickel starts his sabotage.

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!

“I’m not spending Christmas Day pulling poo out of prawns (aka shrimps).” I agree with Kim, having spent many years doing just that. Now I have a Chef in the family, so he does it. Phew! Time for some Christmas laughter and this hilarious film is just the one to do it. I haven’t watched these girls for some time, but I was soon hysterical. I had a neighbour ask me what was so funny. My laughter carried on the wind and up the stairs. Kath and Kim pay homage to the Davinci Code in their own inimitable way, as Christmas approaches. Michael Buble and Barry Humphries join in the fun. Have a great Chrissy… as they say, somewhere.

Yes, I know, I know, we’re really plummeting to the depths, but after watching 40 Christmas movies in the last four weeks, I’m losing enthusiasm. And for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I am drawn to Lindsay Lohan, expecting more, but alas it never happens. I must say, though, that there are some very funny scenes, here and there, if you keep your eye out for them. Avery and Logan haven’t spoken in the 10 years since they broke up. As Christmas approaches, they discover that their new partners are siblings, and both of them have been invited to stay with the family for the holidays. They keep their past a secret, but being together ignites… and so it goes.

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.