After my last blog post, Room 101: Christmas Craziness, it felt right to do a blog post which showed I am not in fact all ‘Bah Humbug’ about Christmas. So I have had a think and here is my top 5 for the ‘Best Things About Christmas’:

1. Christmas Films – highlights for me include ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol‘, ‘Home Alone‘ and ‘Home Alone 2‘, but the film selection on TV really opens up in all genres at this time of year.

2. A long break from work – (or if you have to work, a time when you can actually do some work rather than spend 70% of the week just fielding emails). I find it easier than almost any other time of year to switch off from the stresses of work. This year is better than ever – I have two whole weeks off!

3. Being able to sit and not feel guilty for doing nothing – some people might be able to do this all year round but I am always thinking about various tasks I haven’t done. At Christmas though, my view changes and it becomes totally legitimate to make a brew, grab some mince meat based accompaniment (mince pie or cake) and then sit and watch telly / read / browse tinterweb / do a combination of them all.

4. Catching-up with friends – either in person, by phone or by email, it doesn’t matter. Arguably it shouldn’t take Christmas to force me to get in touch with people but both the previous 2 points combined with the general festive cheer / family focus of Christmas allow the perfect opportunity to catch-up with those I haven’t been in touch with for far too long.

5. Presents – both giving and receiving. The cost and trying to find gifts can also be a negative but once the shopping is done, it’s always lovely giving people gifts that they like and also getting some things you want in return!

Happy Christmas Everyone!