The Alternative Christmas Viewing Guide: 2020 Edition

Struggling to get into the festive spirit this year? Aye, I know - it’s not surprising.

A few years ago I wrote a feature called Surviving Christmas: An Alternative Viewing Guide To Get You Through The Holidays. Instead of trotting out the same article, I thought I’d give it a little update for 2020.

So please find below some recommendations for alternative movies and tv shows for the 2020 festive season.

Find The Magic

Unlocking that festive spirit is sometimes about accessing your inner child. Sometimes Christmas movies of old may not do it anymore (because you’ve watched them so much over the years - although The Santa Clause always gets me) and modern Christmas movies don’t have the same magic to them (except maybe The Christmas Chronicles).

So instead of trying to get into the festive spirit with a Christmas movie - watch something that transports you back to a more innocent time. Maybe it was one of the first films you watched over the holiday period or perhaps it was a film or TV show that you can remember watching at a young age and it takes your mind right back there.

It could be anything from Jurassic Park, to the David Tennant episodes of Doctor Who (Christmas special or no Christmas special), or maybe a rewatch of Battlestar Galactica or the 88th viewing of Back To The Future.

It doesn’t need to be Christmas themed - all it needs to do is take you back.

On-Screen Family and Friends

Perhaps most painful this year has been the separation from family and friends. In a time when you may be unable to spend time with your loved ones, or be forced to find new ways to spend time with them or perhaps even the time is limited - turn to the comfort of your on-screen family and friends.

For me, this is where TV is at it’s strongest - a constant group of characters who you can find comfort in and visit at any time.

Whether it’s dropping into Stars Hollow with Gilmore Girls, finding the beauty in ordinary things with The Office or hanging out in a coffee shop or flat with Friends - you’ll be able to keep yourself company with your on-screen family and friends.

Escape

If ever there was a year wherein escape has been needed, it’s 2020. And there are plenty of worlds that you can lose yourself in during the holiday period - worlds far away from our own.

So if you want to shut out the real world and escape - delve into a galaxy far far away with Star Wars, find an adventure in middle earth with Lord of the Rings or celebrate heroes in a year where we’ve seen them for real in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Doing Their Best

It’s been an immense struggle this year - for everyone. Within the horrible, shared global experience lies individual struggles, strife, tragedies, heartbreaks and moments where perhaps you haven’t been your best self. And that’s OK - I don’t think anyone hasn’t at one point or another realised they haven’t been their best self, at times possibly their worst self. So put something on that’s going to cheer you up, make you feel less alone or watch people trying their best to do what good they can in a world or situation that is constantly fighting them.

For me, there are three contenders for that with a clear winner - The West Wing. Although special shout outs to Parks and Recreation and Lost.

Alternative To Viewing

Finally, you may be sick of watching TV shows and films (although perish the thought) so if that’s the case pour yourself a hot drink and watch the world go by outside your window if you can. If you can go for a walk, to take in the crisp winter air and stay present, then do that. If reading a book with a cosy jumper on is what you love to do, then do it.

This year is going to be different. Remember past traditions and hold on to new traditions that have been put on pause.

It’s OK to be sad this year. But remember times past, and look to the future where time will be like that again. Write down your favourite memories from festive period’s past or talk about them with your loved ones - remember them to relive them. And remember that it will change. Remember that it is only temporary - nothing lasts forever.

Never lose sight of hope; it’ll be the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas.

Stay safe, take care and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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