Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up – now LIVE at 5pm every Wednesday on Mi-Soul Radio with Ronnie Herel and with some Lifestyle banter every Friday morning from 7 -10am with George Kay on the Breakfast Show

Welcome to Amanda Zips It Up and we’ve reached that most romantic time of the year – already!

Yep, Feb 14th is this Friday (in-case you’d forgotten, which I hope you hadn’t). And if it actually means anything to you (which is does to me, even after multiple marriage decades) then what are you going to wear on your Feb 14th date?

Well don’t stress – I’ve got you. In this edition, I have the ultimate Valentine’s outfits for HIM and HER. I also have these gift recommendations for you, which promise to generate brownie points far in excess of a greeting card or a petrol station bunch flowers. For the guys – these gorgeous cotton PJs and pretty sexy, I think – especially for M&S. But M&S have always been sexy in the bed department.

Celebrate love with these pure cotton pyjamas. Short style is perfect for warmer nights. The top has a plain design, while the shorts have a heart print, a comfy elasticated drawstring waist and handy side pockets. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles. Pure Cotton Valentine’s Pyjama Set
£25
For Her… By Charlotte Tilbury
And if a perfume by Charlotte Tilbury called “MORE SEX” doesn’t impress, I don’t know what will… even at that price-tag.

SO… (deep breath) let’s discuss THAT Grammy’s dress, (if it can be described as such) worn by Bianca Censori – AKA Mrs KANYE WEST, as the uber-weird couple arrived on the red carpet. 

First of all, it was a GENUINE dress by her husband’s YEEZY label. Bianca is actually an Australian architect who has worked for Yeezy since 2020. She has a Masters in architecture from the University of Melbourne. Yes, she’s attractive, but her taste is just ODD. 

She wore the “dress” with a full-length black fur coat, which he “allegedly” made her remove (and drop on the floor) in front of the world’s media on the Grammy’s Red Carpet. 

Strangest of all, they weren’t actually invited to the Grammys. But it’s now the most OUTSELLING dress in the world, so marketing job done, I guess. The whole episode generated made more views, headlines and conversation than the ACTUAL Grammys themselves.

Did you know Beyonce won her FIRST EVER (album) Grammy for her COWBOY CARTER. And that new rap royalty ‘DOECHII’ win her first Grammy for Best Rap Album, whilst performing an epic stage performance, which saw her dressed in a school uniform and strip down to her Calvin Klein style undies?

You might not have noticed the above, because Bianca and YE got all the attention.

I don’t even need to explain the dress in question – here it is.

And (same week) we can’t NOT mention Kendrick Lemar’s incredible performance at the infamous half-time SUPERBOWL show. Some commentators say it was the ‘worst Superbowl live performance in history’… I disagree. I’ve watched the while thing (like a mini concert) and thought it was outstanding.

At the centre of it all was the MASSIVE feud between Kendrick and Drake. Pretty sure you must’ve heard about that.

Kendrick was dressed in a custom leather Martine Rose Varsity jacket that read ‘GLORIA’ across the front, a black shirt and a hideous pair of Celine flared surf jeans in summer dazed washed denim and NIKE Air DT Max’96 sneakers.

This look is what is known in fashion circles as “The Canadian Tuxedo” – basically, a dose of double denim – which was another subtle dig at Drake – who looks beaten in this two-rapper fight, after Kendrick won 5 Grammys for his ‘DISS TRACK’ – NOT LIKE US.

And to twist the knife further, Kendrick had Tennis Superstar (and Drake’s ex) Serena Williams dancing aimlessly on stage wearing ROYAL BLUE – 2025’s colour of the year, let me tell you. This put singer SZA in the shade, who performed mid-way through wearing a disappointing head-to-toe red leather ensemble – which was unflattering, if you ask me.

Onto this week’s edition of Amanda Zips It Up and it’s all about the colour of LUUUURVE and valentine gift vibes.

What To Wear On That Hot Date HER

Look no further. Zara has it sorted for that Valentine date night coming up.

It’s all about RED – obviously – and black underwear. Nothing is over £30 either – but check out the bag…

Plus the all important bag charms – these are a must!!

The 8 ball is cult,

An it’s all about the red dress – my choices of long and short…

The classic satin slip – Under £30
Just £29.99
Go shorty..

And then the black underwear,,,

Don’t forget the pearls either – I HAVE THESE.

But top it off with IT coat at H&M – the dressing gown coat I featured last week.

£89.99

Oufit sorted… until you get home of course. x

Date night outfits for every Guy’s flavour of Valentine’s plans

The most versatile date spot is an intimate bar. And I would stick with an outfit that’s equal parts casual, dressed-up, and sexy. It may be freezing, but leave the puffer at home and opt for a bomber jacket. Layer it with something like a the ultimate striped shirt. For the lower half, a pair of deftly-cut trousers with a higher waist to sync up with that bomber jacket and finish it off with a pair of slick boots.

Going out on a date doesn’t have to mean going out. With a few candles, some flowers, and a delicious home-cooked meal, you can set the mood right from your own abode. A denim western shirt is a great option here: it’s got a rugged allure that says you work with your hands. You can roll your sleeves up when you’re at the stove, or leave it off until you’re ready to set the table. It’s easy to snap on, but way easier — and more fun — to snap off. As for the rest of the outfit, a slick white tee will look good while a pair of clean, pressed trousers will look perfect, especially if you’re cooking – which you should be.

You’re not meeting up at a place that only takes reservations. Maybe it’s a burger joint or a tapas bar. Or maybe it’s the old delicatessen before catching a movie. Showing up in a suit for a sandwich can come off as forceful, out of place, or even intimidating. Try a thick wool sweater over a button-up shirt and your best-fitting, washed out jeans. Sneakers? Sure, as long as they’re not candy-coated, hypebeast kicks. Stick to a more subdued or even minimalist pair of sneakers like Converse or any of the Samba alternatives. Think Billy Crystal’s outfit from When Harry Met Sally.

Gearing up to dine at an exclusive Michelin-starred restaurant with a months-long waiting list is no time for jeans. These establishments will require a jacket, and by jacket, they mean a blazer. So lean into tailoring and have fun with really getting dressed up because that’s part of the fun anyway. Don’t mess around trying to pair an odd jacket with contrasting pants. Opt for the full suit with a dress shirt and a tie. Plus a funky scarf. It is February after all.

Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami are running back their legendary collab

What do major fashion labels, superstar musicians, and streetwear maestros all have in common? They understand that if Takashi Murakami comes calling to collaborate, take him up on it right away. And among his most prominent work of all is the iconic colour-splashed collaboration with Louis Vuitton, which kicked off two decades ago. And on January 3, to commemorate 20 years of LV and Murakami, the partnership returns in full effect.

Murakami’s work is instantly recognisable, thanks to his signature blend of vibrant colours, bold lines, and a design sensibility that draws heavily from anime and traditional Japanese art. Since breaking through in the ’90s, he’s become a household name — a rare feat in the modern art world — and over the years, he’s collaborated with countless brands, artists, and musicians, from Kanye West to Nike to Billie Eilish. Plus, of course, Louis Vuitton.

Zendaya models LV & Murakami

The new collection is officially dubbed the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Re-Edition, a remastered spin on the original collection spanning over 200 pieces. Shoes? Got ’em. Slides? You know it. Sunglasses? Sure. A skateboard? Get ready to ride (if you don’t mind potentially scuffing a Louis Vuitton x Murakami deck). All of the pieces feature everything you’d expect from Murakami — bright colours, maximalist design, and recurring iconography.

Murakami is a rare entity, as a modern artist who’s managed to create such a recognisable identity through his work. He’s been at this for a while and hasn’t once showed signs of slowing down. “What I think is that artists are quite similar to athletes,” he tells us, “And we always have to give our best performance every day, even if my body shape may be a bit different to an athlete’s.”

Twenty years ago Murakami collaborated with Louis Vuitton with an eye towards the future. Thanks to that foresight, another 20 years from now, everything he’s built through his work will almost certainly still stand — and hopefully he’ll return with yet another killer collection.

H&M’s ‘Dressing Gown’ Coat Is The Only Thing Getting Me Winter

Winter, for me anyway, is all about keeping warm while embracing a certain laissez-fair approach to dressing. And what better way to do so than stepping out in something that feels suspiciously similar to a dressing gown? H&M’s latest offering the Fluffy Tie-Belt Coat, while not actually a dressing gown, bears all qualities of one, except for the fact that you can wear it outside the house (with the slight risk of funny looks from strangers).

The frosty mornings and dark skies we’ve become accustomed to during this time of year call for a coat that embraces you in warmth without sacrificing an ounce of chic. The H&M fluffy coat has all the hallmarks of a sound winter investment, including the cosy fabric, round neckline, plus detachable belt that brings an element of structure to an otherwise cocoon-like fit. Plus, it’s available in three different yet versatile colours; dark brown, light beige and a toffee-toned hue.

For those with a keen eye for luxury, you might recognise the resemblance between the H&M fluffy coat and Toteme’s iconic Belted Shearling Coat. The high street iteration (I’ll avoid the word “imitation”) captures the essence of the Toteme’s minimalist design language – without the £3,100 price tag. Starting at £74.99, H&M’s cosy pretender is over £3,000 cheaper.

Styling this teddy bear coat is where the fun really starts. For an everyday look, pair the coat with wide-leg trousers and chunky boots, alternatively, opt for a dash of contrast by teaming it with a silky slip dress and pointed heels for evening glamour. Even if the sun isn’t out, you could go completely extra by draping a printed scarf around your neck and adding a pair of oversized sunglasses. The Fluffy Tie-Belt Coat refuses to be anything other than the focal point of your outfit, so keep accessories subtle and let the coat take centre stage.

Welcome to the last AZIU of 2024

Welcome to the final Amanda Zips It Up of 2024.

And yikes… Christmas is right around the corner. And I’ll be taking a short breather from this blog and  my radio show to spend time with the family.

January 1st is the first blank page of a new 365-page book – and we should all fit as much into our personal edition as possible. I’m really looking forward to next year – making new plans, including pushing myself a bit more.

In this instalment, I give you a potted round up of some key fashion moments that stood out this year. Also covered is what people will be eating and wearing over the festive period, plus an exciting clothing range coming out of Mi-Soul Radio – the station where you can catch Amanda Zips It Up live every week.

First of all though, sad condolences to the family of Mango founder Isak Andic, who tragically passed away during family trip to the Spanish mountains. Isak lost his life in a fall while on a hiking tour with his family in the Saltpeter Caves of Collbató.

Isak’s son, Jonathan Andic, 43, who is the Chief Mango Man Officer explained to the authorities that he had been walking further ahead when he heard falling stones and sand. Jonathan saw his father fall into the depths but was unable to stop the tragic event.

The Istanbul-born entrepreneur founded his fast fashion empire in 1972 alongside his brother Nahman. Isak moved to Spain as a teenager and began selling hand-embroidered T-shirts, opening his first store on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona before venturing into Madrid. In 1984, Isak rationalised his businesses under one brand which he called Mango.

Andic resided in Barcelona and leaves three children, with two working for Mango. His son, Jonathan Andic is expected to succeed his father and take the helm of the business empire.

By 2017, Mango was available in over 100 countries and brought in over £2 billion in annual revenue. Kate Moss was unveiled as the face of the brand in 2011 and helped boost its popularity worldwide. In 2018, Andic was granted a knighthood by France for his contributions to the country.

As of 2024, Andic has a net worth of £3.56 billion, with Mango having over 2,100 stores in 110 different countries.

Onto happier topics – and may I wish you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you all in 2025 for more fashion and Lifestyle with Amanda Zips It Up.

The Mi-Soul Merch Collection

So, here’s the perfect feature for me as, the resident Mi-Soul Radio fashionista.

Introducing the new Mi-Soul Radio T-SHIRT & HOODIE merch collection, featuring classic men’s and women’s t-shirts and black hoodies.

Whether you’re with us at Boisdale on a Friday, UNDR on a Sunday, E1 over Xmas or our Grand weekender in Brighton next April, here’s your chance to fly the flag.

First, the Tees are made from 100% ring-spun cotton, they offer a soft and comfortable fit. Featuring the iconic Mi-Soul logo prominently printed on the front, you can choose between the red/white design or the elegant all gold print.

Micheal Angol Modeling The Gold

The semi-fitted cut T-shirt is perfect for casual wear, with a seamless twin-needle collar, taped neck and shoulders, and twin-needle sleeves and hem.

Or stay warm and stylish with the Mi-Soul Heavy Blend Hoodie, crafted from a 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend for comfort and durability. Featuring the Mi-Soul logo on the front, you can choose between the classic red/white logo or the sleek all gold print. The hoodie is designed with a drop shoulder style and a double fabric hood for added warmth. With a front pouch pocket, ribbed cuffs and hem with spandex, and twin needle stitching, this hoodie combines practicality with style.

Some of you may have seen me recently wearing the Mi-Soul dress which was bespoke made for me but let’s see if any of our ladies are interested in grabbing one for next summer. I’d love your feedback on this.

And as we look forward to warmer temps – how about the Mi-Soul vest. I’m loving this for the gym or over a bikini in summer with a pair of cut-offs.

This women’s vest top is a comfortable and stylish choice for any Mi-Soul fan. Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, it features the Mi-Soul logo on the front, available in the classic red/white print. With a fitted design and rib-bound neck and armholes, it’s perfect for layering or wearing alone. Whether at a Mi-Soul event or out on a casual day, this vest top will keep you looking and feeling great.

 Vest: £20

Men’s T-Shirt: £25

Hoodie: £45

Shop http://www.mi-soul.com

A Look Back At The Best & Worst Of Fashion 2024

What are you keeping, and what are you leaving, behind as we enter 2025?

2024 heralded a welcome departure from fast-paced micro trends of years past, but that doesn’t mean that the year was lacking in style.

As we embraced a more minimalist aesthetic, whether driven by an ongoing Y2k fashion obsession or the increasing pressures of the cost of living, this year’s biggest fashion trends felt far less transient and short-lived than their 2023 predecessors. As such, we’re carrying many of our favourite 2024 fashion trends with us into 2025. 

Below, I round up my favourite trends from 2024 into the new year and beyond, plus name a few that we’re leaving behind with little or no regrets.

Oversized and Mini Bags

A practical shift away from the era of the micro mini bag, oversized totes were the it-bags of 2024. 

The top handle style, big enough to carry an entire weekend’s necessities (and then some), was cradled under the arm of cool girls everywhere. Bonus points were given for those who opted for a brown suede iteration.

The pathetic mini bags were a waste of money as you couldn’t even fit your phone in them. So good riddance to them.

Rich Browns

It’s All About Brown in 2024

Move over beige, brown became the new neutral of 2024. From deep chocolates to warm caramels, the colour choice proved popular both on and off the runway. At Max Mara’s Spring/Summer 25 runway show in Milan, the brand’s signature sharp tailoring softened in shades of brown. 

The Boho Revival

Something changed when Chemena Kamali took on the role of Chloé’s creative director, and that something was our feeling towards a boho revival. Remember Sienna Miller in THAT white boho dress this year?

As far as I’m concerned Boho has never been away, but perhaps that’s because I spend half my life in Boho central – The Balearics. Yes, the Boho aesthetic was reborn in 2024, and we, along with the rest of the style and celebrity set, dived right in.

Minimalist Thongs & Ballet Pumps

The humble thong had a subtle glow up in 2024 as the style set continued to covet all things ‘90s minimalism. 

Though they may not look all that different, dainty and sleek styles, squared off toes and heeled renditions brought the shoe into the modern day with surprisingly little reluctance.

And goodbye to the studded Ballet Pump. The most unflattering shoe any girl could wear. Say No More!

Brat Green

Brat green and ‘brat summer’ became inescapable for part of the year, spotted on the runways of Gucci and Versace’s Spring/Summer 25 collections, as well as red carpets and street style.

The Flat Cap & Grandpa Core Fashion.

M&S nailed it this year for men, especially with their Ian Wright hat range. It was all about looking like your grandpa this year. Jumpers, Cardigans, flat caps and wellies, the “Cotswolds” look presided for guys in 2024.

The Acid House Smiley Face Tee

Say no-more. It came back – with a donk on it.

What else we’ll leave behind in 2024…

Massive wide bell leg jeans. Even if Sienna tried to push them in her range at M&S – they’re hideous.

The Adidas Samba… Rishi Sunak ruined them for life.

New Christmas Food Trends for 2024

The Christmas food trends to add to your basket in 2024

Feel like stepping away from the norm this festive period? These are the off-grid 2024 seasonal food crazes you might want to consider…

The Traditional Turkey Is Old School Now…

Christmas supermarket delivery slots are mainly booked up, and now is the time to start thinking about what to put in those shopping baskets. Will you be sticking to the classics this year, or is it time to be more imaginative? 

My family and I are eating out on Xmas day, so we can all pick our own choices, because not everyone enjoys a traditional Turkey for their Xmas dinner. 

I’ve rounded up some festive food trends of 2024 if you fancy a change this year.

Christmas party ideas

According to Tesco, ‘the cheeseboard is the UK’s most popular festive party food, with nearly a fifth placing it as top choice (17%)’, but what else will fill the buffet table?

Grazing boards

On Instagram alone there are 6.3million posts with either the hashtag #charcuterie or #charcuterieboard.

Look at any of the supermarket Christmas food guides and they’ll all have charcuterie boards – or plays on them. And the wonderful thing about charcuterie boards? You can personalise them to your tastes.

Baked camembert

The trend for baked camembert is going up a notch this year. Recipes and retailers are creating versions with interesting toppings and there are also versions of camembert with ingredients baked around them, creating a sunshine-esque design.

Among other retailers, this is something Asda is doing, with a pigs in blankets wreath surrounding their camembert. 

While many cheeses would work, camembert makes an obvious choice because of its shape and general appeal. There’s been a 92% increase in searches on the Asda website for ‘camembert’ in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.

Miniature mains

Whether you’re assembling a ‘picky bits’ ensemble to nibble on during the days between Christmas and New Year or going the whole ‘fine dining’ hog with a party, the trend for miniature mains like mini Yorkshire’s filled with beef and horseradish is growing.

Retailers are upping their offerings with topped miniature crumpets, mini fish and chipsburgerspies and even miniature toasties on sale.

The main event

According to Tesco research, 44% of people say Christmas dinner is the one food moment they most look forward to during the holiday season. But what will you serve up this year?

Beef on the big day

It’s All About BEEF In 2024

While turkey is the traditional choice, supermarkets are witnessing an increase in people opting for beef. In late October, when Ocado’s Christmas slots had been open for a month, their beef sales for Christmas were growing faster than turkey and there was a 33% increase in non-turkey centrepieces compared to 2023.

Beef’s both indulgent and versatile. It brings a sense of celebration to the table that easily matches turkey. It’s also perfect to eat hot on Christmas Day or serve cold as part of a Boxing Day buffet.

Sainsburys have also spotted an unusual trend for December involving beef. They’ve found 17% of Brits are planning to host a barbeque party during the festive period.

“We’ve seen a 74% year-on-year (YoY) increase in customers buying our premium range burgers in December,” says Sainsbury’s product development manager.

While 40% of Brits eat the same thing every Christmas, it appears that others want to shake up their dining experience and embrace quirky new ideas. 

Luxury fish

Scallopscrabslobsters and even three fish roasts are on the menu this year, according to experts.

Searches for salmon caviar, tinned fish and fish pie are up over 240%, 200% and 190% respectively on the Waitrose website compared to the same time last year – i.e. customers are looking for more luxury options when it comes to fish, says Waitrose.

Talking of fish, one dish is making a big comeback this festive season, behold the prawn cocktail! Everyone loves a slice of nostalgia and prawn cocktail is a trend that keeps coming back around.

Prawn cocktails are back!

The starter associated with the ’70s and ’80s seems to be on the rise again. But why now?

Millennials are taking the reins for festive hosting and have a hankering for a bit of nostalgia, as 60% are planning to buy food that sparks childhood memories. As families pass the hosting torch (and traditions) to younger generations, more people are opting for retro dishes from their childhood.

Sweet tooth?

Previous research by Sainsbury’s found 36% of people don’t like Christmas pudding, but which desserts will be popular this year?

Mince pies with a twist

All the major retailers have quirky mince pie options this year, including those infused with alcohol, chocolate, different fruits, spices and toppings. But what’s driving this trend?

Younger customers in particular tend to prefer alternatives to the classic spiced mincemeat, which is heavy on dried fruit and seasonal spices. These shoppers are drawn to lighter, citrus-type flavours and novel pairings that feel more refreshing, explained the senior product development manager at Co-op.

Citrus zing

Limoncello is growing in popularity – and you can expect to see it infused into puddings this year.

Italian cuisine is booming on social media and we’ve seen searches for limoncello increase over 250% compared to the same time last year,” says Waitrose. They – like others – are using it in novel ways. “It complements the festive flavours of panettone extremely well, bringing a fresh citrusy zing.”

Whichever culinary journey you decide to take this year, the key is to go for what you love, whether that’s traditional offerings or dishes with a twist. To make your festive feasts memorable for all the right reasons.

Welcome To AZIP Mid – Dec

Welcome to mid-December, and it’s just over two weeks to Christmas (in case you needed reminding)! 

This week seemed like the perfect moment to provide definitive present ideas for everyone who hasn’t even started thinking about Christmas shopping. Obviously in 2024 most of us shop online, and if the queues at my local shopping mall are anything to go by, “physical” shopping seems much quieter this year.

If you’re starting to feel festive but don’t fancy getting dressed up to go out (more about that next week) – how about curling up on the sofa and watching a classic Christmas movie.

But what are the Top Ten Christmas movies of all time?

Here we go…

10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

 An original fairy tale, story and characters created by Tim Burton. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, is bored with his annual Halloween triumph. A chance visit to nearby Christmastown gives him an idea: he and his spooky friends will stand in for Santa this Christmas! Despite the title, it has become more associated with Halloween than Xmas and it’s a beautiful film for grown-ups of all ages can enjoy from October through New Year’s.

9. Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005)

As screenwriter of the likes of The Last Action Hero’ The Long Kiss Goodnight and the Lethal Weapon series, I’ve never seen it. A two-bit thief – Robert Downey Junior – marooned in LA during the Xmas holidays gets mixed up in murder. He’s ably assisted by Val Kilmer. Not my cup of cocoa at Xmas at all.

8. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

One of the first Johnny Depp performances. Edward is a man-made creature who has got shears instead of hands, because his creator (Vincent Price) died mid-project. He sits lonely and lethal in his gloomy mansion, until the Avon Lady (Dianne Wiest) comes to call. She invites him home, and he proceeds to dazzle her family and neighbours with his flair for topiary and surreal hair-styling. With its skewed vision of suburbia, Tim Burton’s film is a visual treat. But Burton’s suburban fantasy wouldn’t be nearly as touching without Depp’s sad-eyed hero at its center – or its context of Christmas, a time of acceptance, charity and Winona Ryder, as his love interest, dancing around ice sculptures.

7. Bad Santa (2003)

So funny, this yuletide raunch-fest exists on a single joke, and it’s basically ‘guy in a Santa suit swears a lot’. But Billy Bob Thornton, in the title role, manages to stretch that much further than it should go. Thornton is Willie T Stokes, a cynical, alcoholic mall Santa with a penchant for sex with hefty women and a wholly unconcealed dislike of kids. Definitely one for me.

6. Home Alone (1990)

KEVIN!!!  (Macauley Culkin) wants everyone in his giant house in suburban Chicago to disappear. When he wakes up the next day to discover his wish granted, he soon regrets it – but not before spending a few glorious days without parental supervision. Written by John Hughes, the ultimate message is about the importance of family – and of doing a headcount before rushing to the airport to catch a flight to Paris – is a classic.  The best part in the entire thing is John Candy’s (largely improvised) monologue about being abandoned by his parents in a funeral home as a kid.

Home Alone is the second-highest grossing Christmas movie of all-time, behind 2018’s animated reboot of The Grinch

5. Gremlins (1984)

Gizmo the mogwai, a button-cute, furry ET clone with a dark secret: under certain circumstances, he begins breeding toothy, green id-monsters. If Kingston Falls (the setting) looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same set used to represent Hill Valley in Back to the Future – the Courthouse Square backlot at Universal Studios.

4. A Christmas Story (1983)

Back in the ’80s, who would have thought that this odd slice of life from the director of Porky’s would eventually gain on It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street as America’s favourite holiday movie? Bob Clark’s nostalgic comedy existed as a borderline cult film for decades, and no wonder: it’s pretty weird and given how often it now appears on TV every December, you’ve probably seen it enough that it’s getting easier to understand.

3. Elf (2003)

THIS should be number one.

No need to explain the plot… this is one modern Christmas movie that’s genuinely sweet.


2. Die Hard (1988)

Is this even a Xmas movie? Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Because it takes place on Christmas Eve. Run-DMC’s immortal ‘Christmas in Hollis’ is on the soundtrack. Some have even argued that it’s secretly a remake of It’s a Wonderful Life. So it’s a hi-tech thriller with a human heart, and Bruce excels in staging the murderous mayhem and violence on Xmas Eve… another one we’ve all seen too many times… EXCEPT ME!

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Tinged with magical passages, buckets of good will and an alternate plotline with the disturbing kick of a Black Mirror episode, this tribute to the efforts of a small-town do-gooder cements the idea of Christmas as a time for giving. James Stewart is impeccable as George Bailey.

It’s a Wonderful Life is the first definitive Christmas movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards – though no Christmas movie has yet to actually win the Oscar.

Onto this week and we go in with our ultimate Gift Guides for Him and Her – so get ready to shop people.