Christmas isn’t just a season—it’s a feeling, and this week’s Friday Five is here to wrap you in it! Fresh from a whirlwind holiday in the UK, where festive cheer spills onto every street corner, I’ve curated a guide packed with everything you need to spark joy this December.
South Africa (13 December 2024) – After a short pause (yes, I skipped two weeks while gallivanting across England on holiday), The Friday Five is back and brimming with recommendations to make your week brighter.
This marks the eighth week of sharing my top picks, and let me tell you, it’s a joy to bring you the good things the world has to offer.
This week, I’m leaning heavily into Christmas vibes because, well, I’ve just returned from the UK, and let me tell you—they know how to do Christmas. The streets, the shops, even the air itself, feel like a festive hug. So, if you’re lucky enough to be in London this December or just need a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, this edition of The Friday Five (well, technically more than five this time) is for you.
🎬 Movies to Spark the Christmas Spirit
First up, we’re talking movies because nothing gets you into the festive mood quite like a heartwarming Christmas movie.
And luckily, the Good Things Guy team have put together a list of must-watch Christmas movies for 2024. From new releases like ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ and ‘A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter’ to classics like ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Die Hard, the list is extensive.
You can check it out here.
While we’re on the subject of movies, I watched ‘Out of My Mind’ on Disney+ this week, and it was superb.
I’ve always believed that films like ‘Wonder’ and ‘A Man Called Otto’ should be mandatory viewing for students, and now I’m adding ‘Out of My Mind’ to that list.
The movie is a heartwarming and inspiring story about Melody Brooks, a nonverbal wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, navigating the challenges of sixth grade. With the help of assistive technology and her devoted allies, Melody shows the world that what she has to say is far more important than how she says it.
This uplifting film beautifully captures resilience, determination, and the power of embracing differences, leaving viewers inspired and filled with hope. It is a must-watch for families and anyone who loves a story of courage and strength, but just get the tissues ready. You will cry.
🍿 Series to Keep You Cosy
For your festive series fix, I’ve got two recommendations: ‘Hawkeye’ and ‘The Santa Clauses’.
And they are both available on Disney+. Ja, I had a proper Disney+ binge session while travelling.
Marvel’s Hawkeye is a perfect blend of superhero action and Christmas cheer, with Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) trying to make it home for the holidays. Add in Hailee Steinfeld as the hilarious and brilliant Kate Bishop, and you’ve got a series packed with thrills, laughs, and heartfelt moments.
On the flip side, ‘The Santa Clauses’ brings all the nostalgia. Tim Allen’s ‘Scott Calvin’ grappling with retirement as Santa is both hilarious and heartwarming. It’s a feel-good series that’ll have you reaching for hot chocolate and snuggling up on the couch.
🎶 Music That Hits All the Right Notes
Let’s talk tunes. OneRepublic’s latest album, Artificial Paradise, is nothing short of incredible! It’s as if they’ve stepped back into their 2007 roots, bringing the raw emotion and heartfelt storytelling we first fell in love with, but with a fresh, modern twist.
The album feels like a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, seamlessly combining their signature sound with new, exciting elements that keep it all feeling current and exciting.
Each track is packed with powerful lyrics, stunning melodies, and an undeniable energy that makes it impossible not to keep it on repeat. From uplifting anthems to soul-stirring ballads, Artificial Paradise is an emotional journey that resonates deeply. Whether you’ve been a fan from the start or are just discovering them now, this album is a must-listen. OneRepublic have truly outdone themselves!
🎄 London’s Festive Magic
If you’re in London, the Oxford and Regent Street lights are non-negotiable. These iconic streets transform into a glittering wonderland, with twinkling displays that feel like something out of a fairy tale. Pair that with the dazzling shop windows, each more creative than the last, and you’ve got yourself a Christmas paradise.
The displays are intricate and grand, each telling a story or evoking a sense of seasonal cheer as you walk beneath them.
But it’s not just the lights overhead that steal the show. The shop decorations and window displays add another layer of festive brilliance. Every storefront seems to be competing for the most creative and stunning design, from dazzling wreaths and sparkling baubles to intricate themed windows that transport you to winter wonderlands or cosy Christmas scenes. Each turn offers something new and exciting to marvel at.
Everywhere you look, there’s a sense of celebration. The streets are alive with festivity, as if the very air carries the joy of the season. Whether you’re shopping, taking photos, or simply soaking it all in, Oxford and Regent Streets are the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a little holiday magic. It’s an experience that warms the heart and makes the season feel truly special.
🍸 Secret Bars
For those after something a bit more adventurous, dive into London’s secret bar scene.
It is undeniably one of the coolest things to experience because it blends mystery, exclusivity, and creativity into an unforgettable night out. These hidden gems often require a bit of detective work to find—tucked behind unassuming doors, inside phone booths, or even disguised as everyday storefronts. The thrill of discovery makes every visit feel like you’re uncovering a well-kept secret.
Once inside, the magic truly begins. Each secret bar has its own unique vibe, often boasting eclectic themes and decor that transport you to another world—whether it’s a 1920s speakeasy, a tropical hideaway, or an underground art deco lounge. The attention to detail is impeccable, and it’s not uncommon for the staff to stay in character, adding to the immersive experience.
And let’s not forget the drinks! The cocktail menus are usually as inventive as the bars themselves, with mixologists crafting one-of-a-kind creations that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of these spots even have off-menu options if you’re brave enough to ask, ensuring a personalised and memorable experience.
A secret bar night out is more than just a night out; it’s an adventure.
🎅🏻 Humbug
Oh, and speaking of bars, don’t miss the Humbug Santa Dive Bar. This amazing experience in London offers a uniquely festive experience that combines immersive theatre, live music, and interactive entertainment.
Located within The Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, this hidden gem invites guests into a world brimming with Christmas cheer.
Upon entering through a secret passage, visitors find themselves in a dive bar adorned with extravagant holiday decorations, creating an atmosphere that’s both cosy and vibrant. The storyline centres around a despondent (very drunk) Santa who has lost his holiday spirit, and it’s up to the guests (us), alongside the bar’s quirky regulars, to reignite his joy.
The experience features live performances, raucous cabaret, and festive sing-alongs, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Guests can indulge in creative holiday-themed cocktails and award-winning street food, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The evening culminates in an afterparty with DJs and dancing.
We really had the best time. Cannot recommend this enough.
🎭 Theatre That Leaves You Speechless
If you’re heading to London, you must catch a West End show. Classics like ‘Wicked’, ‘The Lion King’, ‘Moulin Rouge!’, ‘Matilda’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ are always stellar, but if you’re a Stranger Things fan, the new stage show is an absolute must.
We went to see it and I was blown away.
It is – possibly – one of the best shows I have ever seen!
From the moment the lights dim, you’re transported straight to Hawkins – and the Upside Down – in the most incredible way. The cast is phenomenal, the set design is mind-blowing – like WTAF mind-blowing, and the 50s nostalgia hits all the right notes. Even if you’re new to the story, it’s easy to follow and packed with Easter eggs for the superfans. It’s thrilling, emotional, and just downright epic.Honestly, I left the theatre with goosebumps and a huge smile. Go see it – you won’t regret it!
Christmas is a time for joy, connection, and all the little things that make life special. Whether you’re lucky enough to travel to London, or just watching a heartwarming movie, or maybe wandering beneath dazzling lights (in Regent Street or your local mall in South Africa), or toasting to the season with a creative cocktail, I hope this week’s Friday Five (and more!) brings a bit of magic into your life.
Here’s to making the most of this festive season, wherever you are. Stay inspired, stay joyful, and most importantly, stay kind.
by 