2009 Directed by Christine Gernon
One-off period comedy, peeping into the lives of a south Wales family's Christmases across the 1980s, written by comedian Mark Watson and inspired by a Dylan Thomas short story. Christmas in this household may be a less than poetic affair, but it is just as eventful. So much changes across a decade in any family, and yet so much manages to remain the same.
UK
UK
It's something of a tragedy that the most earnest, authentic, and well-written Christmas stories are often overshadowed by flashier, emptier releases. This sweet, often sharply funny window into three Christmases with a Welsh family in the 80s is a delight. And it's one that I would have never even heard of if it weren't for this website.
I'm grateful these memorable characters somehow made their way in front of me. I can see myself revisiting this film in the future and I'll do my small part recommending it to anyone seeking a warm, little-known treat for Christmas.
My annual reviews of this account for 90% of the reviews here 😂 It's not Christmas without a chuckle at Uncles Gorwel and Huw.
Number 102 in my 52 Films by Women in 2020 challenge.
This should be on TV every Christmas. I mean, it is on my TV every year, but y'know...
Number 105 in my 52 Films by Women in 2021 challenge.
My annual rewatch. Now on Britbox
Number 101 in my 52 Films by Women in 2022 challenge.
Aw I do love this. To think it's ten years old already. I wonder if its lack of repeats in recent years, thereby thwarting its rightful ascension to classic Christmas staple, is down to its innocuous reference to Jimmy Savile?
Number 126 in my 52 films by Women in 2019 challenge
speaks to the universality of this that welsh christmases in the 80s are somehow so incredibly relatable to florida christmases in the 2000s+ (minus the snow lol)
I can't believe this festive nostalgia fest is nearly 10 years old already. It should be more widely known. To paraphrase the mum and dad...
What were you watching?
A Child's Christmases in Wales
What happened?
A man remembers his childhood, when his family would get together every Christmas and all manner of calamities ensue
Any good?
Yes. I quite liked it.
See previous review here
Number 108 in my 52 films by Women in 2018 challenge
Heartwarming and properly funny. If, like me, you grew up in the 1980s this will resonate with you. Beautifully written and superbly cast, this comedy drama from BBC Wales has fast become a Christmas tradition.
loved this so much the first time, i had to show my mom (& i'm not sure if there's a higher compliment than that, lol)
