A New Year's Eve Wish

When the bells ring out the old year

Or the bells ring in the new,

I'm wishing hours of joy and cheer,

Unceasingly for you.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

All images: Marvel

Marvel has a new animated series coming to DisneyPlus next month. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is the latest version of the Peter Parker Spider-Man story.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

"Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" follows Peter Parker on his way to becoming a hero, with a journey unlike we've ever seen and a style that celebrates the character’s early comic book roots. The talented voice cast includes Hudson Thames, Colman Domingo, Eugene Byrd, Grace Song, Zeno Robinson, Hugh Dancy, and Charlie Cox.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man arrives on DisneyPlus on January 29th.

Doctor Who Quote

BBC

There’s no point

in being grown up

if you can’t be

childish sometimes.

- The Fourth Doctor, Doctor Who

The Polynesian Pearl At Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is my favorite lounge at Disney World. The theming is fantastic, the cast members are hilarious, and the food is delicious. And then there are the crazy drinks. Every drink at Trader Sam’s has a gimmick: from thunder and lightning (with just a quick spritz of rain), to squeaky hippos, to a magical pearl that arrives in a giant oyster, there's something fun at every turn. And many of the drinks come in souvenir containers. 

The Polynesian Pearl is my favorite souvenir drink. Most of the pearls are white, but once or twice a day (and on one extremely rare occasion, 3 in one hour with 2 arriving together), a black pearl appears, like magic.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is located in the Polynesian Resort.

Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe flFrom Disney

Disney

There are so many tasty dishes to try at the  Disney World Resorts. It's fun to discover new sweets and treats each trip. But, with so many to try, it's hard to choose which ones to eat and which to skip until next time. Luckily, Disney has shared the recipes for many of these delicious delights over the years so that we can make them at home. This recipe for Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding is from Sebastian’s Bistro at Caribbean Beach Resort. 

Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding Recipe 

Serves 12 

Pineapple Topping

1/2 cup apricot jelly 

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 

1 cup shredded coconut 

Whisk apricot jelly, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut in a medium bowl until combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Caramel Sauce 

2 tablespoons light corn syrup 

1 cup sugar 

2/3 cup heavy cream 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/4 cup unsalted butter 

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt 

Heat corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium low heat for 3 minutes, until warm. Add sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Stir until sugar is melted before adding each additional 1/4 cup.  

Cook sugar stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, until amber in color.

Slowly add cream and vanilla, stirring to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, until caramel reaches 225°F. Pour into medium bowl.

Cut butter into cubes and whisk into caramel until combined.

Refrigerate up to 2 days. Warm before serving.

Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding

2 1/2 cups heavy cream 

7 eggs 

2 1/2 cups whole milk 

1 tablespoon vanilla paste 

1 tablespoon coconut extract 

1 1/2 cups sugar 

1 (1 pound) loaf challah, cut into 1-inch cubes 

1 (1 pound) loaf sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes 

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 

1 cup shredded coconut 

Whisk heavy cream, eggs, milk, vanilla paste, and coconut extract in large mixing bowl. Add sugar and whisk until dissolved. Add bread and stir until fully submerged in liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. Add drained crushed pineapple to bottom of pan and evenly sprinkle shredded coconut on top. Pour soaked bread mixture on top and gently press down to spread evenly.

Cover pan with foil and bake for 45 minutes, until center of bread pudding reaches 165°F. Remove from oven. Increase heat to 350°F. Evenly spread Pineapple Topping on top of bread pudding. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until topping begins to brown.

Cool for 15 minutes.

To Serve:

Cut cooled Coconut-Pineapple Bread Pudding to desired size. Top with vanilla ice cream and warm Caramel Sauce.

Doctor Who Season 2 Teaser

BBC

Doctor Who is heading to DisneyPlus for another season in 2025. And he's got a new companion... again.

Here's the official synopsis from BBC & Disney: 

The Doctor meets Belinda Chandra and begins an epic quest to get her back to Earth. But a mysterious force is stopping their return and the time-traveling TARDIS team must face great dangers, bigger enemies and wider terrors than ever before.

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas greeting that I send

Comes from a heart that's warm and true -

"May Gladness and Contentment blend

To make a perfect day for you."

Merry Christmas

Darcy the Dragon

BMG

One of my favorite Christmas albums from childhood is The Roger Whittaker Christmas Album. There are so many wonderful songs on the album, but the one I enjoy the most is Darcy the Dragon. 

The entire album is available as a CD, record, or on various music platforms like Amazon Music or Spotify.

"The Spirit of Christmas" - An Almost Christmas Story

Disney

An Almost Christmas Story is a rather adorable short story about a little owl named Moon who gets lost at Christmas. John C. Reilly, the voice of Wreck-It Ralph, sings several songs in this unique animated short, including this one, "The Spirit of Christmas".

An Almost Christmas Story is available on DisneyPlus.

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus

Thomas Nast

In 1897, young Virginia O'Hanlon wrote what has become a very famous letter to the Editor of The Sun, a New York newspaper. She wanted confirmation of the existence of Santa Claus.  The paper's response, written by Francis Church, has become the most reprinted editorial in the English language. 

Dear Editor: 

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Father Christmas

There are so many delightful Christmas decorations throughout the World Showcase at EPCOT. This life-size Father Christmas can be found in the United Kingdom Pavilion. 

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Disney

There are so many fantastic Christmas movies. And many of them feature one of the most recognizable figures of Christmas: Santa Claus. Whether you know him as Santa, Father Christmas, or Saint Nicholas, his stories and adventures, both old and new, can make for great holiday watching. Here are a few of my favorite movies starring the loveable gift-giver with the belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly.

First up are several different versions of Santa's origin story.

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - Fred Astaire, as the Postman, tells the story of how a baby named Claus became Santa in this Rankin Bass movie. After he's taken in by a family of toy-making elves and renamed Kris Kringle, he begins bringing toys to the village of Sombertown to bring joy to the children there. A series of adventures, and misadventures, lead him to meet the future Mrs. Claus, move to the North Pole, and become the jolly fellow we know and love. 

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus - In this story by L. Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz series, Santa began life as an infant abandoned near an enchanted forest. Baby Nicholas was taken in by a wood nymph named and raised him in a magical world. He learns about the sad and difficult world of humans, leading him to his lifelong gift-giving mission. This film features an amazing cast of voices, including Robby Benson, Dixie Carter, and Hal Holbrook.

Santa & Pete - This unique film has been one of my favorites since the first time I saw it. It tells the story of the Dutch Santa (portrayed by the amazing Hume Cronyn) and his helper, Black Peter. The story begins with master storyteller James Earl Jones as a Grandfather teaching his grandson about Santa and Pete. Full of wonderful references to the historical Santa, this story focuses on what happens when Santa and Pete arrive in the New World. Although Santa is rather set in his ways, their adventures in New Amsterdam force him to rethink his Christmas traditions.

Klaus - While rather unusual, this film is absolutely charming. Told by Jesper, the unwilling Postman of Smeerensburg, it's a story that proves "a true act of good will always spark another." Klaus is a lonely woodsman who lives far from town. Through a chance encounter, Jesper and Klaus begin delivering toys to the children of Smeerensburg, changing all their lives in the process.

And here are a few where Santa struggles with the dwindling Christmas spirit in the world.

The Year Without A Santa Claus - This is another classic from Rankin Bass. When Santa wakes up with a cold in December, he decides he won't deliver gift this year. In an effort to change his mind and show him that he's truly needed, Mrs Claus sends two elves, Jingle and Jangle, to Southtown. They get into all sorts of trouble along the way, meeting the Miser Brothers and Mother Nature before finally convincing Santa to take his annual Christmas ride.

Miracle on 34th Street - This is a wonderful story that can make anyone believe again. When he is hired to be Santa in the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade, Kris Kringle is so wonderful, that they decide to keep him on as the official Santa of Macy's. With his help, everyone begins to put the spirit back into Christmas. But when he angers one of the employees, he is put on trial for insanity. Can his lawyer prove that he is "the one and only Santa Claus" or is he "just a nice old man with whiskers like mother said"?

Violent Night - This movie is definitely not for kids. It is rated R for violence and language. Santa is feeling very disillusioned with the world when he accidentally stumbles into a hostage situation involving a little girl who truly believes in Santa Claus, and her horrible extended family. In this version, Santa was once a Viking warrior, and he must put his old skills to work to save young Trudy and her family. It was recently announced that a sequel will be coming to theaters next Christmas. 

Next up, we have stories of new people taking on the role of Santa Claus, willingly or not.

The Santa Clause -  There's a lot to enjoy here with three movies and a two season series. Starring Tim Allen as Santa, these are great stories that support the existence of Santa Claus in an ever changing form.

• The Santa Clause tells how Scott Calvin, an executive for a toy company, became Santa, much to the delight of his son Charlie. 
• In The Santa Clause 2, Santa must seek a wife or he'll have to stop being Santa. 
• By The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, Santa and Mrs. Claus are expecting a baby. Will Santa stay Santa or will he employ the "Escape Clause?" 
• The Santa Clauses Season 1 sees Scott Calvin once again struggling to stay Santa. He and his family love living at the North Pole, but worry that it might be time to hand the reins to someone new.
• In The Santa Clauses Season 2, Mad Santa seeks to take back the job of Santa Claus as Scott Calvin tries to prepare his son Cal for the role.

Arthur Christmas - This is a wonderful story about Christmas, magic, and the importance of family. Arthur is Santa's youngest son. He's a bit of a klutz and afraid of everything, but he has a good heart. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his oldest son, Steve, head out in a spaceship sleigh to deliver presents to the children of the world, with an efficient and modern flair. But this Christmas, a gift was left undelivered, and it seems only Arthur understands the importance of finding a gift from Santa under the tree on Christmas morning. So, Arthur, Grandsanta, and a wrapping elf named Bryony set out to make things right.

Noelle - Santa's daughter is full of the Christmas spirit, but a bit lost when it comes to her role at the North Pole. When her brother Nick begins training to become Santa, the results are disastrous, so she tries to help by suggesting he take a little vacation. Unfortunately, he decides not to come back, so Noelle must find him and convince him to return to save Christmas.

The Claus Family Trilogy - Young Jules is feeling lost after the sudden death of his father. His family has recently moved and he has just discovered that his grandfather Noël is Santa Claus. When he learns that he is meant to take over as Santa in a few years, he rebels, but eventually discovers the magic of Christmas. In the second film, Jules tries to help a young girl bring her family back together. And in the third, Jules' little sister Noor discovers that Noël is Santa, but can she keep the secret? 

And finally, we have the movies that are about Santa, but are told by Santa's companions.

Prep & Landing - When Prep and Landing Elves arrive in a child's home, their job is to get everything ready for the arrival of Santa. But when Wayne the elf is passed over for a promotion, he decides not to do his job, with disastrous results. 

Prep and Landing: Naughty vs Nice - There are two types of Elves that visit homes on Christmas Eve: Prep and Landing Elves who visit nice kids, and the Coal Elf Brigade who visit naughty kids. This year, Wayne must work with his Coal Elf baby brother Noel to stop a naughty kid from ruining Christmas for kids everywhere.

Red One - This is a wild and crazy ride of a movie, with lots of mythological Christmas characters and a fun story.   When Santa, code name Red One", goes missing, Calum Drift, his head of security, immediately begins searching for him. After reluctantly teaming up with bounty hunter (and Level 4 Naughty Lister) Jack O'Malley, they head off on an adventure to save Santa. 

Christmas Commercials 2024

Kroger

It's my favorite time of year again: the time to watch delightfully creative Christmas ads. There are so many amazing Christmas commercials every year that it's hard to know which to enjoy first. This first commercial is from Kroger. It celebrates the wisdom and kindness of a child.

In this ad from John Lewis, a woman goes on a trip through her past to find the perfect gift.

Aldi's Kevin the Carrot is back to save the Festive Spirit.

Barbour has once again partnered with Aardman's Shaun the Sheep for their Christmas ad.

Lidl's ad shares the magic and power of a Christmas wish.

This ad from Chevy isn't really about Christmas, but about family.

Marks & Spencer has brought back their Christmas fairy, along with the actress who provides her voice, Dawn French.

And Sainsbury's helped the BFG find the perfect Christmas feast.

Etsy used Where's Waldo to show that there's a perfect gift for everyone.

Waitrose had a two-part, mystery themed advert this year. First up, the crime...

and then the solution of who stole the Christmas pudding, er, "chilled dessert".

Asda shared a gnome-y story of Christmas helpers.

Tesco's ad sees a world made of gingerbread and Christmas memories.

And finally, Amazon's ad shows how dreams can come true, with a little help from your friends.

Amaury Guichon's Chocolate Ornament

Amaury Guichon

Amaury Guichon makes the most stunning sculptures out of chocolate. His latest creation is an enormous Christmas ornament complete with a multi-layer light up scene inside.  Amazing!

"All My Love" - Coldplay

Coldplay

The video for Coldplay's "All My Love" is truly beautiful. They filmed it at Dick Van Dyke's home, with his family around him, in honor of his birthday. He turned 99 this past week, and he's still singing and dancing. He's quite amazing!

Winnie the Pooh Christmas Quote

E.H. Shepard

"Christmas is a togethery sort of holiday," said Pooh.

"That's my favorite kind," said Piglet, "Togethery and Remembery."

Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar

One of my favorite places to visit at Disney World during the holiday season is Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Holiday Bar in Disney Springs. The decor is always kitschy, but it becomes even more over the top at Christmas. There are giant ornaments and tons of tinsel both inside and out, and a couple of enormous wreaths on the front of the building. This one with the giant Santa is my favorite. It's so retro and quirky!

Red One Is Surprisingly Fun

All images: Amazon

When I saw the first trailer for Red One, I will admit I wasn't too sure what to expect. Christmas & action movies aren't exactly a natural fit, though a few have succeeded: Die Hard takes place at a Christmas party, but isn't really about Christmas, and Violent Night stars Santa Claus, but really is violent, though entertaining. Red One is one wild and crazy ride of a movie, with lots of mythological Christmas characters and a fun story. I haven't laughed that much in ages. 

If you're still on the fence, check out this behind the scenes glimpse of the two main characters: Callum Drift and Jack O'Malley.

And here are the main characters. As you can see, there are quite a few Christmas characters you don't see too often, such as Gryla and Krampus.

Dwayne Johnson as Callum Drift, commander of ELF (Enforcement Logistics and Fortification)

Chris Evans as Jack O'Malley, bounty hunter, gambler, and Level 4 Naughty Lister

J.K. Simmons as Nick, Santa Claus

Bonnie Hunt as Mrs. Claus

Reinaldo Faberlle as ELF Agent Garcia

Lucy Liu as Zoe Harlow, Director of MORA

Kiernan Shipka as Gryla, the Winter Witch

Kristofer Hivju as Krampus, Dark Lord of Winter

Red One is available now on Amazon Prime. 

And while it's definitely not for kids, it's a fun addition to my Christmas movie list.

It Feels Like Christmas

Jim Henson Company

I love nearly every version of Dicken's A Christmas Carol. There's something delightful about discovering which twist each film will include. In the Muppet Christmas Carol, each of the ghosts is, quite appropriately, a Muppet. The Muppet version of the Ghost of Christmas Present is my absolute favorite of any film. He's just so jolly! Here, he's singing to Scrooge about what makes it feel like Christmas. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol is available on DisneyPlus.

Venom: The Last Dance At Home

Marvel

Eddie Brock and Venom's adventures together have come to an end. But, you can now relive the craziness of all three films in the comfort of your own home.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie's last dance.

Venom: The Last Dance is available to rent or purchase on various streaming platforms.

Venom is available on DisneyPlus and Venom: Lat There Be Carnage is on Starz.

That Christmas

Netflix/Locksmith Animation

It seems like there are a ton of new Christmas movies every year. Some are just OK, some are downright terrible, and a rare few are good enough to add to your official Christmas Viewing List. Netflix has had a few truly splendid Christmas movies in recent years. I thoroughly enjoy watching Klaus and Jingle Jangle every year, and this year's That Christmas is another I look forward to watching again. In true Netflix fashion, it's not your usual animated Christmas fare, but it is an unexpected delight.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

Based on the charming trilogy of children's books by beloved multi award-winning writer/director Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Love Actually, Yesterday), "That Christmas" follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys!

That Christmas is available now on Netflix.

Joy To The World Doctor Who Style

BBC

The Doctor Who Christmas Specials are often the wildest and most fun episodes of the year. I always look forward to seeing what craziness the Doctor will get wrapped up in next. This episode looks to be filled with timey-wimey Christmas shenanigans. 

Here's the official synopsis from the BBC and Disney:

When Joy opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel, she discovers danger, dinosaurs and the Doctor. But a deadly plan is unfolding across the Earth, just in time for Christmas.

Where has the Doctor been? What is going on in Joy’s hotel room? An old enemy of the Doctor’s is lurking in the wings and all of human history hangs in the balance. Can the Doctor save Christmas, everywhere, all at once?

The Doctor Who Christmas Special: "Joy to the World" arrives on DisneyPlus on December 25th.

That Christmas Quote

Locksmith Animation

I always think that Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass.

If you feel loved and happy, Christmas will make you feel even happier and more loved.

But if you feel alone and unloved, the magnifier gets to work and makes all those bad things bigger and worse.

- Santa Claus, That Christmas

Mickey’s Christmas Carol On Main Street

I love the decorated windows of the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom. There's always something fun to see. For Christmas, each window features a scene from Mickey’s Christmas Carol. In this window, Scrooge is quaking in his bed upon meeting Willie the Giant as the Ghost of Christmas Present.