Miranda Hart reveals her Christmas wish list
From singing reindeer jumpers to sitting by the fire with a good book...
1 THE CHRISTMAS LOOP
We hear the same tunes played on a loop on every radio station, supermarket, hotel, shopping centre. Everywhere you go, you are followed by the tinkling of Christmas music… and I blooming love it! It’s become such a beloved, nostalgic soundtrack to this time of year. It also means I often go into an inadvertent bop or little jaunty walk to the tunes, without realising it. Living in a Christmas musical for a month, what’s not to love?
2 CAROL SINGING
My love of carols means they deserve a separate mention. A hearty singalong is good for body and soul and it reminds me of the classic old hymns we rarely listen to or sing these days. I sometimes ding dong merrily on high or hark the herald angels midsummer for a dose of cheer – maverick! If I had to choose a favourite? In the Bleak Midwinter. Gorgeous.
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3 TWINKLY LIGHTS
Everything looks better in the glow of Christmas lights. The world looks like a Richard Curtis movie and that’s always a good thing. I keep most of my lights going throughout January and February. It makes our long winters much more bearable.
4 BRANDY BUTTER, MULLED WINE & BREAD SAUCE
Need I say more?
5 SELF-CONTROL
In the season of overeating and forgetting that all food groups shouldn’t be covered in pastry, the satisfaction of self-control is immeasurably high. If you can say no at Christmas, then new year resolutions will be easy.
6 NAFF OUTFITS
Bang on-trend youths can get away with kitsch at any time of year, but Christmas gives older folk the chance to go all out on the sequins, tinsel and bobbles. I wouldn’t normally walk down the street in a woolly jumper with a reindeer face that spouts a little tune when you press the nose. If you did that in March, you’d be considered a LOON.
7 ROARING FIRES
Snuggling by a fire slows life down a bit. I love staring at the flames – it’s a great mindfulness moment, and it’s the perfect place to cuddle up and read a book or magazine. You could buy my new book, The Girl with the Lost Smile – I love a bit of self-publicity – or Radio Times!
8 GOOD OLD BRITISH COMEDY
It’s a chance to indulge in all my heroes and be grateful for the joy they’ve brought the nation over the years. Pop me in front of Morecambe and Wise and I’m happy.
9 COSINESS & KINDNESS
Christmas sparks a nurturing kindness for others and ourselves after busy days. We should keep that going into the new year. Treat yourself well please, and thank you.
10 LOVE
For that’s what it’s all about. Forget the stress of cooking and the pressure of buying gifts. Just know that there is only one of you and you are loved and appreciated. Spread that love around. So have a cosy, twinkly, singing, dancing, jumper-wearing, TV-watching, kindly, loving, feasting Christmas.
Miranda Does Christmas is on Wednesday 27 December at 9pm on Channel 4. The Girl With The Lost Smile (Hodder Children’s Books, £12.99)
