Day 7: Greatest Store in the World
Today’s movie is a lesser known 1999 British film about a poor family struggling to get by. When their van burns down they find themselves suddenly homeless for Christmas and decide to hide out in a department store, Scottley’s, and avoid the ever-watchful Mr Whiskers until they can find a new home. Unbeknownst to them, however, a devious plot is afoot in Scottley’s that might just cancel Christmas. This film is filled with British acting legends such as Brian Blessed, Ricky Tomlinson, and Peter Capaldi and includes a cameo from popular 90’s band S-Club 7. This is the perfect film for anyone who want to re-experience the 90’s and get a great Christmas film at the same time.
Today’s Tradition: Bear Dance, Romania
Bears famously hibernate through the winter, so you’d be justified for being even more alarmed than usual if you were to see a pack of them rounding a corner, snarling and swiping their claws, at this time of year. In the eastern Romanian region of Moldavia, though, it’s a common sight in towns and villages on 30 December – the occasion of the Bear Dance. This custom wards off evil spirits and celebrates the coming of spring. The “bears” and “bear tamers” dance through town and the ritual often ends with the bear “collapsing” and being “revived”.
