Today’s Film: It’s a Wonderful Life
#1 on IMBD’s top 100 Christmas movies of all time, this 1946 classic, directed by Frank Capra is known by everyone, even if they have never seen it. It has been parodied and referenced in media from The Simpsons to The Muppets. You would be hard pressed not to recognise at least one iconic line, whether it’s “Merry Christmas, Mr Potter!” or “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” George Bailey (James Stewart) lives in Bedford Falls and dreams of leaving and seeing the world. Life, however, keeps getting in the way, and he must continually give up his own personal dreams to help others in his community. One Christmas proves more than he can bear and he wishes he had never been born, bringing about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. It’s a Wonderful Life is considered one of the greatest films ever made and was selected for preservation by the United States National Film Registry. It is an absolute must see.
Today’s Tradition: Pudding on the ceiling, Slovakia:
In Slovakia, the most senior family member throws a spoonful of Lokshe (Lokše) pudding (made from bread, milk, poppy seeds, and sugar) at the ceiling. The more that sticks, the more luck the family will have in the coming year. It’s messy, fun, and a great way to start the new year with a laugh (and maybe a little extra cleaning).
