This was followed a week later by the TNT (twenties-and-thirties) Christmas party filled with more delicious food than I could name and a hilariously bad dirty Santa ornament gift exchange. I drew the chance to go first and ended up with a baby’s first Christmas ornament (haha Chris) which no one wanted (of course!), but I ended up giving to my fourteen-month-old goddaughter. It was a HUGE hit with her as she immediately took to carrying it around and chewing on it (it was safe – no sharp edges, just a hunk of plastic). So all was not a loss there.

Somewhere in between there I saw The Holiday twice. I loved it. Somewhere I read a review that described the film as having “surprising depth for a chick flick” (sorry but I can’t remember where I read that or I’d give credit for the quote). Anyway, that statement is very true (almost painfully true at times but do I really want to go into that? Nah…) and (for me, anyway) raised the movie a cut above other romantic comedies. My favorite quote came from one of Eli Wallach’s conversations with Kate Winslet’s character:

“Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you're behaving like the best friend.”

Girls, I have complete and utter faith that you can grasp the profundity of that moment with me. Guys…well…forget it. For the record, I’m not quoting that from memory (my memory’s pretty good but not that good) – I got it off the film’s IMDB quotes page. (NOTE: I should mention that while I loved this movie I can’t recommend it without reservation, since some of the characters are pretty promiscuous – never mind that most of their relationship problems stem from this promiscuity, if it feels good it has to be okay, right?? *rolls eyes*)

Leah took me to see The Nativity Story which I thought was incredibly well done. The film Is beautifully shot and well scripted. The acting, for the most part, is fantastic. I actually thought Keisha Castle-Hughes was one of the weakest links, acting-wise…she was a little too solemn and occasionally came off as rather bland. Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Joseph wonderfully done – he brought a nice depth to the character that is usually lacking when Joseph is portrayed on film. Mychael Danna’s score is simply stunning. I loved how the hymns he incorporated in the score (sung in Latin most of the time I think??) gave the score a kind of “high church,” classic feel which was nicely juxtaposed against the film’s rather earthy and authentic visuals. Especially noteworthy is the appearance of “Carol of the Bells,” playing in the frantic moments Joseph is trying to find a room in Bethlehem for Mary, while her birth pains steadily increase.