The Little Match Girl by H.C. Andersen

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: Film

Christmas Video Song - «Something About December» by Christina Perri

Christmas Recipe

(click on the recipe for better viewing)

Christmas Traditions in Portugal

Christmas Traditions from Portugal | "Bolo Rei" - How to make Portuguese King Cake | Video recipe

Comforting and homey but at the same time exotic enough to make this year’s holiday meal just a little more special, the Bolo Rei, Portuguese King Cake, is a delicious mix of hearty white dough, crunchy nuts and raisins and sweet crystallized fruit.

This tasty seasonal treat is traditionally served from Christmas Day on December 25th until the Day of the Kings, or Dia de Reis, on January 6th. Bolo Rei’s perfectly round shape is itself a reference to the biblical Three Kings, the three wise men from the East who traveled by the legendary light of the Star of Bethlehem to the birthplace of Jesus Christ. With its meaningful history, rich taste and mouth-watering aroma, the Bolo Rei, Portuguese King Cake, makes the perfect addition to any holiday meal.

Perfect Sugar Cookies - Christmas Simple Video Recipe

How To Draw Mary And Joseph - simple video tutorial

Christmas Recipe: Risalamande

(click on the recipe for better viewing)

The Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Video

Christmas Dumplings

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"Christmas Time is Here" by Daniela Andrade - video song and lyrics

Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favourite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere

Olden times and ancient rhymes

Of love and dreams to share

Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near

Although we could always see

Such beauty through the year

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2017 - video and transcript

Sixty years ago today, a young woman spoke about the speed of technological change as she presented the first television broadcast of its kind. She described the moment as a landmark:

"Television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas Day. My own family often gather round to watch television as they are at this moment, and that is how I imagine you now."

Six decades on, the presenter has ‘evolved’ somewhat, as has the technology she described.

Back then, who could have imagined that people would one day be watching this on laptops and mobile phones – as some of you are today.

But I’m also struck by something that hasn’t changed. That, whatever the technology, many of you will be watching this at home.

We think of our homes as places of warmth, familiarity and love; of shared stories and memories, which is perhaps why at this time of year so many return to where they grew up.

There is a timeless simplicity to the pull of home.

For many, the idea of “home” reaches beyond a physical building – to a home town or city.

This Christmas, I think of London and Manchester, whose powerful identities shone through over the past twelve months in the face of appalling attacks.

In Manchester, those targeted included children who had gone to see their favourite singer. A few days after the bombing, I had the privilege of meeting some of the young survivors and their parents.

I describe that hospital visit as a “privilege” because the patients I met were an example to us all, showing extraordinary bravery and resilience.

Indeed, many of those who survived the attack came together just days later for a benefit concert.

It was a powerful reclaiming of the ground, and of the city those young people call home.

We expect our homes to be a place of safety – “sanctuary” even – which makes it all the more shocking when the comfort they provide is shattered.

A few weeks ago, The Prince of Wales visited the Caribbean in the aftermath of hurricanes that destroyed entire communities.

And here in London, who can forget the sheer awfulness of the Grenfell Tower fire?

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who died and those who lost so much; and we are indebted to members of the emergency services who risked their own lives, this past year, saving others.

Many of them, of course, will not be at home today because they are working, to protect us.

Reflecting on these events makes me grateful for the blessings of home and family, and in particular for 70 years of marriage.

I don’t know that anyone had invented the term “platinum” for a 70 wedding anniversary when I was born. You weren’t expected to be around that long.

Even Prince Philip has decided it’s time to slow down a little – having, as he economically put it, “done his bit”.

But I know his support and unique sense of humour will remain as strong as ever, as we enjoy spending time this Christmas with our family and look forward to welcoming new members into it next year.

n 2018 I will open my home to a different type of family: the leaders of the fifty-two nations of the Commonwealth, as they gather in the UK for a summit.

The Commonwealth has an inspiring way of bringing people together, be it through the Commonwealth Games – which begin in a few months’ time on Australia’s Gold Coast – or through bodies like the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra & Choir: a reminder of how truly vibrant this international family is.

Today we celebrate Christmas, which itself is sometimes described as a festival of the home. Families travel long distances to be together.

Volunteers and charities, as well as many churches, arrange meals for the homeless and those who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

We remember the birth of Jesus Christ whose only sanctuary was a stable in Bethlehem.

He knew rejection, hardship and persecution; and yet it is Jesus Christ’s generous love and example which has inspired me through good times and bad.

Whatever your own experiences this year; wherever and however you are watching, I wish you a peaceful and very happy Christmas.

What is London like at Christmas? | English Listening Practice - Video

Christmas Quotes - Infographic

The life and adventure of Santa Claus - Film

Christmas song "Midnight Mass" by Tom Chaplin - video and lyrics

Down every road we come

Through driving snow we come

All running on empty

But still dying to make it home

In spite of everything

Two simple truths we cling

To follow the guiding star

Of loving our hearts and homes

[Chorus]

So come on all ye faithful friends

Glory to the bitter end

We're coming up to midnight

Sing ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Hallelujah

Yeah, come on all ye faithful, believe

Let's sing it out for Christmas eve

'Cause it's coming up to midnight

Sing ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Step in, shake off the snow

Safe in the fireglow

Raise up our voices

Send them echoing on and on

[Chorus]

Yeah, come on all ye faithful friends

Glory to the bitter end

We're coming up to midnight

Sing ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Hallelujah

Yeah, come on all ye faithful, believe

Let's sing it out for Christmas eve

'Cause it's coming up to midnight

Sing ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Hallelujah
Down every road we come
Through driving snow

"Wonderful Christmastime" (A Cappella) by Jimmy Fallon, Paul McCartney and "Sing" Cast - video and lyrics

The moon is right
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

The party's on
The feelin's here
That only comes
This time of year

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

The choir of children sing their song
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding Ohhhh
Ohhhhhhh

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

The word is out
About the town
To lift a glass
Ahhh don't look down

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

The choir of children sing their song
They practiced all year long
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong

The party's on
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

The moon is right
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough

Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime
Simply having a wonderful christmastime

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Christmastime

Easy Junk Mail Christmas Tree

Fold each page as shown. The more pages there are in the brochure, the bigger your Christmas tree will be.

Christmas Cupcakes

(click on the recipe for better viewing)