'All Over For Another Year'

How quickly Christmas passes once it arrives is always something that brings home to me just how fragile all of our lives are. There is a valuable lesson in that realisation somewhere, don't you think?
Thankfully, this time around I can look back on essentially a good Christmas. With much sadness overshadowing it this season I am proud of myself for the way in which I did everything possible to enter into the spirit regardless and even more proud of the effort I put into my little Christmas campaign. I know Christmas isn't technically over until early Jan but for me it is really only Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day - after that just seems like the run up to the new year.

The pictures you see here are of some of the gifts I got in my Christmas stocking or carrier bag from my friends. Simple gifts most but so thoughtful and accompanied by copious amounts of love I so wish I had taken some photos before unwrapping things.

Did my traditional bet on the horses this year today. I usually have a go on Boxing Day but my punting pal, Paul V, was working so I held fire until today instead. Different day - same boring result though, I'm afraid! My horse was touched off in the big race by 9/1 shot 'Emperor's Choice' by a short head at 11/1! Oh well, its not the end of the world - just a bit of festive fun but I do wish I could be lucky ONE year at Christmas time...

Oh well, that's it for this blog this year! I hope to return in 2015 (God willing) and wish you all a very happy New Year's Eve. Do enjoy yourselves but PLEASE no snogging the boss' wife and getting sacked, NO drink and driving (it might not just be you who gets killed) and refrain from STREAKING or dancing naked in the town fountain! HA HA Cold water is VERY cold in December and spending Jan 1st in a cell is not good!

Love to all xxx

'A Very Emotional Christmas Day'

Well, we've made it! Christmas Day!

I hope you have all had a great day and gotten plenty of joy giving, receiving and eating!

I myself have had a good but emotional day. Worked my socks off this morning changing my bed linen, hoovering my room and half the house and sorting out stuff to throw away or give to the charity shop. I was really sad to have to give in and get rid of a load of old video films and home recorded stuff I had stored in the cupboard down stairs but I knew I had to do it. After that I had a rest and watched 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' on telly and loved every minute of the Victorian era detective story. To be quite honest, I think I have more in common with the Victorians than I do the modern day people and I guess because of that I love anything that depicts life at that time.

Had a fantastic Christmas meal after that! My Dad loves Beef for Christmas rather than Turkey and I don't mind that because I often go out to meals and get-togethers before the big day and get my fill of Turkey. After that my brother turned up with his two kids and it was time for the present opening side of things. I got to open LOADS of presents this year! If you remember, I bought 15 presents to open at my favourite Christmas fair in November. I got some great things including a leather journal and bath stuff set in a nice white box, masses of chocolate of various shapes and sizes, soaps, fragrances and even a lovely Christmas tablecloth!

Things were to get very emotional though when I opened some gifts from friends...

My friends, Sally & Ro got me a lovely, Christmas replica of one of those old candle holders (with a candle) from the era when Scrooge was invented. It has a flickering yellow light for the flame of the candle and is the kind of thing I would have instantly bought myself had I known about its existence. Something like that is simply the PERFECT present and I will cherish it for years! I even deliberately turned out all of the lights in the house and used it to walk up the stairs to my bedroom tonight for realism!

Then there was the Christmas stocking I unwrapped from Stephanie, Simon & Solana. Inside a real, woollen Christmas stocking they had put lots of gifts - many individually wrapped and tagged.  The stocking was full of traditional things and fun items. There was a tangerine, some nuts, some chocolate tree decorations in the toe, a very patriotic mug and coaster set in the middle and other sweet gifts. I felt overwhelmed opening all of the items and felt like bursting into tears. Oh how I wish now I had taken some pictures or footage of the stocking BEFORE I started on it. I could seriously kick myself for not doing that now as if I had every time I'd watch the video I would feel loved all over again. I don't get to feel that very often in this world and have difficulty emotionally dealing with it when I do but the pain I feel afterwards is always worth it for the joy feeling loved brings to me.

My friends, Frank & Linda (Bin & Bean) also did something similar only their 'goodies' were housed in a shiny drawstring Christmas carrier bag. They also gave me some fabulous, fun gifts including two lovely chocolate Christmas figures and a special Christmas pen that lights up. Inside the bag they had put four or five Christmas cards - each with a lovely, warm Christmas message...

My friend Jan sent me a 70's pop quiz book along with a lovely message and I shall have loads of fun tackling all of the questions and seeing how many I can get right!

I have to confess that the fact my friends have taken so much trouble to give such thoughtful gifts got all too much for me in the end and while e mailing my thanks to them I had a good cry. Men should never feel bad about having a good bulb. Far better to show your emotions and be real than to hide them and fool nobody that's what I say...

I have also been thinking a lot today of my Nan. My first Christmas without her in my life has ironically been a good one in a lot of ways. I am as scared as hell about the future but I guess I'm no different to many of you in that. Life has been pretty good to me in a lot of ways but as far as relationships it has been cruel. My family and friends are all I have to sustain me here and on days like today I realise more than ever just how much they mean to me.

Thankfully, on the evidence of today, the feeling is mutual...

Merry Christmas xxx

'Community Spirit!'

Here are a few photos that serve as proof of my success in spreading the spirit of christmas about the place in 2014. It really is heartwarming every time I open another card from a person or family I don't know but have shared Christmas with this year via my 'Thank You' campaign.

Christmas always comes around so fast once the calendar says 'December' and I have run out of time to do more cards and spread even more jolliness but even so I can at least pat myself on the back for trying to do something to make a difference this year. I think I will make 'operation spread Christmas spirit' an annual event from now on and will aim right now to DOUBLE the amount of cards I have delivered this year in 2015. Who knows, I might just end up starting a trend?

'Success!'

I am chuffed to bits to report that I have now received FIVE Christmas cards in the post in reply to the 'THANK YOU' cards I have secretly been popping through people's letterboxes under cover of night! I have one last batch of 15 or so to 'deliver' before the big day yet and will have delivered almost 50 when I've done that. I have been all around Hastings in the last week or so and almost got eaten by a dog who heard me creeping through a gate with a squeaky handle on it up on the West Hill last night. It has given me a lot of pleasure this year trying to spread the spirit of Christmas and the exercise along has helped to lift my spirits at a time I have inevitably been thinking of my Nan and feeling a little more lonely than usual. I know I say this every year but PLEASE do make the effort to check in on those who may be alone this Christmas. A short chat and/or a culpa can make such a difference to a persons day - in fact, that you bothered to call means a lot to a lonely person. I am fortunate to have Mum & Dad still at 49 and I have some truly wonderful friends but there is nothing like having a 'someone special' to snuggle up to in front of a log fire at Christmas, is there? Oh well, maybe I will find that person myself in 2015?

If you like Hastings and want to see what my home town looks like at the moment, take a look at this video of mine...

'Fun At My Writing Club Christmas Dinner'

I had a great time this year at Shorelink Writers Christmas do at The Azur along Hastings seafront. The food was great, the company even better but it seems my ability to surprise and delight people with my Christmas antics is on the wane!

 Dressed from head to toe in Victorian costume including, hat, cane, gloves and long red silk lined black cloak I felt sure I was going to make a splash and cause a few laughs on arrival. But no! When I arrived not one of my fellow cohorts looked remotely surprised! It seems my antics have become 'the norm' at this time of year now and my ability to shock has diminished! I have to admit that I was a tad disappointed about this as I spent quite a time earlier in the year working on my plan for this years Christmas bash. Then again, what can I expect when each year I can be relied upon to dress up and do something totally over the top? My friend, Ro, even suggested next year I might come as 'myself - could I really need to stoop that low! HA HA HA Anyway, as you can see here, I did manage to pose for a few 'dramatic' shots before the wind totally escaped my sails...

'The Top Selling U.K. Christmas Hits Of All Time'

I spent a happy afternoon the other day in front of the telly watching a 2010 (I think?) programme about the top selling U.K. Christmas hits of all time. I did not agree with the inclusion of one or two of the songs myself (on the grounds that they are not Christmas songs just songs which happened to be a hit in December) but hearing the story behind each hit and listening to snippets of the 65 songs featured was a very Christmassy experience and was three hours well spent.

I could not bear to delete the programme from my Sky box without making a note of the list and for posterity (and anyone interested in Christmas hits or U.K. chart history) am now going to reproduce it here for you to gaze and wonder at. Personally, I would disqualify St Winnifred's School Choir (what a meanie! HA HA) and there would also have to be a long, drawn out 'Steward's Enquiry' into the inclusion of the Frankie Goes To Hollywood number but, hey ho, that's just my view...

Look out for a few Christmas video's to watch along the way as well - like this one from 'Dana'...

U.K. Top Selling Christmas Hits Of All Time (Up Until 2010)

65 - Santa Claus Is On The Dole - Spitting Image (1986) 43,000
64 - The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole (1946) 46,000
63 - So Near To Christmas - Alvin Stardust (1984) 47,000
62 - Have A Cheeky Christmas - The Cheeky Girls (2003) 47,000
61 - The Best Christmas Of Them All - Shakin' Stevens (1990) 50,000
60 - A Christmas Kiss - Daniel O' Donnell (1999) 52,000
59 - Santa Baby - Earth Kitt (1953) 55,000
58 - Merry Christmas Darling - The Carpenters (1990) 59,000 (A Re-Issue)
57 - Naughty Christmas (Goblin In The Office) - Fat Les 60,000
56 - Baby, It's Cold Outside - Tom Jones & Cerys (1999) 65,000
55 - Thank God It's Christmas - Queen (1984) 75,000
54 - Christmas Lights - Coldplay (2010) 85,000
53 - Cruise Into Christmas - Jane McDonald (1998) 100,000
52 - Once Upon A Christmas Song - Geraldine (2008) 105,000 (Peter Kay in drag)
51 - Step Into Christmas - Elton John (1973) 110,000
50 - I Believe In Christmas - Tweenies (2001) 112,000

49 - Driving Home For Christmas - Chris Rea (1988) 115,000
48 - 2000 Miles - The Pretenders (1983) 117,000
47 - Your Christmas Wish - The Smurfs (1996) 120,000
46 - A Winters Tale - David Essex (1982) 125,000
45 - Please Come Home For Christmas - Bon Jovi (1995) 148,000
44 - Little Donkey - Nina & Frederick (1960) 150,000
43 - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town - Bruce Springsteen (1985) 151,000
42 - Hey Mr Christmas - Showaddywaddy (1974) 152,000
41 - Gaudette - Steeleye Span (1973) 160,000
40 - I'm Walking Backwards For Christmas - The Goons (1956) 160,000
39 - Bionic Santa - Chris Hills (1976) 170,000
38 - Little Town - Cliff Richard (1982) 180,000
37 - Another Rock N' Roll Christmas - Gary Glitter (1984) 180,000
36 - Walking In The Air - Aled Jones (1985) 181,000
35 - Santo Natale - David Whitfield (1954) 190,000

34 - In Dulci Jubilo - Mike Oldfield (1975) 200,000
33 - Pretty Paper - Roy Orbison (1964) 200,000
32 - Mr Hankey The Christmas Poo - Mr Hankey (1999) 201,000
31 - Proper Crimbo - Bo' Selecta (2003) 202,000
30 - Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me - The Goodies (1974) 205,000
29 - Silent Night - Bros (1988) 210,000
28 - Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie & Bing Crosby (1982) 212,000
27 - It's Gonna Be A Cold, Cold Christmas - Dana (1975) 230,000
26 - Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney (1983) 260,000
25 - Saviour's Day - Cliff Richard (1990) 300,000
24 - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Mel & Kim (1987) 310,000
23 - Pipes Of Peace - Paul McCartney (1983) 370,000
22 - Blue Christmas - Shakin' Stevens (1982) 400,000
21 - Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) - The Darkness (2003) 410,000
20 - Stop The Cavalry - Jona Lewie (1980) 420,000

19 - Wombling Merry Christmas - The Wombles (1974) 460,000
18 - I Believe In Father Christmas - Greg Lake (1975) 470,000
17 - There's No One Quite Like Grandma - St Winnifred's School Choir (1980) 550,000
16 - I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard (1973) 590,000
15 - The Power Of Love - Frankie Goes To Hollywood (1984) 660,000
14 - Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens (1985) 700,000
13 - All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey (1994) 750,000
12 - Stay Another Day - East 17 (1994) 770,000
11 - Lonely This Christmas - Mud (1974) 810,000
10 - A Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues feat Kirsty Maccoll (1987) 815,000

9 - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) John & Yoko (1972) 860,000
8 - Mistletoe & Wine - Cliff Richard (1988) 865,000
7 - When A Child Is Born - Johnny Mathis (1976) 890,000
6 - The Millennium Prayer - Cliff Richard (1999) 910,000
5 - White Christmas - Bing Crosby (1942) 990,000
4 - Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade (1973) 1,150,000
3 - Last Christmas - Wham (1984) 1,610,000
2 - Mary's Boy Child - Boney M (1978) 1,840,000
1 - Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas (1984) 3,650,000

Well, that's the list done folks! Let the debate, discussions and arguments begin on whether this record or that record should or shouldn't be in there! HA HA Personally, I think a few of these are 'dodgy' qualifiers as Christmas songs but this list was compiled by The Official Charts Company so it is the 'official word' on the subject so to speak. After typing all this guff, I'm too tired right now to discuss the implications of what such a chart means as far as the music business and pop music goes suffice to say that most of the chart is comprised of records from the 1970's and 80's. 1974, it seems, being perhaps the pinnacle of the success of 'the Christmas single'...

Merry Christmas!

'More Christmas Fun & My Christmas Video Single For 2014'

I had a HUGE amount of fun posting 'spread Christmas spirit - THANK YOU' letters through postboxes under cover of darkness last night! I really got the feel for what it must be like to be Santa himself (or a Burglar! HA HA) creeping about outside people's housing and trying to quietly deliver a card through their letterbox without being seen or waking anyone up!

 A lot of letterboxes these days are a NIGHTMARE to use as they are REALLY stiff and tight and you almost have to force your hand through with the letter to stop it getting bent and buckled. I had visions of getting my hand stuck and the whole scenario ending up like a bad 'Some Mothers Do Ave' 'Em' script but thankfully that didn't happen. A lot of people also have darned 'security lights' and creep as silently as you might you get caught like a rabbit in the headlights when, in sight of the door, you hear a 'ping' and its broad daylight! Cor, I wouldn't want to be a modern day Burglar I can tell you! you feel guilty enough when you have GOOD and HONOURABLE intentions for your creeping about - how it must feel when you are 'up to no good' I can't imagine!

Anyway, I have now 'delivered' about 32 of my Christmas campaign cards and its going to be fun to see if I any replies. One house I visited last night particularly made me smile. They had a 'Santa stop here' sign in their garden and as the living room curtains were open  I could see a little girl toddler walking about in the middle of the room. It felt really nice to think that my card with 'From Santa xx' on the front may help to make that families Christmas stories about the man at the North Pole seem real to that child and I left all 'gooey' inside dreaming of the days when I used to get SOOO excited about Father Christmas and presents.

I took a few pictures of some of the loveliest Christmas lights and decorations I saw last night, a few of which you can see here...

Next, I would like you to take a look at my Christmas video single for Youtube this year, 'December '73'. The footage in the video was shot in the village of Westfield. I said I would try and get to Westfield to bring you some pics and footage of the village and the villagers annual lighting up for charity event and I think you will love what you see here. Whether you will love my song as much (yes, I know the vocals aren't amazing!)  I don't know but the final mix and master of the song isn't ready yet so what you hear in the video is the best demo I have of the song. I think my amateur video works quite well so I hope you like it. I chose to call the song, 'December 73' because it was 1973 that Slade were No1 with the ultimate festive classic, 'Merry Christmas Everybody'.

Ho! Ho! Ho! For now - here are one or two more festive pics from my letter delivering last night to warm the cockles of your Christmas heart xxx

'More On My Christmas Campaign'

Ironically, since I recently started my Christmas card campaign,  I received a lovely E-Card today from my good friends, Ro & Sally Gardner that served to remind me that HOWEVER we all choose to spread the spirit of Christmas is good. E-cards may not be as permanent as a real card but there is no doubting that they can be just as much (if not more) fun to receive. I thrive every December on dreams of a traditional, wintery English Christmas and so cartoons of lights, decorations, trees, presents and wide-eyed kids are bliss to me. I love to listen to a lot of the old classic crooners in my quiet moments and almost always think of my beloved Marilyn Monroe whenever I do. The music of the 30's, 40's and 50's was SOOO romantic. Men looked like Men and Women looked like Women in those days and life seemed so much more simple than today. Sadly, as my friend Sally would be the first to point out to me, things were not quite as harmonious between the sexes as I imagine and there is no doubting that Men certainly held the upper hand back then. I do still mourn the loss of the softer, more feminine side of the female personality in every day life though. Being tough, ruthless and strictly professional (and impersonal) seems to be all the rage now and women seem to think it is fine to show 'attitude', curse and swear with the best of the Men. I think that's sad because to me its a bit like mirroring all of the worst things about Men - the very same things which propagated and maintained sexual equality in the first place... Then again, maybe that's why I am single and always have been? I have a tendency to put women up on a pedestal and expect them to be nothing but angelic, sweet and kind and so I often find it hard to take when a woman acts in rather an 'unladylike' way. Men can be childish, selfish, ruthless, driven and crass - I guess I have always hoped Women were better than that...

Oh dear, I am getting myself into all kinds of trouble with this post! Don't know what started me off really? Still, for all of my sins (and there are many!) no one can ever say that I do not wear my heart on my sleeve. Talking of which, take a look at this little video. It spells out what I hope to achieve with my Christmas card campaign (12 more written and ready to be posted!) and you get to see a brief view of my Christmas Elf jumper as well. I have not had any response as yet to the first 12 cards I posted but the post is VERY slow at this time of year so I may yet be pleasantly surprised...

'Christmas Cards - Spread the Word!'

So? What do you think? I designed my own Christmas card for close friends and family this year and this is the front of it. I took this picture on holiday in Kufstein (Austria) in 2007 after taking a full Santa outfit with me in my case to surprise my fellow travellers with on Christmas Day. The holiday itself wasn't very good but my fooling about in this Santa suit went down well and was hilarious as even the hotel staff had no idea who I was? They were all looking at each other trying to work out if they should chuck me out or not? I went over to the D.J. in the hotel, asked for the microphone and proceeded to talk to everyone in English HA HA! I LOVE to do crazy things at Christmas because its the one time of the year you can feel free to act a bit daft and get away with it. Life isn't much fun 99% of the time so you have to take things into your own hands and make it so every now and then...

Talking of taking things into your own hands...

I have decided to start a campaign this year to try and rejuvenate the Christmas spirit in my area. Walking about Hollington and the local area I have been very disappointed this year with the amount of festive decorations, lights and Christmas trees visible in peoples homes! Energy costs may have something to do with a reduction in Christmas lights but the vast majority of homes don't even seem to have a bauble or strand of tinsel in sight either! This is NOT good and so I have come up with a plan to try and get people talking about the good side of Christmas again. I have quite a few Christmas cards spare this year and so I thought it might be a nice idea to write 'Thank you' cards to pop in the letterboxes of those who HAVE made a real effort to spread some festive cheer about the place by doing up their homes or decorating their windows and leaving a gap in the curtain where a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can be seen. I love it when people show their love of Christmas and always enjoy reading the 'Merry Christmas' banners that can be seen in front gardens, as posters or as a flashing light display on the front of a house.

 The idea of putting 'thank you' cards in people's letterboxes is really just to let those who have the Christmas spirit and who are doing their bit to spread it around that SOMEONE has noticed and enjoyed their efforts. Life for many could be so much different if they just had a bit more encouragement and/or praise in their lives. 'Working for the man' can get gutty but if your boss comes up to you and says 'Well done - you've done a great job there' once in a while it makes it all seem worthwhile again. Bosses seem to think that work is all about money but it isn't - a little praise can make a worker just as happy sometimes as a bonus in his or her wage packet.

  Obviously, great bosses often do BOTH but sadly, there aren't many Henry Ford's about anymore (Ford's competitors used to ask him why he paid his staff so much in comparison to them? Fords reply was that he wanted all of his employees to be paid enough to buy one of his cars! I have a lot of time for Mr. Henry Ford..)

I 'delivered' twelve of my thank you cards today whilst out and about and it will be interesting to see if I get any replies or anything comes up about my actions online or in the press. I deliberately omitted my telephone number and e mail addresses when writing the cards only giving my name and address on the back of the envelope instead. The idea of that being a) to reassure people that my cards have no sinister meaning and b) so that anyone who wants to reply has to make a traditional effort to do so by writing to me or visiting my house! I think Santa would be in favour of my little campaign - don't you? xx

P.S.) I used Vistaprint to print up my Christmas card. They are very good and I heartily recommend them.

'Tony's Christmas Quiz!'

Hi all, well, its a nice (if cold) morning and the weather is making it seem more and more like Christmas. I promised you a chance to have a go at my Christmas Quiz last night and so here, as promised, are the Quiz questions I put together. The first five rounds are all Tony May researched questions so should be new to most quizzers. the last two rounds I sourced from the Internet so these may be a) a lot easier and b) more familiar to regular quiz goers. Anyway, I hope you enjoy tackling this - do please let me know if you and your family have fun with it!

Tony May’s Christmas Quiz!

Round 1 – Christmas Traditions

 Q 1- According to long- standing tradition the Christmas season really begins with The Feast of St Nicholas on which date?

A) December 1^st

B) December 6^th

C) December 12^th

D) December 24^th

Q 2 – Which of the following is Saint Nicholas NOT the patron saint of…

A) Pawnbrokers

B) Children

C) Prostitutes

D) Nurses

Q 3 – According to English custom what kind of magical power does a loaf of bread baked on December 24^th have?

A) It wards off Bad luck

B) It serves as an aphrodisiac

C) It brings good luck upon the household

D) It has the power to cure a number of common ills

Q 4 – What fate is said to befall all who listen to the angels sing on Christmas Eve?

A) Instant death

B) Eternal purgatory

C) The death of a loved one

D) An early death

Q 5 – What should you do to keep the fairies at the bottom of your garden happy each year on Christmas Day?

A) Sing a Christmas carol to them at 6.30 AM

B) Take wine and a freshly cooked mince pie to them by dawn

C) Clean your house and leave a wonderful array of good food inside for them to discover.

D) Be careful to include them in your Christmas prayers

Q 6 – On what date must Christmas decorations be removed from homes by if you want to avoid a dire set of consequences?

A) Jan 4^th

B) Jan 5^th

C) Jan 12^th

D) Jan 6^th

Q 7 – Which of the following celebrate ‘The Festival Of Nolagh’ each year on December 22^nd?

A) The Druids

B) The Romans

C) Christians

D) Egyptians

Q 8 - Sir Henry Cole (1808–82) is credited as being the first person to have successfully commercialised which Christmas tradition?

A) Christmas Trees

B) Christmas Crackers

C) Christmas Cards

D) The Eating Of Turkey on Christmas Day

Q 9 –A ‘watch-night’ is still a common type of church service held on New Year’s Eve in some Christian traditions. Who is generally thought to have held the first such services?

A) John Wesley

B) John Wycliffe

C) Pope Innocent X11

D) Cardinal Henry Newman

Q 10 – About when was the character of Father Christmas first invented?

A) 1610

B) 1640

C) 1700

D) 1820

Round 2 – History

Q 1 - Good King (or more correctly, Duke) Wenceslaus was ruler of part of which of these modern countries?

A) Turkey

B) Switzerland

C) Hungary

D) The Czech Republic

Q 2 - Duke William of Normandy was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. Where?

A) Westminster Abbey

B) Winchester Cathedral

C) The Abbaye aux Hommes, Caen

D) York Minster

Q 3 - What was stolen on Christmas Day 1950?

A) The Crown Jewels of Italy

B) The Mona Lisa

C) The Stone of Scone

D) Sally’s first manuscript for ‘Lillian’s Story’

Q 4- ‘Kissing Under The Mistletoe’ at Christmas was first popularised by which group of people?

A) The clergy

B) The rich

C) Servants

D) Bakers

Q 5 – Who or what in Victorian England was known as a ‘Redbreast’

A) A Robin

B) A Postman

C) A Postbox

D) A Beefeater

  

Q 6 – Which ruler of England banned Christmas celebrations?

A) Henry V111

B) James 1

C) Oliver Cromwell

D) William The Conquerer

Q 7 – What was the colour of Santas coat before 1900?

A) Green

B) Brown

C) Red

D) White

Q 8 – Which member of the Royal Family introduced the Christmas Tree to Britain?

A) Queen Elizabeth 1 in 1602

B) Prince Albert Husband of Queen Victoria in 1841

C) William of Orange in 1692

D) Queen Charlotte, the wife of George 111 in the early 1800’s

Q 9 – From where did our current Queen Elizabeth first make her traditional Christmas speech in 1952?

A) Sandringham House

B) Buckingham Palace

C) Chequers

D) Balmoral Castle

Q 10 – What year did King George V make the first ever such Christmas speech to the nation?

A) 1931

B) 1932

C) 1933

D) 1934

 Round 3 – Christmas Hits

Q 1 – Who had a top ten hit in 1959 with ‘Jingle Bell Rock’?

Q 2 – What year did the Christmas favourite ‘A Fairytale Of New York’ by The Pogues first enter the U.K. chart?

Q 3 – Who had a hit with ‘Make A Daft Noise For Christmas’ in 1975?

Q 4 - ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby entered the U.K. pop charts for the first time in which year?

Q 5 - With what song did The Pretenders reach No 15 in the Christmas charts in 1983?

Q 6 – ‘Lonely This Christmas’ by Mud was a No1 for the band in which year?

Q 7 – Which famous Comedian, who died in July 2013, had a festive top ten hit with Kim Wilde in 1987?

Q 8 – Chris De Burgh’s Christmas classic, ‘A Spaceman Came Traveling’ became a U.K. hit single for the first time in 1986 but what year was the song recorded?

Q 9 – ‘Thank God Its Christmas’ was a hit for whom in 1984?

Q 10 – Aled Jones scored a top 5 hit with ‘Walking In The Air’ from ‘The Snowman’ in 1985 but the song also made the chart that year by a second act. Who? * BONUS POINT FOR THE FULL NAME OF THE ARTIST*

Round 4 Christmas Films

Q 1 – The 2001 film ‘A Town Without Christmas’ starred Patricia Heaton, Rick Roberts, Ernie Hudson and which veteran actor famous for his portrayal of a television detective?

Q 2- Who directed the 1946 film, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’?

Q 3 - Who played the character ‘Frank Cross’ in the 1988 film, ‘Scrooged’.

Q 4 – Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin/Santa in which series of American festive movies?

Q 5 – The American Christmas musical film comedy, ‘White Christmas’ was made in which year?

Q 6 – Who played ‘the young Ebenezer Scrooge’ in the 1951 version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ starring Alastair Sim?

Q 7 – The short story ‘The Greatest Gift’ written by Phillip Van Doren Stern in 1939 was later made into which Christmas Classic film?

Q 8 – Who wrote the book that the 2000 film, ‘The Grinch That Stole Christmas’ starring Jim Carrey was based upon?

Q 9 – Name the 2011 film produced by Aardman Animations and Sony Pictures Animations starring James MCAvoy, Hugh Laurie and Bill Nighy?

Q10 – Who wrote twelve songs expressly for the 1942 movie ‘Holiday Inn’?

Round 5 Christmas Books

Q1 – In what year was Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale ‘A Christmas Carol’ first published?

A) 1840

B) 1842

C) 1843

D) 1846

Q2 – Who wrote the book ‘Letters From Father Christmas?”

A) J.R.R. Tolkein

B) Melody Carlson

C) Roald Dahl

D) Madonna

Q3 – Chris Van Allsburg, Author of ‘The Polar Express’ was born in 1949 in which country?

A) The Netherlands

B) The United States

C) Belgium

D) Switzerland

Q4 – ‘The Gift of The Magi’ (1905) is a famous Christmas book published under the pen name of ‘O Henry’. Can you tell me the authors real name?

A) Richard Paul Evans

B) Karl Denke

C) William Sydney Porter  

D) Joseph Litten

Q5 – Who wrote the book ‘Skipping Christmas’ first published in 2001?

A) Melody Carlson

B) Barbera Robinson

C) Christopher Moore

D) John Grisham

Q6 – Agatha Christie wrote the festive book ‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas’ but who played Poirot in the 1995 TV adaptation of the story?

A) Ben Kingsley

B) Geoffrey Palmer

C) Tom Baker

D) David Suchet

Q7 – Laura Joffe Numeroff is a popular children’s author. What was the name of her 2000 Christmas book?

A) Bear Stays Up

B) Olivia

C) A Child’s Christmas In Wales

D) If You Take A Mouse To The Movies

  

Q8 – Name the author of the 1994 book, ‘The Autobiography of Santa Claus’?

A) Melody Carlson

B) Jeff Guinn

C) Roald Dahl

D) Mike Weaver

Q9 – Which of the following is the correct title for Truman Capote’s 1956 Christmas book?

A) A Christmas Memory

B) Memories of Christmas

C) A Memory of Christmas

D) An Alabama Christmas

Q10 – Charles Dickens wrote five Christmas books in all. ‘A Christmas Carol’ being his first - can you name his second?

A) The Cricket on the Hearth

B) The Battle of Life

C) The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain

D) The Chimes

Round 6 Christmas Pantos

Q1 - What told Dick Whittington to 'turn again'?

Q2. In which pantomime does Maid Marian appear?

Q3. In Cinderella, what is the name of Prince Charming's friend?

Q4. In Jack and the Beanstalk, what does Jack get in exchange for his mother's cow?

Q5. What is the name of Aladdin's mother?

Q6. When Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger on a spindle, what happened to her?

Q7. What does Cinderella's Fairy Godmother turn into a coach?

Q8. Who is the sweetheart of Harlequin in English pantomime?

Q9. Who eat the Gingerbread House?

Q10. Which pantomime character marries Alice Fitzwarren

 Round 7 Christmas Cryptic Capers!

The following are cryptic clues to objects found around the home at Christmas.

Q1. Appointments?

Q2. Dad's a barber?

Q3. Crazy?

Q4. Make a pig of yourself when you find them?

Q5. The orange song?

Q6. A pleasure in Ankara?

Q7. Vision for cockney?

Q8. Type that goes on your head?

Q9. Second visitor in a Christmas Carol?

Q10. Opposite a French stick?

Thats all of the questions - now here are the answers...

Tony May’s Christmas Quiz Answers

1. B

2. D

3. D

4. D

5. C

6. D

7. A

8. C

9. A

10. A

Round 2

1. D

2. A

3. C

4. C

5. B

6. C

7. A

8. D

9. A

10. B

Round 3

1. Max Bygraves

2. 1987

3. The Goodies

4. 1977

5. 2000 Miles

6. 1974

7. Mel Smith

8. 1975

9. Queen

10. Peter Auty & The Sinfonia of London.

Round 4

1. Peter Falk

2. Frank Capra

3. Bill Murray

4. The Santa Claus

5. 1954

6. George Cole

7. It’s A Wonderful Life

8. Dr. Seuss

9. Arthur Christmas

10. Irving Berlin

Round 5

1. C

2. A

3. B

4. C (B is Axe murderer! 40+ victims)

5. D

6. D

7. D

8. B

9. A

10. D

Round 6

1. The Bells Of London

2. Babes In The Wood

3. Dandini

4. Magic Beans

5. Widow Twankey

6. She Fell Asleep

7. A Pumpkin

8. Columbine

9. Hansel And Gretel

10. Dick Whittington

Round 7

1. Dates

2. Parsnips

3. Nuts

4. Truffles

5. Tangerine

6. Turkish delight

7. Mince pies

8. Pork Pie

9. Christmas present

10. Shortbread

Phew! That was a lot of work! 

Enjoy! 

'Fun At My Christmas Quiz!'

I had a great time this evening at Shorelink Writers! I decided to put together a Christmas Quiz and spent AGES on the Internet and scouring through specialist books researching the questions for it months ago.

 The idea was to create a NEW Quiz with a few of the usual questions but quite a few fresh ones to really get people thinking! By making some of the rounds multiple choice I also hoped to add a random element to the scoring in order to give everyone a chance of competing with the usual winners of club quizzes. Ironically, though I did a pretty good job of this in the main, the final two rounds of questions I DID find in their entirety on the Internet and this had the effect of allowing the usual candidates to come through the field and win! Still, never mind, I think everyone who attended enjoyed themselves which is the main thing. Entertaining everyone and putting on a real show (I took my computer with me and played a load of Christmas songs beforehand and in the interval to add to the Christmassy atmosphere) felt really special for me. I wore one of my old D.J'ing satin shirts -BRIGHT- red and got up to quite a few tricks throughout proceedings to make the evening go with a bang. At the end of each round I made a performance out of updating the scoring. 'The scores on the doors' is an old chestnut from the Generation Game days of telly but its always good fun to have a bit of jeering and plenty of banter between the teams after each round.  At the end of the scoring I made a point of playing a snippet of 'Merry Christmas Everyone' by Slade for the team in the lead and 'Lonely This Christmas' by Mud for the team bringing up the rear.   My mate, Alvin's team were stuck in last position all night so they got used to hearing that! Mind you, that team was a person shy as there were only 15 players present as well as myself. People can get very competitive at these events though! Poor old Alvin suggested he should get a bonus for each question his team got right as his team were a person short but Christmas or not the other teams booed the suggestion down! HA HA

Quite a few of my fellow writers made themselves look festive and those that didn't made up for it by being jolly and getting into the swing of things. It is so much more enjoyable putting on a show for a willing audience and one which has a mind to enjoy itself. Some of the so called parties I used to do discos for were as jolly as a funeral and trying to get anyone to engage and enjoy themselves was a thankless task! I miss the old excitement of entertaining a crowd - especially since I have been out of work - as a great night is always a satisfying nights work and when you come home and feel you have helped people to have a good time its a great feeling. I will post a copy of my Christmas Quiz  questions here tomorrow in case you would like to have a go at it yourself or with friends over Christmas but for now its late and I want to go to bed so you will have to make do with a few pictures from the night for now!