Leaving Mars Bars for Santa, carrots for Rudolph, drinking Bailey’s in front of a warm fire, watching It’s A Wonderful Life for the 100th time and replaying that Mariah Carey song which insists all she wants for Christmas is you – yes, you. We have our doubts.
Tiresome? You bet – and all a little bit cliché really, isn’t it? Some of us are yearning for something a little more alternative. Yes, December 25 is a lovely time to share presents, see family and drink Bailey’s, but do we really have to watch the same films we do every year? Trust me – you don’t.
So, if you’re looking for less snow angels and more frost bite, check out our list of the 10 best alternative Christmas flicks you which will give your festive day with the family a little more edge – and no,
5. Carol
Carol was seen by many as one of the best Christmas movies ever when it was released in 2015. Starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett, it may not be the cliche Christmas classic, but it's everything a Christmas movie should be. Photo: Moviestore/Shutterstock
6. Gremlins
"First of all, keep him out of the light, he hates bright light, especially sunlight, it'll kill him. Second, don't give him any water, not even to drink" - you got that? Good, now go watch 1980's classic Gremlins. Photo: Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock
7. In Bruges
Jam packed with gallows humour, anti-Christmas flick In Bruges is actually more Christmas than classic festive movies try be. Starring Colin Farrell in the lead role, Martin McDonagh's black comedy has a massive heart. Photo: Blueprint Pictures/Kobal/Shutterstock
8. Cobra
So, if Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is) then surely Cobra is to? Sylvester Stallone stars as Lieutenant Marion Cobretti in this 80s action classic set during the festive holiday. Photo: Moviestore/Shutterstock