I’m in earnest about festive fun, but Fry’s Lady B overcooked the ham

It’s been a week of extremes — the best of jaunts, the worst of jaunts.

- Alex O’Connell

As a still recovering Christmas overenthusiast, someone who used to schedule a fortnight of forced larks, I only have myself to blame.While there’s been improvement, I can’t help having a few recidivist puffs on Santa’s big cheroot. So, booking-page adrenalin rush, frantic WhatsApp coralling of company, then the feeling of creeping doubt as the dates approach. Will the outings be Christmassy enough? Will the stragglers make it? Is everyone I’m dragging along secretly wishing they were at home with Heated Reality, the trashy new TV drama about sexy ice hockey players? Will I shoot my Christmas puck into the goal or will it go wide?

Sentimental Value, a new film by Joachim Trier exploring messed up families and the healing power of art, slid right in. It was the present you buy for your friend but love so much you keep for yourself. It's now my favourite film of 2025, a particular thrill to discover at the dark end of the year.