Friday, 21 November 2025

Christmas Gift Ideas for the Dungeons & Dragons and Gammer Fan in Your Life

Christmas shopping for a gamer can be surprisingly straightforward, especially if they’re part of the ever-growing world of tabletop role-playing. 

Whether they’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or a brand-new adventurer, gifts inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and similar games are guaranteed to go down a treat.

Here are some brilliant ideas to help you fill their stocking with magic, mystery, and a little bit of dice-rolling joy.

Starter Sets for New Adventurers

If someone you know has been curious about D&D but has never quite taken the plunge, a Starter Set or Essentials Kit is a perfect entry point. 

These boxed sets include simplified rules, ready-made characters, and an introductory adventure – ideal for beginners and families who want to have a go over the Christmas holidays.

You can also explore similar starter kits from games such as Pathfinder, Dragonbane, and Critical Role’s Candela Obscura if they’d like to try something fresh.

Campaign Books and Adventure Modules

For players already deep into their campaigns, a new adventure book is a fantastic gift. From sprawling epics to spooky one-shots, there’s something to suit every group’s style. Newer volumes are always popular, but classic reprints and anniversary editions can add a nostalgic touch that goes down brilliantly with long-term fans.

Dice Sets That Feel Truly Special

Dice are to tabletop gaming what chocolate coins are to Christmas stockings – essential!

You can go simple with polished resin sets or treat them to something luxurious such as:

Metal dice for a satisfyingly weighty roll

Gemstone dice for real “wow” factor

Glow-in-the-dark or UV-infused dice for late-night sessions

Dice advent calendars for a daily December delight

A personalised dice bag or box makes a lovely finishing touch.

Miniatures, Maps, and Terrain

If the gamer in your life loves immersing themselves in the world, miniatures and terrain pieces help bring a campaign to life. Options range from simple plastic minis to hand-painted heroes and 3D-printed monsters.

Even a foldable battle map or some reusable map tiles can make session planning easier for a busy Dungeon Master – and that’s a gift they’ll appreciate long after the decorations come down.

Themed Clothing and Accessories

From cosy hoodies printed with dragon emblems to enamel pins, mugs, posters, and wall art, gamer-themed merchandise is both fun and practical. You can even find classy, subtle designs for those who enjoy D&D but don’t always want to shout about their alignment or armour class at the office Christmas party.

Digital Tools and Subscription Gifts

If they prefer digital play, consider gifting something that supports their online sessions. For example:

Access to digital rulebooks

A subscription to a virtual tabletop

Digital dice sets

Online campaign-tracking tools

Perfect for players who travel, move around at uni, or game with friends across the country.

For the Dungeon Master Who Already Has Everything

Dungeon Masters work hard to keep the story moving – so treat them to something that makes their life easier:

A DM screen with handy rules

A notebook designed for worldbuilding

A pack of NPC cards for spontaneous characters

A portable storage case for minis and dice

High-quality condition rings or combat trackers

Even a themed candle – “Forest Path”, “Enchanted Library”, or “Dragon’s Lair” – can help set the mood during play.

Make It Personal: The Gift of a Custom Adventure

If you want something truly heartfelt, write or commission a short adventure based on an inside joke, a favourite memory, or one of their hobbies. Pop it in a festive gift box with some dice and a handwritten note, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind present they’ll remember for years.

Whether you’re buying for a newbie, a dungeon-delving veteran, or someone who simply loves fantasy worlds, Dungeons & Dragons gifts bring imagination, camaraderie, and fun straight to the table. This Christmas, let the gamers in your life unwrap something magical – and maybe join them for a session or two.

After all, there’s nothing like a cosy winter’s evening spent rolling dice, telling stories, and saving the world one encounter at a time.

There could well be a gamer shop not far from you. Just Google "Gamer shops near me" to find out.

Thursday, 20 November 2025

How Small Businesses Can Make the Most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday This Christmas

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just brilliant opportunities for shoppers, they’re also powerful tools for small businesses gearing up for the festive season. 

Many independent shops, artists, makers, food producers, and service providers use these two peak shopping moments to boost visibility, attract new customers, and increase sales ahead of Christmas.

If you run a small business yourself, or you know someone who does, this year is an ideal time to join in. Whether you offer handmade gifts, festive food, consultancy services, Christmas hampers, or local experiences, you can create simple, effective promotions that help your brand shine in the busy run-up to December.

To help small businesses get started, our sister site That’s Business has put together a clear and practical guide explaining exactly how SMEs and micro-businesses can use Black Friday and Cyber Monday to their advantage. It covers everything from customer loyalty and digital visibility to creative seasonal bundles and ways to boost cash flow.

Read the full guide here on That’s Business:

Why SMEs and Micro-Businesses Should Make the Most of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

https://thats-business.blogspot.com/2025/11/why-smes-and-micro-businesses-should.html

Supporting small businesses at Christmastime is one of the best ways to spread festive cheer—so whether you’re shopping or selling, let’s make the most of it together.

Walking for Wellness This Christmas: A Simple Way to Boost Your Health and Lift Your Spirits

Christmas is a joyful time of year, but it can also be busy, tiring, and a little overwhelming. 

Between late-night shopping, social events, family gatherings and rich festive foods, it’s easy to forget to look after our own wellbeing.

One of the simplest ways to stay healthy during the festive season is also one of the most enjoyable: walking. 

Whether you’re strolling through a frosty village lane, wandering around your local Christmas markets, or hopping onto your home treadmill when the weather turns icy, walking is a brilliant way to support both physical and mental health.

Pair it with balanced, seasonal eating, and you’ve got a wellness routine that fits beautifully into a festive lifestyle.

Why Walking Works Wonders at Christmastime

It supports heart health

With heavier meals and more frequent treats, December can be demanding on the body. A brisk walk helps improve circulation, increase heart rate, and keep your cardiovascular system happy.

It helps balance festive indulgence

Christmas pudding, mince pies, and cheeseboards are part of the fun — and walking helps keep weight steady without needing intense workouts.

It boosts energy during darker days

Short daylight hours can make us feel sluggish. A walk outdoors (or on your treadmill while listening to carols!) helps increase oxygen flow and lifts your energy naturally.

It reduces festive stress

Walking lowers stress hormones and increases endorphins. It’s a perfect escape from crowded shops, noisy relatives, or pre-Christmas deadlines.

It lifts mood through winter

Many people feel dips in mood during the darker months. Walking — especially among twinkling Christmas lights or crisp countryside air — can help reduce anxiety and improve emotional wellbeing.

Using a Home Treadmill Over the Winter Months

Bad weather, icy pavements, and short days often reduce how much we walk. A home treadmill keeps your routine going without stepping into the cold.

Why it’s perfect during December:

You can walk while watching festive films.

No slipping on frosty pavements.

Ideal for short, calming sessions between busy seasonal tasks.

Great for starting or ending the day with a healthy ritual.

If you’re new to treadmills, start slow and steady — 10–15 minutes a day builds the habit without pressure.

Healthy Eating That Fits the Festive Theme

Your body will thank you for small, mindful choices that pair beautifully with walking:

Add extra winter veg: carrots, parsnips, leeks and cabbage.

Keep balanced snacks on hand: fruit, nuts, yoghurt, or oatcakes.

Drink enough water — central heating can be dehydrating.

Enjoy treats guilt-free, but add lighter meals between big festive feasts.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to reduce festive enjoyment — it simply helps you feel at your best throughout the season.

Simple Ways to Add More Walking to Your Christmas Routine

Explore local Christmas lights on foot.

Wrap up warm and enjoy a countryside stroll with your partner or family.

Take a walk after your Christmas dinner — a lovely tradition to start.

Add short walks between festive tasks: gift wrapping, baking, decorating.

Use your treadmill for cosy indoor sessions on rainy or snowy days.

Small steps make a big difference, especially during the festive season.

Walking is one of the easiest and most joyful ways to look after yourself during Christmas. It supports your heart, boosts your mood, helps with sleep, balances indulgent foods, and brings a sense of calm amidst the festive bustle.

With a home treadmill and a little healthy eating, you can feel energised, grounded, and ready to enjoy every moment of the holiday season. My wife gave ourselves an early present of a Reebok treadmill several weeks ago and we have already noticed a difference in our health levels.

Here's what we said about them last month "Why Everyone Should Own a Reebok GT40 S Treadmill This Christmas" https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2025/10/why-everyone-should-own-reebok-gt40-s.html

How to Use Cyber Monday to Score Brilliant Bargain Christmas Gifts

Make the most of Cyber Monday with smart tips for finding brilliant bargain Christmas gifts. Discover how to save money, shop smarter and get ahead with festive preparations.

Cyber Monday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, and for anyone preparing for Christmas, it’s a golden opportunity. 

From tech treats to cosy winter warmers, this is the moment to snap up gifts at prices that won’t stretch your festive budget. 

With a little planning and a few clever tricks, you can make Cyber Monday work for you and tick off a huge chunk of your Christmas list.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday falls on the first Monday after US Thanksgiving and has grown into a global online shopping event. While Black Friday tends to focus on in-store and broad discounts, Cyber Monday is renowned for its flash deals, online exclusives and limited-time reductions across hundreds of retailers.

For UK shoppers, it’s the perfect chance to stock up on Christmas gifts without the December price spike.

Why Cyber Monday Is Ideal for Christmas Shopping

1. You’ll Find Big Savings on Big-Ticket Items

Whether it’s a new tablet for a teenager, upgraded headphones for your commute-loving partner or smart home gadgets for the tech fan in your life, Cyber Monday is prime time for discounts on electronics and premium items.

2. Many Retailers Offer Online-Only Bundles

Gift sets, special online bundles and exclusive colourways often drop on Cyber Monday only. These can be great for stocking fillers, beauty hampers and practical gifts like kitchen gadgets and hobby tools.

3. It Helps Spread the Cost of Christmas

Shopping early takes the pressure off December spending. Getting ahead also means you avoid last-minute delivery fees or panic buying at higher prices.

Top Tips to Make the Most of Cyber Monday

Make a List (and Stick to It)

Plan exactly who you’re buying for and what they might enjoy. This stops impulse purchases and keeps your budget intact. If you run multiple festive events or secret Santa swaps, include those on your list too.

Use Price Trackers

Sites and browser extensions that track pricing history show whether a discount is genuine. This helps you avoid fake “was £99, now £49!” deals that were never really £99 to begin with.

Shop Early in the Day

The best deals often launch at midnight or early morning. Popular gifts can sell out within hours, especially toys, gaming gear and premium beauty items.

Look Out for Stacked Discounts

Many shops offer:

Extra percentages off if you sign up to their newsletter

Free delivery thresholds

Additional cashback via certain payment cards or apps

Using these together can turn a good deal into a brilliant one.

Don’t Forget Small UK Businesses

Cyber Monday isn’t just for the big retailers. Many independent makers and small UK brands run their own online promotions. These smaller shops often provide unique gifts, handmade items and personalised presents you won’t find anywhere else.

Great Christmas Gifts to Look For on Cyber Monday

Tech gifts: tablets, wireless earphones, smart speakers

Beauty & grooming sets: great for stocking fillers and luxury gifts

Toys and games: especially bestselling board games and STEM toys

Home & kitchen items: air fryers, coffee makers, heated throws

Subscription gifts: magazines, streaming services, food boxes

Fashion & footwear: winter coats, boots, scarves, knitwear

Final Thoughts

Cyber Monday gives you the perfect chance to save money, shop smarter and get ahead with your Christmas preparations. With a bit of planning and a keen eye for the best offers, you can fill your stockings, treat your loved ones and still stay well within budget.

If you’re ready to kick off your festive shopping, grab a cup of tea, settle in and start browsing, you might be surprised by how much you can save before December even begins.

Age Concern Hampshire Extends Partnership with SNG to Combat Social Isolation Among Older People

Age Concern Hampshire is proud to announce the continuation of its valued partnership with SNG (Sovereign Network Group) to deliver social groups aimed at reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing among older people across Basingstoke, Overton, Whitchurch, Fordingbridge, and Totton.

Christmas can be especially isolating for older people. 

With support from SNG, Age Concern Hampshire will run a variety of social groups that bring people together in safe, welcoming, and engaging environments. The groups focus on physical and mental wellbeing, while creating opportunities for older people to socialise, connect, and build lasting friendships.

The social groups are open to all older people in the local community, as well as residents of the housing schemes. This ensures that everyone has the chance to take part, enjoy the activities, and build connections across the wider community.

Social isolation remains one of the biggest challenges facing older people today. Many experience loneliness due to reduced mobility, limited transport options, or the loss of loved ones. By participating in these social groups, older people can stay active, try new activities such as gentle exercise and creative workshops, and enjoy companionship in a supportive and friendly environment.

“We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with SNG,” Brogan Rehill, Head of Fundraising and Volunteer Services at Age Concern Hampshire told That's Christmas 365.

“These social groups make such a difference and help those attending to stay active, build friendships, and feel part of a supportive community. Tackling loneliness and isolation remains at the heart of what we do, and partnerships like this allow us to reach those who might otherwise be left behind. 

"We’d love to expand this model to more supported housing schemes for older people across Hampshire, where around 12% of residents aged 65 and over live in similar settings. By working together, we can ensure even more people benefit from connection, companionship, and a sense of belonging.”

Stevie Chadwick, Community Investment & Partnership Manager at SNG, said: “At SNG, we’re committed to supporting our communities to live well and thrive. 

"We’re proud to continue our partnership with Age Concern Hampshire, whose groups are making a real difference to the lives of our customers. The positive feedback we’ve received from customers has been incredibly heartening; these sessions support them to feel healthier and more connected. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that meaningful connection and community support can have on wellbeing.”

This partnership is part of Age Concern Hampshire’s ongoing commitment to support older people through social groups, volunteer-led programmes, and community initiatives that promote wellbeing and connection across the county.

https://www.ageconcernhampshire.org.uk

Why not look at providing similar services in your area?

Winter market, food, family games, The Youth Zone that has it all

Legacy Youth Zone is hosting their annual Winter Community Day on Saturday, the 6th of December 2025. 

Legacy Youth Zone is a state-of-the-art youth provision in the heart of Croydon and is going to be celebrating the festive season by hosting their annual Winter Community Day. Think Christmas Markets, food, festive fun, family games, and so much more.

Legacy will be opening its doors to the community of Croydon and the surrounding areas for a day to remember and celebrate. Anyone who is interested in going can sign up for a ticket via their Eventbrite page, which can be found here - bit.ly/43ru2mT

They will have activities for the whole family, including Santa’s Grotto, Christmas Stories, Christmas Photos, Winter Roller Skating, Winter Baking, Elf Roulette, Pin the Rudolph, Wrap the Staff, and so much more!

Legacy Youth Zone is committed to providing a safe, positive and inspiring environment for young people from Croydon and surrounding areas. The Winter Community Day continues its mission to bring the community together, support young people’s wellbeing and celebrate the festive season in a welcoming space.

Legacy warmly welcomes families and individuals from the local area to book their free tickets and join them for a joyful afternoon of community, connection, and celebration. Please register early to secure your place.

https://legacyyouthzone.org/

Elder launches national winter care concerns survey to capture the voice of families

Elder, the UK’s leading care home care platform, has today launched its Winter Care Concerns National Survey, inviting families with elderly loved ones to help capture key insights about their greatest anxieties as winter and Christmas approaches.

In 2024–25, flu hospitalisations in the UK reached record levels, while Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remained a significant cause of hospitalisation and death in older adults. The NHS also estimated that 10% of excess winter deaths (EWD) are attributable to fuel poverty and 21.5% to cold homes.

More than two million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, meaning they face increased risks of isolation, illness and injury during winter.

Having facilitated over 15 million hours of home care, Elder’s survey findings will be used to inform care practices, shape policy advocacy and better support older people to remain safe, warm and connected in their own homes.

Elder Founder and CEO Pete Dowds said the survey would act as a timely reminder to local communities, councils and government about the realities that older adults and their families face in winter.

“We hope this survey sparks a broader conversation about what winter truly feels like for families and their elderly loved ones, many who live alone and unassisted,” he told That's Christmas. 

“It’s a reminder that keeping our elders warm, connected and cared for takes a whole-community effort, one that extends far beyond the care sector.”

How to participate

Families can complete the survey via the link here. Contributions will directly feed into Elder’s advocacy, research reports and service improvements for winter care. All answers will remain anonymous.

https://www.elder.org/live-in-care

Could your business make the Nice List this Christmas?

Scottish amputee charity calls on workplaces to give back where it really counts.

Every day in Scotland, people lose limbs through illnesses like diabetes, cancer and sepsis. 

What happens next can be devastating - isolation, loss of confidence, and the fear that life will never feel normal again.

That’s where Finding Your Feet steps in. The Scottish charity supports people living with amputation or limb absence through counselling, fitness sessions, and social clubs that rebuild confidence and community.

This Christmas, FYF is calling on businesses to join their ‘Nice List’, a festive fundraising campaign packed with 12 fun and easy ways for offices to give back while having a laugh along the way.

From jumper days and bake-offs to quizzes and desk-decorating competitions, every event helps raise funds that keep FYF’s life-changing support going strong across Scotland.

Zoey, Fundraising Manager at FYF, says the campaign is about helping companies find meaning in their Christmas celebrations:

“We know offices love a good jumper day or quiz, and we don’t want to stop that - we just want to make it count. The FYF Nice List gives workplaces everything they need to turn festive fun into real impact. One team day could fund a counselling session or help an amputee take their first swim lesson,” she told That's Christmas 365.

Companies can download The FYF Nice List and access fundraising posters, templates and toolkits at www.findingyourfeet.net/christmasgiving.

They can also support through EasyFundraising, Alternative Gifting, or by nominating FYF as their Charity of the Year for 2026.

So before the Christmas shop begins, FYF is asking one simple thing:

Get on the Nice List and help someone find their feet again.

A Look Back at Christmas in the 1980s: Toys, TV and Tinsel – Nostalgic Fun for All Ages

There’s something wonderfully warm about looking back at Christmas in the 1980s. It was a decade of bright colours, big hair, iconic telly, and toys that still spark joy today.

 For many, an ’80s Christmas was a magical mix of simple pleasures and glittering excess – tinsel everywhere, festive jumpers knitted by nan, and the unmistakable sound of Wham! on the radio. 

If you’re craving a little nostalgia or want to share some retro fun with the next generation, here’s a cheerful look at the decade that shaped so many of our festive memories.

The Toys That Defined an Era

Christmas mornings in the ’80s often meant tearing open wrapping paper to reveal one of the decade’s must-have toys. A few favourites still raise a smile today:

Transformers and Action Figures

Robots that transformed into cars and planes were the height of cool. Paired with Star Wars figures, Masters of the Universe, and G.I. Joe, kids could recreate their favourite film and cartoon moments long after the Queen’s Speech.

Cabbage Patch Kids

These quirky, slightly odd-looking dolls caused a frenzy. Each one had its own name and adoption certificate, making them feel extra special – and incredibly hard to find some years.

Rubik’s Cube

Whether you solved it properly, peeled the stickers off, or resorted to creative “methods”, the Cube was the stocking filler that frustrated and fascinated everyone.

Big Wheels, BMXs and Skateboards

The ’80s kicked off the era of the cool kid on wheels. Bikes and skateboards under the tree meant Boxing Day was spent outside, showing off new tricks. Or scraped knees...

Handheld Electronic Games

Before smartphones, there were beeping, chunky handheld games with simple graphics but endless appeal. Game & Watch, Simon, and battery-hungry devices were prized treasures.

Christmas Telly We Still Talk About

Back when there were only a handful of channels and no streaming, Christmas TV was a communal experience. Families gathered around the set, fighting for the best seat and the last of the chocolates.

The Big Films

Holiday schedules often featured classics like The Wizard of Oz, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Bond films. If a blockbuster was on, everyone watched it.

Festive Specials

From Only Fools and Horses to The Two Ronnies, Christmas specials became iconic, and many remain firm favourites. The 1986 episode of Bread, the memorable Morecambe & Wise reruns, and the annual Top of the Pops Christmas Day show helped set the festive mood.

Children’s TV

Younger viewers were treated to The Snowman, Bagpuss, Worzel Gummidge, and a seasonal episode of Blue Peter, often featuring that year’s famous Advent crown (health and safety nightmare and all).

Decorations, Tinsel and Retro Sparkle

You couldn’t walk into a living room in the 1980s without being blinded by glitter. Decorations were bold, bright, and completely unapologetic.

Tinsel Everywhere

Not just on the tree – along mantelpieces, wrapped around the banister, and even on lampshades. More was definitely more.

Coloured Fairy Lights

Before today’s sleek white LEDs, it was all about chunky coloured bulbs that got warm enough to toast a marshmallow. And if one bulb went out, the whole string failed. Classic.

Shiny Baubles and Paper Chains

Foil garlands, homemade Christmas paper chains, and those honeycomb tissue-paper bells brought instant cheer to any home.

The Tree Topper Debate

Star or fairy? Every family had a tradition – often one passed down or slightly battered from years of use.

Festive Food and Family Traditions

No ’80s Christmas was complete without the tastes and treats of the season.

Terry’s Chocolate Orange, After Eight mints, and Cadbury Roses (in the original tins!) were shared around – or hidden away by adults.

Home-made sausage rolls, trifle, and Vol-au-vents made starring appearances at the buffet table.

Sherry and Babycham added a festive sparkle, while children clinked glasses with Schweppes Snowball or Shloer.

And of course, the annual board games evening brought out Cluedo, Monopoly, and Trivial Pursuit – along with some family squabbles.

Why ’80s Christmas Still Charms Us

The 1980s captured a particular kind of magic – one shaped by shared experiences, simpler technology, and a sense of collective celebration. Looking back reminds us of the excitement of circling items in catalogues, watching the TV guide with anticipation, and spending the day together without the distraction of devices.

Whether you lived through it or have simply fallen in love with the retro aesthetic, revisiting an ’80s Christmas brings back the joy of wide-eyed wonder, colourful decorations, and the timeless feeling that anything could be wrapped up under the tree.

If you fancy a truly nostalgic festive season, try bringing back a few retro touches this year – a tinsel-heavy tree, a classic board game, or an old-school Christmas film night. After all, Christmas is about joy, connection and making memories, no matter the decade.

Wednesday, 19 November 2025

Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie? Let’s Settle This Once and For All (With a Wink!)

There are few festive debates as enduring, or as enthusiastically argued, as the annual question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? 

Every December, families across the UK gather for mince pies, mulled wine, and the inevitable good-natured bickering about whether John McClane belongs alongside the 1951 A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life and not to forget The Muppet Christmas Carol.

So, in the spirit of seasonal cheer (and mild chaos), let’s take a playful look at both sides of the argument before delivering the definitive answer. Well… sort of.

The Case For Die Hard Being a Christmas Movie

Those in favour stand proud and firm — like a heroic action star walking barefoot across broken glass.

1. It’s literally set on Christmas Eve

Not “around Christmastime”. Not “in winter”. Christmas Eve. At a Christmas party. With tinsel. That’s pretty strong evidence.

2. Christmas music is everywhere

Run-DMC’s Christmas in Hollis sets the tone. We hear festive favourites throughout. Even the closing song wishes us a merry Christmas. If music makes a Christmas film Christmas-y, Die Hard qualifies.

3. The theme of reconciliation is pure Christmas tradition

John wants to mend things with Holly. Families reconnecting? Hearts softening? That’s prime festive material. Actually, is the name of the hero's wife, Holly, perhaps a producer's nod to it being a Christmas movie? 

4. There are presents

Granted: one of the presents is a machine gun (“Ho-ho-ho…”), but let’s not be snobby about alternative gift-giving cultures.

5. Hans Gruber falls from a great height — which is practically a panto tradition

“Oh no he didn’t!”

“Oh yes he did!”

6. It’s become an annual ritual

If you watch it every December without fail… congratulations. It’s a Christmas movie to you. And that counts for something.

The Case Against It

For balance, and to keep the peace at the table, here are the counter-arguments.

1. It’s an action film first, Christmas film second

Most Christmas movies don’t feature a body count, explosions, and endless gunfire. Elf this is not.

2. Remove Christmas from the plot… and it still works

You could set the Nakatomi incident in July at the office summer BBQ and the story wouldn’t fold in half.

3. There’s no Santa, snow, reindeer, or magical lesson

Unless you count “always check the ventilation ducts”, which admittedly is quite practical.

4. Hans Gruber is not a festive villain

He doesn’t want to steal Christmas. He wants the bearer bonds. Not very Christmassy.

So… What’s the Verdict?

Here at That’s Christmas 365, we believe in festive inclusivity. Some people love pudding. Some prefer trifle. Some think Die Hard is a Christmas film. Some think it isn’t.

But we can reveal the definitive, conclusive, scholarly truth:

If you watch it at Christmas, it’s a Christmas movie. If you don’t, it isn’t.

There you go. Argument settled. John McClane may not wear a Santa hat (although that ho-ho-ho jumper counts for partial credit), but he brings families together every year — even if it’s just to argue about him.

Final Die Hard Thought

Whether you’re Team Christmas Movie or Team Absolutely Not, pop it on this December, grab a plate of leftover turkey sandwiches, turn down the lights, and enjoy the explosions.

And remember:

Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.

Happy watching — and happy debating!