Christmas, Actually…

It’s that time of the year again when I’m compelled to post the opening scene from the movie, Love, Actually – one of the very few Christmas movies for adults. My wife and I watch it every year beside our brilliantly lit Christmas tree. The opening sequence wraps up not only the spirit of the holiday, but the heart of the human condition, no matter what time of year, quite perfectly. As a writer, I’ve always been envious of these few simple yet achingly elegant lines of prose.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I wish you all health, love and happiness.

Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.

Tags: Christmas, Christmas movies, happy holidays, Hunter Shea, opening scene from Love Actually

About Hunter Shea

Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past his house. He doesn’t just write about the paranormal – he actively seeks out the things that scare the hell out of people and experiences them for himself. Hunter’s novels can even be found on display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. His video podcast, Monster Men, is one of the most watched horror podcasts in the world. You’ll also find him every week on the Final Guys podcast, available everywhere. He’s a bestselling author of over 30 books, all of them written with the express desire to quicken heartbeats and make spines tingle. Living with his wonderful family and two cats, he’s happy to be close enough to New York City to gobble down Gray’s Papaya hotdogs when the craving hits.

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Maria D. says : December 23, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Very timely reminder! Thanks

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hookofabook says : December 23, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Love you and yours (eek, hope I can say that so openly!), but I am so blessed to know you. Big hugs and Merry Christmas!

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- Hunter Shea says : December 23, 2013 at 10:30 pm
  Say it loud, say it proud! Same to you and your amazing family.
  
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Scott Sycoff says : December 23, 2013 at 9:23 pm
Well said

Scott Sycoff Sent from my iPhone

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- Hunter Shea says : December 23, 2013 at 10:30 pm
  Indeed! Wishing you and your family (and the Islanders) all the best!
  
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Jack Campisi (@backinjack) says : December 26, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Merry Christmas, Monster Man.

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Paul D. Dail says : December 28, 2013 at 9:35 pm
I’ve never actually seen that movie, but that a very nice little segment.

Just wanted to stop by and say I’m wishing good things for you and your family, my friend.

Hope it was Merry, and that it soon will be Happy.

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- Hunter Shea says : December 29, 2013 at 2:57 am
  Same to you, Paul. May 2014 bring us everything we ever wanted!
  
  Reply