Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2025 — Christmas Day

25th December, 2025: Christmas Day.

It’s Christmas Day.

And … ?

Bar the one car that’s just gone past, my street is as quiet as the grave.

It’s the one day of the year it happens: and quite beautiful.

With that said?

I can only wish you — and the neighbours, if they’re reading this — a very Happy Christmas.

It’s the one bit noise we should make, today.

~≈🎄≈~

Unless the noise is music, of course.

I always think the best Christmas song ever written, is one about two drunk people having a row in the middle of Times Square.

How more Christmasy do you want?

How more Christmasy can you get?

The only way to get more Christmasy … is to have a song by two of the best male singers of their respective generations.

One of whom is in recovery from a serious drug habit: the other*, a major investor in tape recorder technology.

Either of those songs … ?

Is a contender for “Best Xmas Song Ever Recorded”!

~≈🎶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2024 — Christmas Day

25th December, 2024: Christmas Day.

Right … it’s Christmas.

We are officially allowed to jump, scream and run around.

Whilst waving our hands in the air.

That is … we’re allowed jump, scream, run around and wave our hands in the air … if we want to make bloody idiots of ourselves.

If we’re not … ?

Hopefully, we’re having a good day.

~≈🎅🏻≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Christmas Day.

Which means … ?

Presents for one thing.

And the inevitable review of a Doctor Who episode.

Hopefully, I’ll have my review of Joy to the World up by Friday.

But, until then?

I’ll offer you my review of The War Games In Colour.

~≈🎅🏻≈~

Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 25-12-2023 — Christmas Day

25th December, 2023: Christmas Day.

It's official: it's Christmas Day.

A time of great joy,wonderment, peace, love, wossname and unlimited bowls of rice pudding.

I feel vaguely cynical, already.

But?

Can only hope the things the day is supposed to symbolise -- peace, love, understanding -- takes some sort of hold in the world.

It could be nice.

~≈🎄≈~

Things go on, though.

Including video reviews.

My most recent, of the seventh episode of For All Mankind, is something you can watch, here.

There's also something of an apology -- and confession -- for those who've donated money to me, over the past few days.

So you know?

My normally very reliable iMac failed on me, last week.

So?

I managed to take it to a local repair shop: after several friends  and family members made some very generous donations.

Friday, just gone?   The 22nd of this year?

Was when I was told it would be ready to pick up.

It wasn't.

Nor was it ready, Saturday: there were expensive sounding issues.

So?   I told the shop I'd look in on Sunday -- yesterday, Christmas Eve -- as they were open: to do the inevitable talk.

They hadn't fixed it.

Seemingly?

They'd replaced the power supply that was causing issues, but found they were having issues with the screen ... and with the motherboard, and the central processor: and were finding something short-circuiting, somewhere.

They couldn't -- in the time allowed, and for the agreed price -- fix the thing.

I felt that, under the circumstances, taking the thing off them, and back home, would be the best bet.

The possible upside?

Was that people had donated enough for me to buy a replacement Mac: an M2 Mac mini which is scheduled to arrive on Friday.

I'm looking forward to that.

As helpful as the back-up laptop is, it would be nice to use the keyboard shortcuts I'm used to.

There is one thing, though.

I feel I should apologise to you, if you were one of the donors I'm grateful to.

After all, you donated your hard earned cash to me: in the expectation I'd spend the money on a repair, rather than a replacement.

I can only apologise.

At any rate?

Happy Christmas!

~≈🎄≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2022 — Christmas Day.

25th December, 2022: Christmas Day.

It’s official: it’s Christmas Day.

And Sunday.

Personally?

I’ll be doing what I usually do: and spending it with my family.

Oh, and opening presents.

And watching others open presents.

Despite the fact some of them are in birthday cards, rather than Xmas cards?

I’m hoping they go down well.

At any rate … ?

And whatever I’m doing?

I hope you get things you need.

That isn’t necessarily the same as things you want.

~≈🌲≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2021: Christmas Day

25th December, 2021.

Right … 

I am officially wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!

And hoping it goes well for you!

Personally … ?

I’m going to have dinner with my family.

I just hope the presents go down well.

~≈🎄≈~

Nik Nak’s Christmas Teaser — 25-12-2020: Christmas Day

Christmas Day: 25th December, 2020.

Yes: it’s officially Christmas Day.

And, to be honest?

I’m grateful I’m in a social bubble with my immediate family, and have somewhere to spend part of the day.

Some of the neighbours?

I couldn’t tell you what’s happening!

I can only hope they — and anyone who’s who on their own, this year — do well.

Happy Christmas, to them … and you.

~≈🎅🏻≈~

Oh, JUST as a thought … ?

I’m guessing there’s a few Dr Who fans reading this.

And who are probably going to be glued to the New Year’s Day episode, Revolution of The Daleks.

Well, it seems that — here in the UK — it’s going to be screened in 4k, on the iPlayer: as well as the usual range of other formats.

Which should make New Year’s Day interesting.

~≈🕰≈~

As a final point … ?   As BBC America’s got a kind of mention, there?

I’ve unsubscribed from BBC America’s Instagram, YouTube and Twitter feeds.

Because of the utter bloody TRAVESTY that is The Watch: their utterly wrong take of the works of Terry Pratchett.

Frankly, I think the producer should have been aborted at birth.

Or possibly shot.

Either way, I don’t want any of the publicity bumf for the damn thing on my timeline.

It’s got nothing to do with the Terry Pratchett novel I know and love.

~≈💀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2019: Christmas Day

25th December, 2019.

It’s official: today is Christmas Day.

And I, like many others, will be celebrating the day with my family.

It should be good: I’m looking forward to seeing how my nephew — he’s nine, tomorrow, if you wanted to surprise someone with an extra present — to the Christmas presents he’s been given.

Including the expensive one!

I’ve just managed to send one a link on how to set up a child’s account on the thing to my family.

Isn’t it amazing what you think of at the last minute?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Christmas Day Teaser — 25-12-2018

25th December, 2018: Christmas Day.

Yay … !

It’s Christmas Day.

Which, frankly?

I’ll be heading over to my family’s, later.

Granted, I’ve not been able to get much, given the job situation: but at least I could get something … 

Someone’s due to get a lot of Lego, I know that.

~≈§≈~

Despite the Christmas theme?

There’s still news happening … 

One piece I did notice?

Was that Apple have picked up some kudos.

As they’ve removed an app from the iOS App Store, written by a US religious group known to be homophobic.

The LGBT group that’s highlighting it are — understandably — pleased: but still want to see the app removed from both Google Play, and Amazon.

Good luck on that.

I do know, though, that there’s a film doing the rounds, called I Am Michael: which, although based on a true story, looks very much in favour of Gay Conversion therapy.

I’m left handed, so you know, rather than gay: and heard several stories about fellow lefties who’d been forced to become right-handed.

So I’m sympathetic: as I can see the comparison.

Given that?

I’m concerned enough to ask a film about gay conversion therapy … is still on the UK iTunes Store … ?

Someone’s missed something … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2017: Christmas Day

Well it’s officially Christmas day.

Unless, of course, you’re using some version of the Julian Calendar: in which case?

It’s going to be a week or two away.

 Personally?

I’m not going to worry too much about the calendar.

I’m just going to enjoy dinner with my family: and watching Jude open watch ever presents are left!

Oh, and catch tonight’s Dr Who: and yes, I’ve got my timers set.

I’m also going to ask for an opinion.

If you’ve seen Star Wars: The Last Jedi … ?

Wonder over to my review, and let me know what you thought.

I’d appreciate knowing.

Call it a Christmas present for your favourite blogger … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2016: Christmas Day

2016 has been one heck of a year, hasn’t it?

I mean … 

It’s seen quite a few celebrity deaths: people whose lives and work meant much to many.

Another one has been added to the list.

Rick Parfitt of Status Quo died in hospital, yesterday: of blood poisoning from complications of a shoulder injury.

My condolences go to his family.

On a personal level?

I’m upset.

The Quo were and are musical favourites of mine.

Not great, perhaps, but providing fantastic music, over the course of five decades: driven, partly, by Parfitt’s song-writing skills, and abilities on rhythm guitar.

He’ll be missed.

~≈Ì≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-12-2015: Christmas Day

Well, that’s two presents opened … !

I’ve now got my own Mad Hatter keyring … AND an compilation CD, as well.   Which looks rather interesting.

And will be imported into iTunes, the minute I get the chance!

All of that … ?   Is courtesy of a Secret Santa scheme we do at work.

Which are rather fun.

So you know, a few work places I know of, do a Secret Santa: basically, you get assigned a random person to give a gift to — USB sticks with keyrings make for a good example, you can never have to many USB sticks — and a spending limit, and buy your giftee a present: AND end up getting one, yourself.

Personally … ?   I’ve got a FUNNY feeling whoever got mine for me?   Would SERIOUSLY get on with my Aunty Bella!

At any rate … ?   That’s put a smile on my face, first thing on a Christmas morning.

:D

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-12-2014: Christmas Day — The Nativity

It’s here … 

Christmas Day, I should add … !

And I have to admit to being up, relatively early: after a late night at work.

What amazed me there … ?   Was the fact, on my way up Warley Hill, I saw a few people coming down … complete with wrapping paper, and last minute presents.

~≈∑≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-12-2013: Christmas Day

It’s now today: no, really!

But you knew that, didn’t you … ?

It’s now officially Christmas Day.

Which means, of course, that there’s going to be a heck of a lot of gift-giving at the family home.

Personally … ?

Well, personally, I’m glad Brentwood’s got it’s own branch of Poundland.

From where I’m sitting, that meant I could pick up something, even if it wasn’t much.

Although, it HAS to be said … a certain little boy going to get a lot of toy cars off his uncle.

I’m sort of looking forward to that: after all, half the fun of gift-giving is seeing the effect your present has, when it’s unwrapped … 

You never know your luck, I might even post photos … 

~≈Ï≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Debbi, and original Big Beast, Kaiju†, putting in their answers: with Debbi* double-checking her card had got through, the day saw both players scoring seven out of seven.

Let’s see how they — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To,’ License and video … 

Q1) Today is Christmas Day: obviously!   Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in which religion … ?

Q2) The first recorded use of the word ‘Christmas’ — the Old English word ‘Crīstesmæsse’ — was in which year: 1037, 1038 or 1039?

Q3) The Ancient Roman festival that corresponds to Christmas Day was the Dies Sol Invictus: which translates as the Day Of The Victorious … what … ?

Q4) Traditionally, Christmas pudding is made a few days in advance of Christmas Day: on Stir Up … when … ?

Q5) Which obligate hemi-parasitic plant are you allowed to kiss under, on Christmas Day … ?

Q6) Christmas song, Jingle Bells was originally written to celebrate which US holiday … ?

Q7) The original Christmas Cards were commissioned by Sir Henry Cole: in which year of the 1840s … ?

Q8) Christmas Jones appears in which James Bond film … ?

Q9) Noted judge and barrister, Christmas Humphreys, QC, was one of Britain’s best known converts to which religion … ?

Q10) The ‘x’ in Xmas actually represents which Greek letter: sigma, omega or chi … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 24th December sees the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast by the BBC.   From which Cambridge College: Christ’s, King’s or Queen’s … ?

A1) King’s.

Q2) On Christmas Eve, many Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries have a Midnight Mass called Misa de Gallo: or Mass of the … what … ?

A2) Mass Of The Rooster.

Q3) Christmas Eve is on the 24th December: All Hallow’s Eve is on which date … ?

A3) 31st October: it’s Halloween.

Q4) Eve Harrington is a character in which 1950 film … ?

A4) All About Eve.

Q5) More to the point, Evey Hammond turns up in which 2005 film … ?

A5) V For Vendetta.

Q6) Living between 140000 and 200000 years ago, what name is given to humanity’s most ancient common female ancestor … ?

A6) Mitochondrial Eve.

Q7) Finally … in which book of the Bible does Eve appear … ?

A7) The Book Of Genesis.

Enjoy those.

I’ll leave you with this thought from Dave Barry … 

“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or (to the atheists) ‘Look out for the wall!’”

Dave Barry, in Christmas Shopping: A Survivors Guide.

And with this song‡ … 

Have a Happy Christmas.

*        It got through, Debbi, and sitting on my window sill, as we speak: I’m just sorry I couldn’t get one in return.   Either way, Happy Christmas to you and Rick … !

†        Happy Christmas, Kaiju … !

‡        An alternative version, doing the rounds when I was young, started with an different first verse: 

“We Three Kings Of Orient Are,
One In a taxi, One in a car
One on a scooter, bibbing his hooter,
following yonder star”.

GOSH, how we laughed …

The Christmas Day Teaser — 25-12-2012

You know … 

It’s Christmas morning.

And frankly, I’m feeling tired.   But sort of happy that I’ve got all my Xmas shopping done.

And have to actually admit, I’m looking forward to Jude’s birthday, tomorrow: I’ve managed to pick him up a toy car — Lightnin’ McQueen, from the film, Cars — and can’t wait to see how he reacts!.

Now … 

Let’s move on, shall we … ?

Yes, let’s … !

~~~~~~

Yesterday’s saw Debbi — all on her ownsome — putting in her answers.   Along with bagging 7 out of 7, she also managed to wish us all a Happy Christmas*.

Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video … 

Q1) Christmas Day is the traditional date of Jesus’ birth.   In which year was this … ?

Q2) More to the point, Jesus’ birth was supposed to be during the reign of which Jewish king … ?

Q3) Equally to the point, the Ethiopian Church celebrates Christmas Day, when … ?

Q4) In which year of the 1640s did Cromwell’s Parliament ban celebrating Christmas Day … ?

Q5) And finally … Name either of the Gospels that give accounts of Jesus’ birth.

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) Christmas Eve is a four act opera by whom: Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka, Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov or Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky … ?   

A1) Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov.

Q2) 24th December, 1914, saw the start of the World War 1 Christmas Truce.   Near which Belgian town … ?   

A2) Ypres.

Q3) More to the point, what was the name of the pope who’d called for peace, in the run-up to Christmas, that year … ?   

A3) Benedict 15th.

Q4) In which year did Pope Benedict 16th perform the Christmas Eve Thought For the Day … ?   

A4) 2010.

Q5) Equally to the point, what’s Benedict 16th’s Twitter name … ?   

A5) @Pontifex.

Q6) Moving on … During World War 2, 24th December, 1943, saw which US general named as Supreme Allied Commander … ?   

A6) Dwight D Eisenhower.

Q7) And finally … 24th December, 1166, saw the birth of which English king … ?   

A7) King John.

Enjoy those, everyone.

I’ll leave you with Silent Night, which is something of a favourite.

And wish you a Merry Christmas … 

*        Blast!   Wish I’d kept that link, now, Debbi: it would’ve made for a suitable strange video Xmas one.   At ANY rate … ?   Happy Xmas … Oh, and BEFORE I forget … ?   Happy Hogswatch … !

The Christmas Day Teaser — 25-11-2011

Oooh …

I’ve GOT to admit, I hate being bunged up on Christmas Day, I really do.

Mind you … ?

We’r having the traditional family get-together, today: complete with way too much food, possibly too much too drink …

And a collective funny feeling that Jude, bless, having his very first Christmas, will be more fascinated by the wrapping paper than any of the presents … !

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes let’s …

««•»»

Yesterday’s Christmas Eve Teaser saw both Mr Strict and Debbi putting in their answer: with Debbi scoring 7 Mr S bagging 6 out of 7.

Let’s see how and if they — and you — do with today’s Christmas Day teaser, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video …

Q1) Which team was top of the Premier League on Christmas Day, 1992?

Q2) In the Gregorian calendar, 25th December, is on the 25th December. Obviously. When is December 25th, in the Julian calendar, used by many Eastern Orthodox churches?

Q3) The dragon-slayer, St. George, was born in Cappodocia. In which modern day country is Cappodocia?

Q4) Who made the headlines in 1906 by refusing Christmas dinner?

Q5) What period begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day?

Q6) Oliver Cromwell and his puritans were instrumental in abolishing Christmas celebrations in England: who reinstated them?

Q7) 25th December, 2010, saw the death of children’s writer, Elizabeth Beresford: which famously tidy creatures did she create … ?

Q8) 25th December, 1974, saw Cyclone Tracey devastate which Australian city … ?

Q9) 25th December, 1990, saw the first successful trials of what became the World Wide Web: what was the name of the .www software’s creator?

Q10) And finally … 25th December, 1642, saw the birth of which English Scientist … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 24th December usually sees the BBC broadcast Nine Lessons and Carols: from which Cambridge college … ?

A1) Kings College.

Q2) 24th December, 1968, saw astronauts read a passage from Genesis on their orbit of what … ?

A2) The Moon.

Q3) More to the point, which chapter of Genesis … ?

A3) Chapter 1: verses one to ten

Q4) 24th December saw the famous World War One Christmas Truce: in which year of the war, was this … ?

A4) 1914.

Q5) Many Church of Scotland churches hold a what on the night of Christmas Eve and New Years Eve … ?

A5) Watch Night.

Q6) 24th December, 1979, saw the launch of Europe’s first rocket, the Ariane 1: how many satellites did the Ariane 1 put in orbit, in its working life … ?

A6) 14.

Q7) And finally … 24th December, 1924, saw which East European country become a republic … ?

A7) Albania.

Enjoy those, everyone.

Have a very, merry Christmas.

A Christmas Carol: Dr Who, and families

*Spoilers*

Or, at least, this post will be a spoiler, if you haven’t actually seen the Christmas Day Dr Who special, A Christmas Carol.

Which was — I think — superb … !

«•»

To be frank … ?

It’s actually — so far — been the highlight of my Christmas …

Let me explain.

In case you didn’t know, the younger of my two sister, Ruth is pregnant.

Actually … ?

She went into labour, this morning.

At 2.

She’s still, some fifteen hours later, still in labour.

Understandably, I think for my immediate family … ?

Christmas — at least the present-giving part of it — has been put on hold, until at least tomorrow, when Ruth gets back home, with me nephew …

Nerve-wracking, isn’t it … ?

«•»

But lets get back to tonight’s episode, shall we … ?

And wasn’t it fantastic … … ?

As the title implies, A Christmas Carol is loosely based on the the Christmas time Dickens classic. But opens with Rory and Amy spending their honeymoon on a soon=to-crash spaceship.

One who’s crash can be prevented only with the help of Scrooge-like Kazran Sardick, played by Michæl Gambon.

Who’s not exactly bothered by the 4003 people whose lives could be lost …

«•»

Now, can I be frank, here … ?

I’m actually impressed.

No, seriously, I’m impressed.

Like many of my friends, I was a touch worried about Matt Smith taking over from David Tennant, as the Doctor.

But felt that — over the course of series 5 — he slowly improved.

A Christmas Carol … ?

I think A Christmas Carol shows us that Matt Smith is now officially the Doctor.