Home > Culture > Life > The Monthly Hot List – December 2021

Film & Tv

And Just Like That – Sky and NOW TV (9th December)
And Just Like That – Sky and NOW TV (9th December)

Sex and the City is back, and we couldn’t be more excited! And Just Like That follows Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte as they navigate relationships, friendships, and life as 50-somethings in New York. The films were a low point in the history of Sex and the City, but this new series has promised a return to the style of the original television series. The city and the fashion is amazing as ever and it’s refreshing to see the lives of 50-year-old women depicted on screen. The first two episodes of And Just Like That will premiere on the 9th December and the following 8 episodes of the series will be available weekly on a Thursday.

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Emily in Paris – Netflix (22nd December)
Emily in Paris – Netflix (22nd December)

Emily is back and still in Paris for series 2! Emily in Paris is a romantic comedy series starring the beautiful Lily Collins as Emily. The show has been created by Darren Star who is best known for Sex and the City – it also has Patricia Field as the costume designer, so you know the fashion is certainly fabulous! Emily is an ambitious American girl who moves to Paris to work at a marketing agency. We follow her as she settles into her new life in Paris. The high fashion, sophisticated parties and stunning views of Paris makes it the perfect watch for dreary winter nights!

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Superworm – BBC (25th December)
Superworm – BBC (25th December)

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a BBC and Julia Donaldson adaptation for the children! This is the 9th adaptation of one of her beloved children’s books. Superworm is a comic hero and ultimately, he will triumph over the evil villain – wizard lizard! As in previous years, there is an all-star cast to voice the characters – Olivia Colman is narrating and Matt Smith is voicing Superworm. Catch Superworm on BBC 1, Christmas Day at 2.30pm!

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Books

If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life – Anna Hindmarch
If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life – Anna Hindmarch

“Anya Hindmarch is a mother of five, stepmother, entrepreneur, and globally renowned businesswoman. In If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, she shares what she has learned during her busy and eclectic life, what she still worries about, and what advice she has received along the way.” This book is helpful, warm, funny, and genuinely has lots of excellent advice – it would make a perfect gift this Christmas!

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My Body – Emily Ratajkowski
My Body – Emily Ratajkowski

“Emily Ratajkowski is an acclaimed model and actress, an engaged political progressive, an entrepreneur, a global social media phenomenon, and now, a writer. Rocketing to world fame at age twenty-one, Ratajkowski sparked both praise and furore with the provocative display of her body as an unapologetic statement of feminist empowerment. The subsequent evolution in her thinking about our culture’s commodification of women is the subject of this book.” This book is a fascinating insight into the modern position of women in society and provides much to think about.

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Podcasts

Am I Normal? – Mona Chalabi
Am I Normal? – Mona Chalabi

Mona Chalabi is a data journalist and knows her stuff. Am I Normal? is a funny, fresh, and intriguing new podcast that explores all the questions you want to know! “We all want to know if we’re normal—do I have enough friends? Should it take me this long to get over my ex? Should I move or stay where I am? Endlessly curious data journalist Mona Chalabi NEEDS to know, and she’s ready to dive into the numbers to get some answers. But studies and spreadsheets don’t tell the whole story, so she’s consulting experts, strangers, and even her mum to fill in the gaps. The answers might surprise you, and make you ask: does normal even exist? Am I Normal?”

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Coiled – Leanne Alie
Coiled – Leanne Alie

Coiled is a documentary podcast all about Black Afro Hair in all its forms and textures. It’s hosted and produced by Leanne Alie – a BBC podcast producer. “This podcast follows the journey of the host, Leanne Alie as she transitions from chemically straightened hair, back to natural and through this journey she also explores the history of afro hair, where is human hair sourced, who owns the Black hair industry, what’s actually in the chemicals that we put into our hair as well as shining a light on those who are working towards better representation of afro hair in the UK.” It’s insightful, educational, and one of the best new podcasts released recently.

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Events

Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London
Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park, London

The Winter Wonderland event in Hyde Park runs for 6 weeks from 19th November – 3rd January. It’s one of the biggest Christmas attractions in the UK and there is something for all the family to enjoy. “Mornings are great for families, where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland at a leisurely pace. When the evening comes around, Hyde Park is transformed by thousands of sparkling lights so grab your mulled wine, hot chocolate or stein of Bavarian beer and join in the festive fun!” Tickets from: entrance is free during off-peak periods and costs £7.50 for peak times. You must pre-book tickets.

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 New Year’s Eve – Legoland, Windsor  31st December 2021
New Year’s Eve – Legoland, Windsor 31st December 2021

Legoland Windsor Resort has planned the perfect New Year’s Eve escape for a family with young children – you are bound to create some truly special family memories. “Spend some quality family time in the park, enjoying your favourite rides and attractions as well as extra festive fun and holiday activities. Complete your trip with an overnight stay in a fully LEGO themed room, from Pirates to Wizards there’s something for every LEGO lover! You’ll even find a few treats to help you welcome in the New Year…and then what better way to celebrate than at 9.30pm – or what LEGOLAND like to call ‘Midnight’ in KST (Kid Standard Time) – the skies will light up with a sensational 3D LEGO® brick fireworks display!”

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