How to live like 4 of your favourite festive film characters

The festive season is upon us, and it’s pretty much the same deal every year:

• Shop for gifts last minute
• Eat like a Sumo wrestler in training
• Travel to see your friends of family to give them potentially disappointing gifts
• And last but not least, rewatch movies you’ve seen 100 times

We hit rewind on our go-to films for a reason; They’re classics. But things can get a little old and everyone needs spice in their life.

Our delectable ‘Christmas Without Borders’ campaign celebrates the UK’s multiculturalism and how what we put on our plates has gone global. 59% of us have seen an increase in the use of non-traditional festive flavours in our Christmas cooking, with 22% tasting new spices and seasonings in their festive favourites. You can dribble over the Xmas recipe’s Chef Mallika Basu put together here.

But now, let’s make your fave film experiences as appetising as your Christmas Dinner.

Season your spending first

Please note, I haven’t crafted - yes, this is a craft - a second-by-second breakdown of how to live like the below characters. That would be insane, very on brand for me, but, insane nonetheless. Instead, you’re getting a few ideas to both inspire you and spark your fabulous imagination.

Enjoy.

Or not.

But hopefully, enjoy.

1) Elf, Buddy the Elf

Look the part

It goes without saying you need an Elf costume. Not just any party shop costume, but a handcrafted one from Etsy. You can’t put a price on the way this little number will make you feel. Well, you can, and it’s £116.03. If you’re spending outside of the UK, fear not, our international Wise Debit Card can at least save you from unnecessary exchange rate fees.

Now to fly

Walking through the Candy Cane Forest Sea of Swirly-Twirly Gum Drops may not be possible on your journey from the North Pole to New York City. What you can do is travel 12 miles to Fairbanks, Alaska and catch a flight to the Big Apple from there. There will be stops, but you can use that time to apply for a job in a mailroom. If you haven't come from the North Pole and are applying for your new gig from abroad, our Wise Business card can help you get paid like a local.

Eat like an Elf

Elves stick to four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup. But Buddy’s signature spaghetti ventures out of the norm. Just like you, you rebel. You can order a Buddy Pasta Kit from the one and only HelloFresh, or you can make it yourself.

Ingredients

Spaghetti

Chocolate syrup

M&Ms

Mini Marshmallows

Chocolate Pop Tarts

Maple Syrup

2) The Holiday, Amanda Woods

Method act

First things first, you’re going to need to go through a bad breakup. I’m talking BAD. If you haven’t got a partner, don’t worry: Have a fake argument on the phone in public and cause a scene. Breakups are hard, so let me introduce you to someone who doesn’t disappoint.

Make yourself at home

Renting Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary used to be possible on Airbnb. They may bring it back, who knows? But for now, rent yourself a cottage in the same village and walk past the original home every day. Actually, that sounds rather creepy. Don’t do that.

Keep warm

If you don’t have a warm jumper on, a cup of tea in one hand, and a glass of wine in the other, you’re doing it wrong. As a citizen of the world, treat yourself to one of New Zealand's premium Merino jumpers. I’ll leave you to the tea and the tipple.

3) Die Hard, John McClain

Go hard or go home

Dressing the Die Hard way isn’t tricky. A white vest, a water gun and rolling around in some dust will do the trick. There’s also a brand called dieHard Boots. They have nothing to do with the film, but when in rome.

Speaking of which, if you fancy moving to Rome, we have a guide on how to do it and how Wise can help.

Find a scene for the crime

I cannot promote destroying an office building. I can, however, promote setting up your own business, renting an office space, and purchasing party poppers and sprinklers. Then, invite a few friends over to play an endless game of hide and seek.

No thanks

If for some bizarre reason, none of my suggestions appeal to you, lean into the role of Detective John McClain from the comfort of your home with a Murder Mystery Game.

4) Love Actually, The Prime Minister

Walk the walk and talk the talk

Lucky for you, Hugh Grant features in enough movies to form their own streaming platform. Watch every single one of them. Perfect his accent. Become Hugh. You are Hugh.

If that doesn’t work, there are online elocution lessons available. Or phone a British friend, forcing them to take part in your weird but wonderful festive adventure.

Oh, and buy a suit.

Get your party pants on

The Love Actually dance scene is iconic. Watch it, rehearse it, ask those closest to you for feedback.

Be busy and important

Have somebody pace behind you carrying files and hire freelance photographers for ad hoc press conferences. Find the best of the best from around the world and send them your pennies with Wise so they know you’re legit.

This was weird, show me Wise stuff instead