“It’s great to see how much our gentoo penguins are enjoying the Christmas movies we’ve put on for them,” Leah Pettitt, an aquarist at the centre, told the British Press Association.

Among others the Christmas film “Elf” was shown to the penguins to help prepare them for visitors again when the Aquarium reopened to the public on 2nd December.

“Whilst they were enjoying these festive films, they were still, just like us, very much looking forward to our real-life guests returning,” said Pettitt.

“We know that they watch and listen to our visitors just as much as the visitors enjoy watching the penguins,” she added.

The Aquarium, as well as zoos and similar facilities, had been closed since early November when it was announced that there would be a month-long partial lockdown in England.

Ms Pettitt said 2020 has presented “more challenges than most” in keeping the penguins entertained.

Elf is an American 2003 Christmas comedy movie, directed by Jon Favreau. It stars Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zooey Deschanel, and Ed Asner with Leon Redbone. Ferrell plays a human named Buddy who is raised by elves on the North Pole because he had stowed away from an orphanage in Santa’s sack and ended up at the North Pole where Santa lives.  He lives the way the elves do and helps in Santa’s workshop. Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs is on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk. He had no idea that Buddy was even born.  Buddy is used to how elves live, which is very different from how humans live and New York is a perfectly opposite way of living compared to the North Pole.

source: www.dpa-international.com, kiddle.co

Christmas movies. Can you match the two parts of the titles?

Key:

1. c.
2. e.
3. a.
4. b.
5. d.

– Come on you maggots. Move it. Come on, move along. There’s chimneys to sweep. I do not pay you to have fun.

-Christmas turkey, all the trimmings and exotic delicacies from far, far away. Step right up.

– Fruit.

– Thank you, Mrs. Sainsbury. Come on.

– Gotcha. Ho, ho, ho. Nicholas, the Sweep, eh?

– I got my first thief. I caught him orange-handed.

– It wasn’t me.

– What should we do with him?

– Chuck him in the dungeon.

– Burn the witch.

– Give him a fair trial.

– Sorry, uh, uh, I mean…

– Banish him forever. Banish him.

– I didn’t do it. It wasn’t me.

– Oh, that is disappointing. Some people are just rotten to the core.

– Rotten to the core. Ho, ho, ho!

– Thief, thief, thief, thief!

– It wasn’t me.

– Sssh, I know, I know. Let’s get you somewhere safe.

– These are for you.

– But…miss… I can’t pay for these.

– Well, if you can’t do something special for someone at Christmas, when can you?

– Miss. There’s something I need to do.

– What’s this? Who’s done this?

– What? What’s this? Get back to work.

And that is a totally true story. Merry Christmas!

Can you find the English equivalent of these Hungarian phrases in the script?

1. Valamit meg kell tennem.

2. Nem azért fizetlek benneteket, hogy szórakozzatok.

3. Mit csináljunk vele?

4. Nem én voltam.

5. Ki tette ezt?

Key

1. There’s something I need to do.

2. I do not pay you to have fun.

3. What should we do with him?

4. It wasn’t me.

5. Who’s done this?

Key facts about A Christmas Carol:

– On Christmas Eve, Scrooge makes his clerk, Bob Cratchit, work in the cold.

– He refuses an invitation to his nephew Fred’s Christmas party and will not give money to the charity collectors.

– At home he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Marley.

– The Ghost of Christmas Past wakes Scrooge and shows him moments from his childhood, his apprenticeship and his failed engagement.

– The Ghost of Christmas Present takes him to the Cratchit’s home, where he is saddened by the ill, but kind, Tiny Tim. He is also shown how Fred celebrates Christmas with friends and how others celebrate Christmas together.

– The final ghost is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come who terrifies Scrooge with visions of his death.

– Scrooge awakes on Christmas Day and is delighted to find he has the chance to repent of his miserly ways. He buys a turkey for the Cratchits and attends his nephew’s party.

– Scrooge becomes like a second father to Tiny Tim and gains a reputation for knowing how to celebrate Christmas.

Now that you are familiar with the plot watch the video and answer the questions.

– I’m cold, Sir.

– Bah, humbug.

– Merry Christmas, uncle.

– Bah, humbug.

– You’re invited to my house for dinner. Please come.

– Humbug.

– Alms for the poor, Governor.

– Bah, humbug.

– But what about the poor? Just a little bit.

– Humbug. Let them die.

– Can I have tomorrow off?

– Of course not.

– But it’s Christmas.

– Fine, but be here all the earlier the following day.

– Thank you, Mr. Scrooge.

– Christmas. What a nuisance. Humbug.

– You…

– Who is there?

– In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley, but now I wear these chains. I’ve come to tell you that you’re doomed.

– Can’t I do anything to save myself?

– You will be visited by three spirits.

– Wake up, Scrooge. I am the ghost of Christmas Past and I’m here to show you what has been, so come on.

– Here you are as a young boy.

– Here you are as an overly ambitious youth.

– Here you are as a young man.

– Here you met the love of your life.

– Oh, Belle.

– Here you are with your money, the new love of your life.

– Please, show me no more, Spirit.

– Whatever you say.

– Wake up, and know me better, man.

– You are a giant.

– That is easily remedied. Now come, let us see Christmas.

– See, how joyful they are. And all because of it’s Christmas.

– Here is the home of your overworked employee, Bob Cratchit.

– Why are they happy when they have so little?

– Because they have something you do not. Love and joy.

– But what about Tiny Tim? What will happen to him?

– Don’t ask me. Ask the next guy.

– Spirit where are you?

– Are, are you the ghost of Christmas Future?

– Why? Why are we here?

– Tiny Tim dies?

– I die? Oh, Spirit, please tell me that these things can be changed. Give me a second chance.

– What? I’m back and it’s Christmas morning. The spirits have given me a second chance. I’m going to go out and live my life like a good man.  

– Oh, what a beautiful day.

– Here gents, have some money and a Merry Christmas.

– Santa. Will Bob Cratchit be surprised!

– Mr. Scrooge?

– Merry Christmas, Bob. Have a turkey. I’m also making you my partner.

– Oh, thank you, Mr. Scrooge.

– Oh, don’t mention it, but I must be off to my nephew’s for dinner. Goodbye, and have a Merry Christmas, everyone.

1. What’s Mr. Scrooge wearing on his head?

2. What is Jacob Marley wearing?

3. What’s Mr. Scrooge wearing on his head while sleeping?

4. What size is the Ghost of Christmas Present?

5. What’s the full name of Mr. Scrooge?

Key

1. a top hat

2. chains

3. a blue nightcap

4. He is a giant.

5. Ebenezer Scrooge

Whether you’re an old-school cartoon fan or a box-office fiend, here are twelve stellar Christmas movies that’ll keep your whole family piled on the couch.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)


This classic doesn’t need much introduction. Meet family man George Bailey, who finds himself caught in a sticky dilemma when mean old Mr. Potter tries to ruin the day (again). This favorite also stars Clarence, the friendly neighborhood angel, who was the most lovable, nightgown-wearing character that the 1940’s ever saw.

Love Actually (2003)

When I started asking about Christmas movies around the office, almost every woman I spoke with put Love Actually in her top three. For the sake of those out there who would be very sad if It’s A Wonderful Life was second best, I’ve placed this 2003 holiday love story in second place. The self-proclaimed ‘ultimate romantic comedy’, Love Actually follows the stories of ten British folks who, as we come to find out, are all connected in some beautiful, poetic way. Essentially, the director put Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, and Alan Rickman in one movie and just waited for us to fall in love.

A Christmas Story (1983)


If you don’t immediately think Red Ryder BB Gun, leg lamp, or pink bunny suit, I highly recommend taking the day off from work and refreshing your memory. Poor sweet Ralphie and his eccentric family navigate bullies, metal poles, bowling balls, gifts from Aunt Clara, some hungry dogs, and a really, really weird looking Santa Claus. Definitely memorable, and definitely something you should watch.

White Christmas (1954)


If you’re not a fan of musical numbers, this 1950s box-office smash may not be for you. If you are, however, please find a television immediately. Military buds Bob and Phil turn into a successful singing duo and run into some new (and beautiful) friends in need – sister act Judy and Betty. The four come together in a fun, Vermont-based love story that also involves saving a lonely General’s Christmas.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)


There was a pretty solid toss-up in our office as to which version of the Grinch should be recommended… but we decided that the cartoon is no-lose. This heart-warming (or heart-enlarging, in the Grinch’s case) story follows an angry Grinch and his adorable dog who steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville. I don’t want to ruin the ending, but it may involve hand-holding.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)


This often-overlooked family movie features our beloved misfit Rudolph and a quirky elf-dentist named Hermey who together navigate the woes of being different. Also watch out for the ever-manly Yukon Cornelius, a jolly elderly snowman named Sam, and cuddly Bumble, the not-so-scary Abominable Snowman.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This Peanuts tale will absolutely warm your soul. A depressed Charlie Brown and his band of comic-strip friends find the true meaning of Christmas beyond the “over-commercialization” that Charlie feels is taking over the holiday. Expect to see Snoopy dance his way into your heart and Linus’ blanket turn into a versatile stage prop.

The Polar Express
 (2004)

Two words: Tom Hanks. Put together everything you love about Tom Hanks, and that is boosted exponentially in the beauty that is Polar Express. A child who begins to doubt the magic of Christmas is taken on a train adventure to the North Pole and rediscovers his holiday spirit. This kids’ film brings cheer to even the coldest of hearts – and makes us wish that we too could be friends with good ol’ Tom.

Elf
 (2003)

For all the kids at heart, meet Elf. This spunky tale follows a very large elf closely resembling Will Ferrell as he tries to find his non-elf father in New York City. He brings joy and Christmas spirit everywhere he goes, and ends up falling in love with a cute department store elf, Jovie. Warning: this movie may inspire strange dinner requests like spaghetti and maple syrup.

Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

There’s nothing like some black-and-white movie magic to get you in the mood for Christmas time. This traditional favorite has a jolly Kris Kringle stepping in for an inebriated Santa in the Macy’s parade, which snowballs into instant Santa fame. He claims to actually be Santa, however, which causes uproar in the hearts of nonbelievers. Moral of the story – all you need is a little bit of faith, and Santa will buy you a house.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

I felt I’d be remiss not to include this hilarious Griswold family classic. A father wants to have the perfect Christmas (making this a very relatable film for parents) so he employs his wife and kids in crazy ideas – like decorating the house in 25,000 lights. Unfortunately, nothing happens the way he plans, and then even more family shows up on the Griswold’s doorstep. Result: more chaos that’s guaranteed to keep you laughing.

Home Alone (1990)

I’m still wondering how this situation would happen, but 8-year old Kevin is forgotten at home by his parents over Christmas vacation. Burglars Harry and Marv – just two adult men looking for a good thieving on Christmas Eve – find out they’ve picked the wrong house when Kevin starts booby–trapping the place to fend them off. This quirky tale is full of slapstick humor and sticky messes. Also, if you’re looking to be further disappointed in the parenting style of Kevin’s mother and father, check out the whole Home Alone trilogy.

source: southernliving.com

What’s the Hungarian title of the films?

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

2. Love Actually

3. A Christmas Story

4. White Christmas

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas

8. The Polar Express

9. Elf

10. Miracle On 34th Street

11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

12. Home Alone

Key

1. Az élet csodaszép

2. Igazából szerelem

3. Karácsonyi történet

4. Fehér karácsony

5. A Grincs

6. Rudolf, a rénszarvas

7. Charlie Brown és a karácsony

8. Polar Expressz

9. Mi a manó

10. Csoda New Yorkban

11. Karácsonyi vakáció

12. Reszkessetek betörők

The films in the Christmas movie medley (19 movies): • A Christmas Story (1983) • It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) • Miracle on 34th Street (1947) • Christmas Vacation (1989) • Elf (2003) • The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) • Home Alone (1990) • Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) • The Santa Clause (1994) • The Polar Express (2004) • The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) • Jingle All the Way (1996) • How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) • How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) • Bad Santa (2003) • A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) • Frosty the Snowman (1969) • A Christmas Carol (2009)