Movies a chance to escape chaos

IF YOU haven’t done it already then go ahead and take in a deep breath, then let out a big exhale. It feels good doesn’t it?

This is the time of year when many of us finally kick up our feet and enjoy the fruits of our labours.

All, or most, of the shopping and Christmas meal preparations are done, the decorations are up, visitors have arrived safely and there’s a celebratory feeling in the air.

I am looking forward to a long Skype session with my family overseas before indulging in some delicious seafood here on the Sunshine Coast with my Aussie relatives.

We all tend to over-supply for the big day, but our food columnists have you sorted with some clever and tasty ideas for what to do with those leftovers.

Plus if you’re looking to escape the family after a couple of days of bonding, there’s a stack of new movies hitting cinemas on Boxing Day.

Thanks to media screenings I’ve seen half of Monday’s offerings and Sing, Moana and Red Dog: True Blue are all great options for the family.

I’m looking forward to a second look at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. I really enjoyed it the first time around but with so much going on I think there are a lot of smaller details to pick up the second time around.

Surely an hour or two in the air-conditioned relief of the movie theatre is almost a gift itself this time of year?

I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. I hope tomorrow is a wonderful day filled with laughter and cheer.