This has never happened before – I just couldn’t pick between 2 songs for the number 1 slot. I would be up dancing to both of these for many hours in 1983 – probably days if you consider the ensuing 4 decades … The fact they’re both by MJ allows me to squeeze an extra one in.

For those of you who don’t remember no 10, this was a band formed by the fabulous Lol Mason from City Boy – my favourite British band (tying with Queen), both second to my #1 fave band, Journey. And, as usual, a whole bunch of also-rans.

Beat – Can’t Get Used To Losing You – 05-1983
David Bowie – Let’s Dance – 03-1983
Rod Stewart – Baby Jane – 06-1983
Laura Branigan – Gloria – 02-1983
Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack – Tonight I Celebrate My Love – 09-1983
Siouxsie & The Banshees – Dear Prudence – 10-1983
Slade – My Oh My – 12-1983
Billy Joel – Tell Her About It – 12-1983
Wham! – Club Tropicana – 08-1983
Paul Young – Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) – 07-1983
Tears For Fears – Change – 02-1983
The Thompson Twins – We Are Detective – 05-1983
Tina Turner – Let’s Stay Together – 12-1983
Indeep – Last Night A D.J. Saved My Life – 02-1983
U2 – New Year’s Day – 02-1983
Wah – The Story Of The Blues – 01-1983
Dionne Warwick – All The Love In The World – 01-1983
UB40 – Red Red Wine – 09-1983
Spandau Ballet – True – 04-1983
The Style Council – Long Hot Summer – 08-1983
Tracey Ullman – They Don’t Know – 10-1983
The Belle Stars – Sign Of The Times – 02-1983
George Benson – In Your Eyes – 10-1983
Phil Everly & Cliff Richard – She Means Nothing To Me – 03-1983
Level 42 – The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up) – 09-1983
Duran Duran – Union Of The Snake – 11-1983
Mike Oldfield – Moonlight Shadow – 07-1983
Iron Maiden– The Trooper – 07-1983
Orange Juice – Rip It Up – 03-1983
New Order – Blue Monday – 04-1983
The Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) – 03-1983
Culture Club – Karma Chameleon – 09-1983
Joboxers – Just Got Lucky – 06-1983
Spandau Ballet – Gold – 08-1983
Elton John – I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues – 06-1983
Howard Jones – What Is Love – 12-1983
Kajagoogoo – Too Shy – 02-1983

Here’s a summary of some of the most popular 80s fashions:
• High waist denim jeans especially in pastel colours and acid wash finishes
• Baggy oversize blouses with shoulder pads, held in by a wide belt
• Ugly sweaters: loose knit sweaters wild patterns and colours
• Off-the-shoulder tops/dresses and especially jumpers
• Rollnecks (aka turtle-necks), polka dots and batwing sleeves all played a part
• Denim jackets, leather jackets, blazer jackets with big buttons layered over shirts and sweaters
• Padded shoulder dresses- metallic fabrics, Victorian lace, satin party dresses
• Track suits, leotards, running shorts were worn all day. Add a terry cloth headband for Jazzercize class
• Power suits: Peplum skirt suits, padded dresses, silky blouses, dressy slacks and heels
• Leggings- Colourful leggings worn under oversize tops. Add leg warmers and white high top sneakers
• Flat shoes with all outfits. White or neo sneakers for sporty looks. Slouch boots for winter
• Tassels and fringes on everything: clothes, boots and handbags
• Huge glasses/sunglasses with bright, primary-coloured frames. Gloves esp lace/elbow-length

And these get a look-in, too:
Your Christmas or Mine? 2022 (#2 2023)
Father Christmas is Back 2021
Klaus 2019
Jingle All the Way 1996
A Castle for Christmas 2021
Operation Christmas Drop 2020
Holidate 2020
The Family Stone 2005
Surviving Christmas 2004
Noelle 2019
Last Christmas 2019
White Christmas 1954


When I researched this, I was shocked by the total ramp-up in production of Christmas(ish) movies this millenium. This selection is only a very small sample, based on the ones I’ve actually heard of/watched. In particular, since 2014 when Hallmark, Netflix and Lifetime etc got in on the act producing dozens of “original” movies each year. Is it just me or is that the very last thing they are???
There are many more out there and if you want a more exhaustive list, I suggest you try these excellent sites: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-christmas-movies/
https://www.countdownuntilchristmas.com/category/christmas-movies-a-to-z/
Although you will have to spend most of your time scrolling past adverts – but hey, these good folks gotta get some ROI for the hours they’ve devoted to setting up the sites.

2020s
A California Christmas 2020
Operation Christmas Drop 2020
Holidate 2020
Love Hard 2021
A Castle for Christmas 2021
Father Christmas is Back 2021
Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special 2022
Violent Night 2022
Falling for Christmas 2022
A Brush with Christmas 2022
Your Christmas or Mine? 2022 (#2 2023)

2010s
Arthur Christmas 2011
Get Santa 2014
The Man Who Invented Christmas 2017
Christmas in Angel Falls 2017
A Christmas Prince 2017 (#2 2018, #3 2019)
The Christmas Chronicles 2018 (#2 2020)
The Princess Switch 2018 (#2 2020, #3 2021)
Dr Seuss’ The Grinch 2018
Klaus 2019
Noelle 2019
Last Christmas 2019
The Knight Before Christmas 2019

2000s
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000
Elf 2003
Love Actually 2003
Surviving Christmas 2004
The Family Stone 2005
Deck the Halls 2006
The Holiday 2006
Four Christmases 2008
Nativity 2009 (#2 2012)

1990s
Home Alone 1990 (#2 1992)
The Muppet Christmas Carol 1992
The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993
Miracle on 34th Street 1994
The Santa Clause 1994
Jingle All the Way 1996
Beauty & the Beast Enchanted Christmas 1997
Jack Frost 1998

1980s
The Snowman 1982
Trading Places 1983
Gremlins 1984
A Muppet Family Christmas 1987
Die Hard 1988
Scrooged 1988
Blackadder’s Christmas Carol 1988
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 1989

1970s
Scrooge 1970
Miracle on 34th Street 1973

1960s
How the Grinch Stole Christmas 1967

1950s
A Christmas Carol 1951
White Christmas 1954

1940s
Holiday Inn 1942
Meet me in St Louis 1944
It’s a Wonderful Life 1946
Miracle on 34th Street 1947

This list is a combination of my favourites from when I was young (60s/70s), and from when my kids were young (90s). Funny how much crossover there was.

1960s and earlier
Lego/Meccano Construction Set
Action Man/G.I. Joe
Hot Wheels (matchbox cars)
Barbie/Sindy
Etch-a-Sketch
Monopoly

Something a bit different – or is it?

And because I can never contain myself in 13 (let alone 10):
“Thank God It’s Christmas” Queen 1984
“Keeping the Dream Alive” Freiheit 1988
“Wonderful Christmastime” Paul McCartney 1979
“I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” Wizzard 1973
“Step Into Christmas” Elton John 1973
“When a Child Is Born” Johnny Mathis 1976
“Christmas Day” Squeeze 2007
“Mistletoe and Wine” Cliff Richard 1988
“The Power of Love” Frankie Goes to Hollywood 1984
“Merry Christmas Everyone” Shakin’ Stevens 1985
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” Bruce Springsteen 1985
“Saviour’s Day” Cliff Richard 1990
“Christmas Time” Bryan Adams 1985

You just couldn’t write it. When I voted for my #1 hit of the 70s, 80s and 90s in the Greatest Hits poll a few weeks ago, I realised I hadn’t included this song in my list from that year. Egg all over my face. 
So I’ve gone back and redone the 80s charts after trawling through all their suggestions for each year. it wasn’t as bad as I thought – so far there were only 3 or 4 missing.
So, for the detectives among you – can you work out which song it is? There’s a bit of a hint later on.

And the bubbling unders:
Squeeze – Labelled With Love – 11-1981
Kiki Dee – Star – 03-1981 (Ariola)
Dire Straits – Romeo And Juliet – 02-1981 (Vertigo)
Quincy Jones – Razzamatazz – 07-1981 (A&M)
Madness – It Must Be Love – 12-1981 (Stiff)
John Lennon – Imagine – 01-1981 (Apple)
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Endless Love – 09-1981 (Motown)
Bob Marley & The Wailers – No Woman No Cry – 07-1981 (Island)
Sugar Minott – Good Thing Going (We’ve Got A Good Thing Going) – 04-1981 (RCA)
Julio Iglesias – Begin The Beguine (Volver A Empezar) – 11-1981 (CBS)
Imagination – Body Talk – 07-1981 (R&B)
The Pointer Sisters – Slow Hand – 09-1981 (Planet)
Cliff Richard – Wired For Sound – 09-1981 (EMI)
The Human League – Don’t You Want Me – 12-1981 (Virgin)

1982 – Top13

I would hazard a guess that my 80s memories are not the same as the true aficionados of that era – I really wasn’t into the whole New Romantic scene at the time, however compared to the last couple of decades, their songs did have some merit, and quite a few are creeping in as the decade progresses. I dare say that if I’d done this at the time, the songs would all be there, but maybe in a different order because I wasn’t making it to anything like as many discos/nightclubs back then.

The J. Geils Band – Centrefold – 02-1982 (EMI America)
Madness – Our House – 12-1982 (Stiff)
David Bowie & Bing Crosby – Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy – 12-1982 (RCA)
Phil Collins – You Can’t Hurry Love – 12-1982 (Virgin)
Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger – 08-1982 (Scotti Brothers)
Clannad – Theme From Harry’s Game – 11-1982 (RCA)
Duran Duran – Hungry Like The Wolf – 06-1982 (EMI)
Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Annie I’m Not Your Daddy – 10-1982 (Ze)
Jon & Vangelis – I’ll Find My Way Home – 01-1982 (Polydor)
Shakatak – Easier Said Than Done – 02-1982 (Polydor)
Charlene – I’ve Never Been To Me – 06-1982 (Motown)
Kids From ‘Fame’ – Starmaker – 10-1982 (RCA)
The Jam – Town Called Malice/Precious – 02-1982 (Polydor)
Kool & The Gang – Get Down On It – 01-1982 (De-Lite)
Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder – Ebony And Ivory – 04-1982 (Parlophone)
Tears For Fears – Mad World – 10-1982 (Mercury)
Bucks Fizz – My Camera Never Lies – 04-1982 (RCA)
Chas & Dave – Ain’t No Pleasing You – 04-1982 (Rockney)

And finally, the song I missed was in the earlier version of these 80s posts which you can find here: https://jroauthor.co.uk/blog/page/6/

Again, Nanowrimo is eating up every spare second of my days, so here’s a cheeky recap of the 80s which I first put up here last October.
Here’s the first one in a new decade when disco and funk are replaced with rock and punk:

11. Cliff Richard – Carrie – 02-1980
12. Dennis Waterman – I Could Be So Good For You – 11-1980
13. Marti Webb – Take That Look Off Your Face – 03-1980

And a few which deserve an honorary mention:
Sheena Easton – 9 to 5 (Morning Train) – 08-1980
Michael Jackson – She’s Out Of My Life – 05-1980
Judas Priest – Breaking The Law – 06-1980
Liquid Gold – Dance Yourself Dizzy – 03-1980
Don McLean – Crying – 06-1980
New Muzik – Living By Numbers – 02-1980
Olivia Newton-John/The Electric Light Orchestra – Xanadu – 07-1980
The Nolans – I’m In The Mood For Dancing – 01-1980
Odyssey – Use It Up And Wear It Out – 07-1980
Saxon – 747 (Strangers In The Night) – 07-1980
Barbra Streisand – Woman In Love – 10-1980
Jona Lewie – Stop The Cavalry – 12-1980
John & Yoko & The Plastic Ono Band – Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – 12-1980

My 80s

1982 – Graduated from what is now Coventry University with a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – the first local female to do so. Although it was a hardware degree, my first job writing telecoms software showed me how much more I preferred this, and I spent a total of 23 years working for GEC Telecoms, which eventually became Marconi.

1984 – Having returned to my childhood town, Warwick, the terraced house I bought last year for £21K, went up for sale. It sold quickly for 22K, but the real kicker was six months later, the identical house next door sold for 65k. Bummer!

1986 – A magical year when my man and I travelled to Crete in May where he proposed. Four months later, we got married and honeymooned in Corfu. Something about a Greek island …

1988 – I’ll never forget 23/7/88, sending my hubby in to work the Saturday morning overtime at 8am, then spending most of the morning howling like a dog as the contractions grew stronger. By 11am, I’d had enough and called him back. We got to the hospital with minutes to spare as I was 10cm dilated, and our firstborn, Chris, popped out half an hour later at 12:30 on his due date. Utterly charmed, and he definitely lived up to the adage “Saturday’s child works hard for a living.”

1989 – In theory, the “every 2 years” thing should have meant 1990, but Joanna didn’t quite go the distance, popping out a month early on November 30th. As I remember, she took her time, waiting to make her grand appearance while Mike Baldwin did the dirty on Deidre Barlow. Being born on a Thursday (and being a Sagi) gave a bit of a clue to her wanderlust. She spent several years in France (where she met and married a marvellous Ukrainian, Artem) and has moved four times since returning to the UK.

These are some of my iconic memories of the 80s – what are yours? I’d love to hear what this era of big shoulderpads, even bigger hair and legwarmers meant to you.

Star-date: 6/6/88
Mission: Secondary recon
Objective: Verify
Thanks to the sheer brilliance of an inspiration which had Kev checking the calendar in the nursery before rolling the dice for his second sojourn, he had complete confidence in several hours of uninterrupted sleuthing. Nevertheless, inbuilt caution had him checking the front drive to confirm the lack of vehicles and pausing on the landing, listening for any signs of other people in the house. After a few minutes he reckoned the calendar entry was valid and his folks were indeed at the hospital as it indicated. It all stacked up with what he remembered of his ma – she definitely had health problems, so severe no one ever mentioned it. Possibly as a result of her misuse of drugs in her teens. As he retrieved the hook and pulled down the attic hatch, he speculated about the likelihood that his anger issues might have been triggered or even caused by this. From what Georgie said, Isaac’s stunned growth was the direct result of his parent’s drug-misuse.
His first thought on entering was how dark his folks’ attic was – and much smaller than he remembered. But then he only had Isaac’s enormous space to compare it to. Memories flooded back of many years providing the muscle for his ma, usually in retrieving the Christmas tree and decorations on November 30th and returning them on January 6th. A single, low-wattage lightbulb made a half-hearted job of piercing the blackness, so he used his phone torch to read the labelled boxes.
As the low battery warning beeped, he cursed, trying to remember which direction hid the most-likely stack of personal memorabilia. Despite Ma’s infrequent attempts to bring some sense of order to the space, too many things barely made it more than a step from the top of the ladder before being dumped. He’d probably been the worst offender when he lived there, and now he understood the implications of his laziness as he stumbled over things cluttering his path. No doubt a result of his da’s similar failure to do the job properly.

With time – or at least his ability to search – running out, he wasted no effort on the boxes labelled school and uni stuff. His instincts said they probably did what it said on the can. Then his torch picked out exactly what he expected: the equivalent of his memorabilia box, larger than a shoebox and covered in girly wrapping paper. The lid sported a picture of some obscure 70s band he didn’t recognise, lovingly covered in once clear plastic, now slightly opaque after so many years.
He paused before opening the lid; this was a massive invasion of his ma’s privacy. A female voice – not quite Georgie’s or Jen’s, but somewhere in between – asked how he would feel if someone rifled through his private stuff. His knee-jerk reaction was that he had nothing to hide; his life was an open book. Another, much more honest, voice, reminded him it hadn’t always been that way. Maybe back then, when he had things he wasn’t proud of, he’d have minded. But he certainly wasn’t daft enough to keep barely-concealed evidence. And neither was his ma.
This thought spurred him to lift the lid and, as he might have expected from her superior organisational skills, the thing was full to bursting with neatly-packed bundles. Switching off the battery-hungry torch on his phone, he took the box over to the lightbulb.

Underneath these were a couple of diaries from 1973, and 76, and an A5 scrapbook, the front of which had a crazy montage of pictures of two girls, one skinny scarecrow with a cheeky grin, the other a dark haired beauty in a leotard.
The sound of the front door slamming made him jump, and he nearly lost his grip on the box. Wtf?
“Only me.” The distinctive voice of his grandma Edie had him choking back a gasp. She mustn’t find him here. Peering out of the opening, he couldn’t see enough of the staircase to pin-point her exact whereabouts, but he knew enough to figure she’d not come empty-handed, and her first destination would be the kitchen. Sure enough, the noises coming from that direction suggested cupboards being opened and goodies being stashed. When she finished that, she had only to glance up the stairs to see the loft-hatch open and the ladder hanging down. That would be game over; she’d know someone else was in the house.
He had two choices: try to return the box and scramble down the ladder before she came out of the kitchen, or pull up the ladder and wait it out till she’d gone. Either way would result in the risk of her hearing the dreadful graunching sound the loft ladder made when it was stowed. And the second option would result in the hook hanging down in plain sight. Unless he ran down and got it before hauling the ladder up. He knew the racket increased the further it was from its regular lubrication – could he take a chance on it being recently oiled? His memory refused to supply the information about how loud it had been when he pulled it down.

He padded down the ladder, box in hand, putting it on the landing windowsill where it wouldn’t be obvious to a casual glance from downstairs. Gingerly, he folded the ladder up a couple of rungs, listening for the tell-tale graunch of metal against metal. As he’d hoped, it had been recently oiled, giving him better options. He stowed the ladder and detached the hook, returning it to the restraining clips next to the bathroom door. Creeping down, he paused as the song finished, to be replaced by the equally raucous Girls Just Want to Have Fun. The kitchen door was open a crack, and he peered through to see his gran topping up a glass with red wine before adding a generous slosh to the pan sizzling on the hob. The not-so-secret ingredient of all her delicious dishes. With a grin, he retraced his steps.
After Georgie had nagged about making as few ripples as possible, he decided the best course of action was to return everything to the state in which he found it. But with Edie suitably engaged in her culinary arts, he reckoned he’d have more than a couple of moments to peek inside the diaries and scrapbook. What he found had him desperate to take at least one of them back to his present day to study further, but he had no idea if that was even possible, and preferred not to take a chance on it not working.