Black Christmas is a movie I watch every Christmas season because I think the holiday season can be scarier than Halloween. This movie was directed by Bob Clark, who also helmed the family-centric Christmas movie A Christmas Story.
Bob Clark has a very interesting film history to his name. He was not a one specific genre kind of director. Rather, he enjoys directing across different genres, and if you look up his filmography, you will see what I mean.
Black Christmas starred Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon. It is about a sorority house receiving these obscene and creepy prank calls that lead to a killer who starts killing the ladies in the house.
Roy Moore, who wrote the script, incorporated some real-life situations and mixed them with the urban legend of the babysitter. I first heard about this urban legend when I was a child. I later found out that it is an older urban legend that started around the 1960s. (Source: Wikipedia) It is a cautionary tale about a girl who goes to babysit a neighbor’s kid, a friend’s parents’ kid, or a teacher’s kid. It is the first time they are babysitting and left alone in a stranger’s house. Later in the evening, the babysitter starts getting weird, creepy phone calls asking her about the children she is taking care of. She calls the police, only to be told that the bizarre phone calls are coming from inside the house. The end result is that when the babysitter checks on the children, the children have met a fatal demise, and the caller has left the house. Although this urband legend does have some truth behind it. It is loosely based on the unsolved murder of Jannett Christman, who was found dead in the house that she was babysitting at.
Although there was some discussion of who committed the murder, no one was ever charged with the crime.
The script was also inspired by various murders around the Westmount neighbourhood in Montreal, Quebec, during the Holiday Season. And was also inspired by the crime and killing spree of serial killers William Heirens and Edmund Kemper. Roy More’s script was initially titled “Stop Me,” but personally, I am glad they changed it to “Black Christmas” instead.
Some Fun Facts about the movie: The snow about the sorority house was not real and was foam that was given by the local fire department.
Despite it being a horror movie, Olivia Hussey said it was a lighthearted time between takes.
There is a novelization based on this movie that explains the characters more and fleshes out their actions.
Most of the actors’ clothes in the film are theirs because the movie had a limited budget.
The main reason Keir Dullea decided to make the movie was that he could visit his parents, who lived close to the location.
Better Davis was offered the role of Mrs. Mac but said no.
Rob Zombie’s favorite movie.
Source: Internet Movie Database, Wikipedia, and YouTube.
It’s that time of year again. When Vinegar Syndrome starts, there is a pre-sale for one of their biggest events of the year. There is a Black Friday Sale!
This pre-sale option started on November 1st and ends today, November 4! If you are unsure where to start, here are five recommendations of what to pre-order to beat the rush:
The Garbage Pail Kids Movie (1987)- This movie has been a long fascination of mine. So much so that I bought the soundtrack on vinyl a decade ago, and it has been a prized possession ever since. Some viewers who had watched or seen clips of the movie defined it as gross, but I believe that it is not the case!
At Close Range — this is a blind buy for me. I am a huge fan of Christopher Walken, and to be honest, I haven’t heard of this movie, but the cover art for it looked pretty intense.
The Chain Reaction- Australian cinema is one of my favorites. This movie has a lot going on: Car chase scenes, weird radiation stuff, and the government trying to hide its tracks!
Krazee Kidz Video Party — I am also a devoted fan of AGFA media, and this unique, crazy-sounding title just made me curious, so it was an automatic purchase! And if this trailer doesn’t convince you of the uniqueness, then I don’t know what will!
Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point- During this pre-sale, I always tried to get something that is either a winter or a Christmas theme. This time I decided on this movie.
Thank you to all of the stores that submitted their items! If you have any particular questions about any of the items below, contact that small business. These are all incredible small businesses from which to get a gift!
Greenwich Letterpress:
This is my favorite store, and they always have the best items ranging from cards to puzzles and this cute Lucy zip-around wallet.
“Emperor of the Moon is a LGBTQIA+, female-run business specializing in queer, witchy art and medieval-style stickers, prints, and stationary. In her art, shop owner Ashley Werlinich seeks to remix and rework medieval and Renaissance iconography into art that expresses queer joy and pop culture in a playful way.”
“This Space Cowboy print is sure to add a touch of Western flair and whimsy to your home. Like all of our prints, this piece is an archival quality giclee print, and is printed on high quality matte card stock, so it will stand the test of time.”
Upcoming sales: Stay tuned for our Black Friday/ Small business Saturday sale for great deals across all the items in our shop! If you want to be kept informed of all upcoming sales and promotions, follow @emperor.of.the.moon on Instagram or favorite the Etsy shop!
Shipping deadlines: Because many of our prints are printed and shipped on demand, we ask for you to allow two weeks for shipping around the holidays.
PALMTREEPRIESTESSSTAROT:
Do you want clarity in your life? Get a read from Jessica! To book a reading, contact her through her instagram at @palmtreepriestesstarot.
1 hour read is : $80
30 mins: $40
MovieJawn:
“MovieJawn is a writing collective dedicated to a love of film in print and online.”
“Annual MovieJawn Subscription
4 rad issues of everyone’s favorite print movie zine, delivered quarterly (March, June, September, December). Shipping included.”
“To receive the Winter print issue for Christmas – any order marked as a gift in notes section will include a card – orders will need to be placed by December 15.”
Tag Snapper Vintage:
” i sell vintage items, mostly clothing from the 80s and 90s, from my booth at a multi vendor vintage market in easthampton massachusetts called Keystone Vintage Market as well as online. the online presence can be found at https://www.depop.com/tagsnappervintage/ or on Instagram at @TagSnapperVintage
“a simpsons tshirt from 1998 depicting homer defending his desire to be affectionate towards his son while bart is completely grossed out. it appears to be not as common a vintage simpsons tee as some others out there as i can’t find many other representations of this design but i will always have a soft spot for earnest homer loving his family
shipping deadlines for holiday season definitely depend on the shipping carrier and i normally ship usps as it is normally the cheapest option but i will mail anything using whatever shipping method a customer wants as long as they’re okay with paying for a more expensive service! ideally an order should be placed a couple weeks in advance of when one would want the item to allow for holiday shipping delays in the mail system.”
Kerry Quinn’s Kitsch:
“Kerry Quinn’s Kitsch is a woman-owned, teeny-tiny greeting card business based in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Kerry predominantly works in watercolors and artist crayons. She is inspired by the beauty of California and her penchant for all things retro. All designs have been hand drawn, scanned, and printed digitally onto 80lb. cardstock.”
“We could all use a tipple at the holidays – and Santa is no different! This card features Ol’ Saint Nick finishing the dregs of his coupe. Available as a single card or a box of 8. Card measures 4.25″ x 5.5″. Kraft envelope included. All cards are blank inside. Free shipping on all orders. Place orders by December 16th for Christmas arrival.”
PMS:
“Is a series of hand made merch items – t-shirts, long sleeves, hoodies – that started from PMS – premenstrual syndrome, and takes as theme more broadly, the human body’s hormonal ups, and that make who we are. All shirts are made in Europe, and are had decorated with selfmade designs with either screen print or glitter transfer print. All cotton used organic, shirts are sweatshop free and fair trade. The project started in 2018 and has basically been set up without any starting budget from my bedroom (and continues to be organised at this scale ;)).”
“Here is one example of a shirt, but there are so many different designs I actually cannot choose! I love this one as so many different colours are used, the long sleeve is a perfect soft cotton, in a beautiful washed black.”
“Shipping deadline from Europe would be December 8th to make sure it is in time for the Xmas holidays.”
“I am organising a big xmas sale of glitter shirts in London on December 6th, at the boutique Twos Care: https://www.twos.care/info
LE PUZZ:
“Founded in 2021 Le Puzz is a fan favorite jigsaw puzzle company started by two friends with a bunch of silly ideas but serious ambitions to create the perfect puzzling experience. Le Puzz takes much of its inspiration from vintage jigsaw puzzles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Welcome to your puzzle era!“
“The item I am selecting is this 5-pack of handmade badges which are all one of a kind mini collages and cut-outs from magazines/comics.”
“Shipping deadline is the 10th of December, 2024.”
PaintbrushInMyTea:
“I’m an illustrator from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, and my shop stocks colourful products like greeting cards, prints, tote bags, calendars, planners, stickers and more. I also take on custom orders listed in my shop.”
“An item from my shop I’d like to promote is the custom pet portrait which is a digital download so no item is physically shipped . They are personalised, digitally illustrated portraits of people’s animals with a choice between 2 ready made backgrounds and they are emailed as A4 size (29.7 cm x 21 cm) ready for people to print and frame themselves! They can even print multiples if the pet(s) belongs to more than one household. Turnaround time depends on how many animals people have chosen so it could be between 2 to 5 days but still much faster than shipping. They also make for great surprise gifts. Here is the listing below, and I’ve attached an example.:
KIMKO:
“Kimko design creates colorful botanical illustrations inspired by nature. Her folk art inspired artwork adorns wall art, calendars, and wallpaper collections. Each piece brings the wonder of nature into your home. “
“The 2025 “Looking for the Magic” calendar – Life can be so hard at times. It can also be so beautiful. It is both simultaneously. I try to lean into those beautiful parts. I get outside every day and look for it. My calendar is a collection of all that magic just outside our front doors. It is a reminder to take the time to slow down and find the wonder. “
$32 / $3.5 shipping will be providing a “Thankful for You” sale from Nov 29 – Dec 1 on Etsy. All my art prints, holiday cards, and calendars will be discounted 20%.
Zodiac Film Club:
“Zodiac Film Club is a London-based cinema community, newsletter and independent programmer. With a focus on good-looking films, complex female characters and overlooked genres, we create a fun, friendly and irreverent space for watching, discussing and thinking about cinema.Our bookshop is a curated mixture of rare and vintage film books and new publications.”
“”The Zodiac Film Club x T A P E Collective calendar is here to provide all your aesthetically-pleasing, astrologically-themed film recommendations for 2025. Inside you’ll find a cinematic guide and watchlist for each astrological season, key astrological dates, and dreamy collages to brighten your wall. Proceeds go to supporting the curatorial work of both community cinema projects.”
Standard Delivery Christmas Shipping Dates:
US: 13th December Europe 12th December UK: 18th December”
Funhouse Media & More:
“Funhouse Media & More is here to scratch the itch and tickle the funny bone of pop culture weirdness with one of a kind novelties, movie memorabilia, music merch, and t-shirts with vintage aesthetics”
“You won’t find Cramps brand Canned Brains anywhere else! The perfect gift for any music lover or weirdo collector!
Orders placed by Dec 17 will arrive by Dec 25th”
Birignao Vintage:
“Birignao is now an online vintage shop selling designer and unsigned pieces, mainly made in Italy, and also antique garments, when luck strikes! I’ve grown into focusing on “details” that can make something a rarity and a little treasure to own. https://www.etsy.com/shop/birignao/?etsrc=sdt
One of my favourite items now available in the shop is this pair of Valentino Boutique purple satin shoes from Fall 1977 Ready-To-Wear collection, with rhinestones embellished heels. What makes this pair so special, beside their obvious beauty, is the fact that these shoes are a runway piece, and the model’s name is still visible on one of the soles. Also! After days and days of trying to document these beautiful shoes I managed to find a photo of a model wearing them in the runway backstage.
Shipping from Rome to the US usually takes upto 2 weeks, but as we all know it can take longer around the holidays. In order for gifts to arrive on time I’d suggest placing orders by the first days of December so that packages can be sent out before the end of that week. Shipping to the EU instead takes upto 1 week. I still suggest placing orders by the first week of December to avoid possible delays.
Speaking of sales, there’s a new round starting on friday, november 22nd on Etsy, lasting till the end of the month. More will follow, as I set sales on specific categories/groups of items at least once a month – I always suggest keeping an eye on Instagram: @birignaovintage as that’s where I announce them.
Fresh to Death Vintage:
“I am a woman-owned small business based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I sell vintage sustainable clothing- unisex sizes XS-5X. Aiming to combine amazing vintage quality and amazing style.”
Black Friday/Small Biz Sat/Cyber Monday Sale: Starts 11/28-12/3 30%off everything (automatic discount).
Holiday Sale 12/4-12/20 20% off everything (automatic discount)
US Shipping Deadline: 12/18
Intl Shipping Deadline: 12/10
The special item from my shop I’m sharing is this gorgeous 1950’s Silver Charm Bracelet, this one of a kind bracelet contains over 17+ unique charms collected by its original owner. Including an hourglass, poodle, scales, cameo charms and more:
Hello Everyone and welcome to the Lady.cult Holiday Gift Guide 2019! All of these items are from small and amazing businesses. So please check out there social media accounts and items that they made or curated
Misterbnation makes some pretty awesome things such as this fun pin. I am such a fan of Divine and John Waters and I know a lot of other people are too. So for that special someone or that person that has a scrooge mindset during the holiday season then this pin is a definite must!
Souvenir Jewelry has amazing jewelry and I am a fan of any kind of jewelry that is unique fun and long lasting. So when they recently made a collection called “Smell the Magic” and I saw these earrings I knew I had to add these to the holiday gift guide!
House of Mysterious Secrets sells some pretty awesome stuff and if you are ever in a tight spot in buying a little gift for someone then may I suggest these horror air fresheners?
It is a unique gift and I am pretty sure that it is something they don’t have.
Kitschculturecanada makes very special items. They have such a fun and creative way of mixing the TV shows I used watch growing up with items for your home. So when I was browsing through their site recently and came across this spectacular Golden Girls Christmas tree topper my jaw literally dropped!
It is no surprise or hidden secret that I love horror movies. I also have a soft spot for Christmas horror movies. So when Cavity Colors did a recent release of a sweater of the movie Silent Night, Deadly Night. I immediately pre-order it. I made it even more festive by picking out the forest green color.
PGBloodhouse runs a bookstore on Esty and has the most interesting assortment of books. As a book lover I have been a frequent buyer from his bookstore. So if you have the book lover on your list why not grab from the shop. I am pretty sure you spend time just browsing through the site looking through some interesting titles!
Recently I came across a site called Always Fits where they sell really cute and kitsh items like The Golden Girls Hot Sauces and a stick of butter Ornament. They don’t sell clothing or something that requires needing to get an actual size of what a person wears. Hence the name “Always Fits.” A lot of things on their site caught my attention and I thought were pretty cool like this Bob Ross Self Painting Color Changing Mug:
Martin Ontiveros is an amazing artist who creates badass art. His art is colorful and strong. His store also has the option of getting his art in prints like this one below:
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