How to Ruin Christmas is a South African Netflix Dramedy. It is set on the premise of a problematic sister, who somehow manages to ruin two christmas holidays in a row. Consisting of two seasons, the show introduces us to the Sello and Twala families that are about to become one. Beauty Sello and Sbu Twala are tying the knot, in grandeur and style. However Tumi, Beauty’s sister and our star, interferes constantly in this union.
The show begins from Tumi’s point of view; naked on a floaty, in the middle of a pool, with both sides of her family berating her for answers. This chaotic entrance would entice almost anyone. Especially since the show rewinds to a few days prior, to set the actual starting scene. I nearly jumped off my seat waiting to see what would happen. What led her to that moment? Who is she? and What the hell is going on?
Turns out, Tumi had slept with her soon-to-be brother in law, Themba; while drunk with him the night before the wedding. However, she had no knowledge that he is a recovering alcoholic who disappears to different parts of the continent, when allowed to drink. Often tarnishing his family’s reputation in the process, as his father is a minister in the South African government. Talk about DRAMA!
Obviously the Twala’s are furious. Especially since Themba’s wife was right there and they had been struggling to conceive or even have sex. The wedding is called off and both sides of the family return to their hotel rooms. Some to pack their bags, others to find a solution. However, Beauty is not the only one who now has to worry about her union. Tumi also has a love interest; who she conceals the truth from initially, about why she needs his help searching for Themba.
The Twala’s fall into the astoundingly rich family trope. With Valencia; the catty, judgmental mother who expects nothing but the best, does not believe anyone deserves her sons, and a tendency to hide the ghosts in their families closet. The rich politician father, Vusi, who cares most about his appearance and reputation. Always looking to be the centre of attention without much presence in his marriage or equal footing with his wife. Gogo, is the eccentric grandmother who just wants to have fun and love her family. While Themba is the dopey older brother who is unhappy in his marriage, doesn’t have the ability to communicate it or be a good husband to his loving wife; Lydia. Leaving Sbu, the groom, to be the upright hardworking son who is about to get married to the love of his life, then relocate to the UK where his new job is.
On the other hand, the Sellos fall into the humble middle class seeming family. Their mom, Dineo, is a single mom who lives who has very high expectations that Tumi doesn’t seem to ever meet, causing a constant riff between them. Tumi is the bold, outspoken and troublesome daughter who grew up thinking her mother was actually her older sister. Her tendency to sometimes act selfishly or on impulse is what leads us through the entire show. Grace is Dineo’s younger sister who lives with her. She has a more relaxed personality, making jokes about her sisters uptight nature while smoking somewhere with their unserious brother; Shadrack. Aunt Moipone is Dineo’s older sister who is helping them with the wedding. Along with her son, Bokang, who struggles with coming out to his family. Beauty is the favourite child who always seems to get it right, gaining her mothers full love and support. She has to settle the warring bouts between her mum and sister.
Pairing these two family archetypes and haywire personalities, is guaranteed to create a lot of chaos, as well as teaching moments. The show is full of many moments where someone learns a lesson many might need, or self reflects to understand fault and fix a relationship they care about. I do think it’s a good family show, but still something fun to enjoy with friends. I finished the entire first season in one night while loosening my hair.
How to Ruin Christmas is extremely hilarious, with a story line that does not disappoint. There are fights, emotions, realness but also human nature, error, and reconciliation. The humour never feels overdone or irritating, neither is it hard to catch on to as someone who is not south African, a native speaker of Xhosa, or Zulu. It does a wonderful job of showing off south African architecture, while having a splendid use of cinematography.
Overall, I give this show a 10/10. I might be biased because I enjoy comedies mainly, but I do think this was a wonderful watch. Let me know what you think!
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