Nestled away in a Cotswold town, you will find Santa’s secret hideout if you look carefully. Santa and five of his reindeer pass their time together waiting for the big day, whilst being drawn into all kinds of adventures, capers and mischief.

These escapades are the creation of retired explorer and adventurer, Christina Dodwell. In her travels, she wrote 8 books and her film in the BBC Great River Journeys won a BAFTA award.

Christina, inspired by her own experiences, writes entertaining and humorous short stories and turns them into captivating films.

The first film in the series was released for Christmas 2020 and was called ‘Teaching Reindeer to Fly’. The production process has moved on considerably since that first film and the latest film, the 6th in the series is a ‘must watch’ for this Christmas season.

‘Christmas Crisis for Willow Deer’ is cram-packed with action, tension, drama and emotion.

Of course, the deer are not real, as the title reveals, they are made from woven willow. Christina explains how she started on this creative journey.

“I made the reindeer because the willow trees in the garden needed cutting back and I decided to try creating life-sized deer from the branches. I didn’t want to be taught how to weave willow, I just wanted to try and see what happened.

"The reindeer reminded me of the winter I spent in the frozen wilderness beyond Siberia. I lived among the nomadic reindeer herders for 3 months, travelling with them and recording their songs (featured in the film).”

Originally there were just four deer, Rudolph (Rudy), Prancer, Comet and Cupid. This latest story and film introduce Blitzen and Star.

Star is young and has to prove her abilities to be accepted as part of the team, as the older deer reject her. She is determined to show what she can do and refuses to give in.

Despite the serious threat in the villainous presence of Mrs Alice Malice, played by Stroud author Katie Jarvis, she fights for approval and a sense of belonging.

‘Christmas Crisis for Willow Deer’ is available to watch now on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@willowdeer Watch it now and find your Christmas spirit.