A cynic might say that Christmas TV is simply part of the increasing capitalist commodification, marketisation, and rampant consumerism of the holiday – and maybe that cynic would be partially right. However, for me, there is something wonderful about Christmas TV that transcends any money-making monopolisation. Beyond the need to just sit down and turn on the TV by the time evening comes, because we are exhausted from the sheer excitement of the day and unable to move from Christmas dinner, festive programmes add to the celebratory spirit and provide a bit of good-hearted and much-needed Christmas cheer.

For starters, when you have a favourite TV programme that you absolutely love and watch religiously, what could be better than a festive episode of that show either on or around Christmas Day? I love Strictly Come Dancing, and often feel a little low when the final has finished, the glitterball has been won, and it sinks in that I’ll have to wait until next September for the show to start again. The Strictly Christmas Special, therefore, provides a much-needed extra dose of Strictly magic in the festive season. Often the Christmas Special brings back previous contestants, and it is always nice to see an old face that you loved watching when they first performed in the show – highlights for me include Chris Hollins and Gemma Atkinson. But equally, the Christmas Special provides an opportunity for celebrities who can’t commit to a full series to take part in Strictly. For these busy people, a week or two in preparation for one Christmas episode of Strictly is more feasible than four months, and there have been some fantastic guest appearances as a result – perhaps, most excitingly, Anne-Marie and Mel Giedroyc! 

For me, Christmas TV is also associated with family. The Strictly Christmas Special is one that my family will all sit down and watch together – it is a key part of our Christmas Day schedule every single year and is absolutely non-negotiable. The Doctor Who Christmas Special was also always a scheduled-in event; although in recent years it was replaced with New Year’s Day specials, this December marks the return of the Doctor Who Christmas Special, and I for one could not be more excited! Other shows that we love to watch at Christmas include Richard Osman’s House of Games, Would I Lie To You?, and QI. And, while I have dropped off The Great British Bake Off bandwagon in recent years, I still like to tune in to the Christmas Special – watching some festive baking can not help but make one feel more Christmassy. 

Shows that aim to be instructive about getting ready for Christmas tend to air in the run-up to Christmas Day, and so watching them is a great way to get into the festive spirit. Whether it’s a new Christmas cooking show from Mary Berry or the latest season of Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas, there is ample opportunity to take on the presenters’ advice and spruce up your own food and decorations this year…or just to watch and be impressed at their efforts to hand make all their Christmas napkins.

On a more serious note, there are many people who, for one reason or another, will be alone at Christmas this year. There are various ways in which we try to connect with each other when we cannot do so in person – phone and video calls, for example. But a more indirect way of feeling less alone can come through television. Watching a cheery, upbeat Christmas Special can give someone who is alone the feeling that they are with others, even if just for a short time. Christmas TV can give you something, and someone, to feel invested in for a short time, whether that is a fictional character in a relationship dilemma or a celebrity struggling to make a cake.

So, whether you are a bit of a Scrooge, a calm enthusiast, or someone who becomes an excitable five-year-old at Christmas (yes, I’m the problem, it’s me), have a browse of the Christmas TV schedule and settle in for some fabulous festive entertainment this December. Whether you are into murder mystery, soap drama, or celebrity game shows, there is something for (almost) everyone.

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