What's coming up this Christmas

 

For starters, what better way to make yourself feel warm and snugly on the inside than with a classic kid’s movie? I love animated movies anyway, (it’s fine to love Disney as a 22 year old, isn’t it?) but they’re especially appropriate to enjoy as you gorge yourself on mince pies and cinnamon biscuits in the shape of a tree whilst cooking a mammoth dinner. This year, BBC1 is showing all three of Pixar’s Toy Story films through the month, as well as Brave on Christmas Day at 3:10pm.

 

Christmas films are obviously a must, and you’ll find your fair share dotted around on several channels. The Snowman and its sequel The Snowman and the Snowdog will of course be shown on Channel 4, Christmas Day at 12.40, and the absolutely smashing It’s A Wonderful Life can be caught at 2:15 on Christmas Eve. Special mention goes to The Muppet Christmas Carol: watching this film is just tradition in my house. In fact, at the time of writing we have already watched it twice. I love this movie. It’s the quintessential Christmas story. It’s a musical. It’s got Michael Caine. It’s got The Muppets. The Muppets! You can catch it on Christmas Day, Channel 4 at 1.45pm.

 

    

 

The BBC’s Doctor Who special episode will grace our screens at 5.15 on Christmas Day; entitled ‘The Husbands of River Song’, the show sees the return of The Doctor’s wife and guest appearances from Matt Lucas and Greg Davies. Later in the day at 7.30, Call the Midwife returns for a seasonal special. For those of us keenly anticipating the very special Victorian Sherlock special, I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until 9pm New Years Day for that.

 

 

Meanwhile, ITV have several special episodes of their usual shows coming up in aid of their Text Santa appeal, which are sure to spread some good cheer. I’m particularly looking forward to Father Christmas’ appearance in Judge Rinder’s courtroom. Also getting in on the act are Tipping Point, The Chase and even The Jeremy Kyle Show! All of these can be seen throughout the day on 18th December, culminating in the Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day celebration show at 8pm. ITV will also be broadcasting The Sound of Music Live at 7.30 on Sunday 20th, which promises to be a real treat with stars including Kara Tointon, Alexander Armstrong and Julian Ovenden taking part in the first ever live musical broadcast on national television.

 

Let’s all be honest - what’s Christmas Day without a little bit of classic British misery? And if there’s one show you can count on for that, it’s EastEnders. Even if you’re not an avid viewer (I tend to fade in and out of this territory quite a lot), there’s nothing quite like gathering everyone around the telly to watch the most miserable stories ever unfold at the most wonderful time of the year. I know I look back fondly on memories of last year, when, at the Carter family Christmas meal, Mick found out his older sister Shirley is actually his mum just as he was about to beat up his nephew, Dean, who’s actually his brother. Are you following? Honestly I can’t watch this show without my mum there to explain the familial relationships to me every four minutes. I hope 2015 is as festively depressing as ever! We’ll find out on Friday, December 25th at 8.45, on BBC1. If this isn’t quite your style, you’ll find the last ever episode of the critically acclaimed British drama Downton Abbey as an alternative on ITV. Elsewhere in Soap Land, ITV has a helping of Emmerdale at 6.45 followed by a healthy dose of Coronation Street at 7.45.

 

There’s plenty of other classic Christmas crackers (I’m so sorry) on telly this year, so keep an eye out. Merry Christmas!