I can barely write this as the thought of the Christmas double issue Radio Times makes me so fizzy I have to do a little dance.
The annual marking up of the Christmas Radio Times is more than a tradition, it’s an institution. Our family have been through a few systems for getting it right. Scribbling your initials next to programmes, a colour coded highlighter, a box drawn around the important shows, things that should never be seen crossed out. Then once you have that list you need to check for schedule clashes because then you are headed for the dreaded vote. It can get emotional.
A lot of this isn’t necessary any more thanks to digital programme guides and series links but in-depth study of the Christmas oracle will lead you to lost classics, childhood favourites and the best repeats. Also, you can’t beat good-natured, dusty squabbles about The Two Ronnies v Morecambe and Wise. It’s not Christmas without that.