Top five Christmas specials
Published December 25, 2020
In a festive season where everyone’s plans have gone awry, we instead focus on the Christmas content we know and love. There are so many TV Christmas specials out there, but only a few that I revisit on a regular basis. Here’s a countdown of five of them…
Vicar of Dibley - The Christmas Lunch Incident
Just a joy from start to finish - Geraldine trying to do the best for her parishioners at the expense of her own sanity, as usual! The brussel sprout competition, the giant portions, the incredible conversations at Alice’s house. It’s lovely.
Gavin and Stacey - The Christmas Announcement
The great thing about this is it brings out exactly what we love in each character - Mick being completely obsessed with the turkey, Pete and Dawn doing what they do, Nessa and Smithy trying to fight their feelings, Gavin and Stacey realising they have to put each other first to make it work… and more details about the fishing trip!
Last year’s Christmas special holds a special place in my heart as it got Mr C interested in the show and we rewatched it all together, but I don’t think you can beat an episode where everyone is gifted one Celebration chocolate each.
The Goes Wrong Show - The Spirit of Christmas
I couldn’t be more obsessed with the Mischief group and what they do, so I loved their 2020 festive play. But I enjoyed last year’s even more… probably because it was a new story as opposed to the nativity. An elf stuck in the chimney, the horror of a Snowman being eaten by a toy machine, and sausages adorning the tree. Wonderful.
Knowing Me, Knowing Yule
I’ve been easing into the world of Alan Partridge gently but this is a proper Christmas classic, with the oddball presenter putting his foot in it all over the place. Where else would a live entertainment show end with someone being punched in the face?
Doctor Who - The Christmas Invasion
I’ve picked the first of the new Doctor Who Christmas specials because it’s the first of many good ones. It’s David Tennant’s first proper adventure although granted he does spend a good amount of it in bed. It’s a great performance by Billie Piper to show confusion and hurt at things changing around her. And it ends with those incredible words ‘Don’t you think she looks tired?’ which I use constantly to this day.
Sure, we could look at some of the specials that followed - Donna’s first appearance, the final DT adventure with Wilfred, Titanic, Christmas Carol, Narnia. But the first one is the one I hold close.
Look at these people. These human beings. Consider their potential. From the day they arrive on the planet and blinking step into the sun, there is more to see than can ever be seen. More to do than. No, hold on. Sorry, that’s The Lion King. But the point still stands. Leave them alone!
