Merry Britsmas: Recent Episodes
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Merry Britsmas is back for 2026! It's Christmas In July, so check out some cool, cool alternative British Christmas tunes, hear a memory of Last Christmas from actress Emilia Clarke, and take a trip to The Smoking Room with a cult BBC sitcom.
Big Boss Man - Xmas Boogaloo
Departure Lounge - Xmas Downer
Drugstore - Maybe At Xmas Time
Morgan - Xmas In Waikiki
Teenage Fanclub - Xmas Eve
In this bonus episode, take a listen to some new British Christmas songs that I've found to be a delight this year and gift in your aural stockings (aka your ears) to check out this year and add to your playlists.
It's the final super Christmas episode of 2025 from Merry Britsmas! Let's hear from some friends about the newest British Xmas adverts, an unconventional nativity in The Vicar of Dibley, and a glam rock festive song with The Darkness.
The Darkness - Christmastime
Kevin Simm
Choir of Man
The Toons
The Darkness - I Am Santa
It's December! Let's get festive with the history of Christmas cards, a modern take on a classic carol by a British musician, and a TV combo of Shakespeare and Dickens for a festive special!
First Ever Xmas Card Video
In Dulci Jubilo:
Mike Oldfield
Swimming
The Little Unsaid
Kings College Choir
In our second November episode, we explore a very important anniversary! It's 40 years since Santa Claus the Movie came out and, due to it's British links, it's time to talk about it along with a festive friend of mine. I also share another seasonal poem from a Poet Laureate and share some under-heard British indie christmas tunes.
Santa Claus the Making of Doc
The Feeling - Feels Like Xmas
Honey Hahs - Golden Xmas
The Tuts - Xmas Is In The Air
Bubble & Squeak - The Xmas Stick
It's November! Let's listen to yet another Band Aid take on Do They Know It's Christmas, a poem about the festive feast, and celebrate the season with a revival of a classic variety TV extravaganza called A Christmas Night With The Stars!
Band Aid 30
Air Supply
Allie Sherlock
It's Christmas Podcast Day! Xmas Podcasters will be taking a peek at TV and film inspired by It's A Wonderful Life. On Merry Britsmas, we're taking on the mighty Basil Brush who wished he was never born in a festive episode of The Basil Brush Show called It's A Wonderful Brush!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/
It's Merry Spooksmas! Merry Britsmas dresses up as a creepy podcast for October and takes a look at Welsh Halloween traditions, creepy monstrous songs by British artists, and goes to Motherland for chaotic trick or treating.
Spooky British Songs
Trick or Treatz by Metronomy
Vampire Jive by Mazes
Waking the Witch by Kate Bush
Recipe for Stump Naw Rhiw
In our first October episode of 2025, Merry Britsmas gets both seasonal and spooky. We will explore a haunted house sitcom with The Ghosts of Motley Hall, some creepily-named British bands and their festive tunes, and explore a Scottish Wintry monstrous legend in Beira, the Queen of Winter!
Beastly Bands and their Festive Songs
Bird to Beast - Winter Snow
Brutalligators - Drunk Xmas
Bears Den - Christmas, Hopefully
La Shark & Fiction - Snowballin'
In the first Ber month episode of the year, we get super schmaltzy with a long-running nostalgic BBC tv show called Call The Midwife, explore British covers of Santa Baby, and take a look at a famous actor's father who wrote a festive poem!
Covers of Santa Baby
The Puppini Sisters
Robbie Williams
Katherine Jenkins
Roo Pescod
In the August episode of Merry Britsmas, we take a look at a surreal seasonal episode of a sitcom about security guards called Nightingales, a festive poem from the wonderful Christina Rossetti, and the merry musical stardom of Elaine Page. And at the end, a little extra to celebrate a late metal legend.
Elaine Page - Christmas
It's Christmas In July! Let's celebrate with some summery British covers of Feliz Navidad, a festive poem from William Wordsworth, and some sketch show comedy from Harry Enfield and Chums!
Feliz Navidad Covers:
Lily Lambert
Sorry Audio
Shame
Jose Feliciano & Jools Holland
It's HALFWAY TO CHRISTMAS! And we celebrate some peace and quiet with more British artists covering Silent Night, look at another festive poem, and get ready for the end of the school year with classic teen show Grange Hill's Christmas disco!
Silent Night Covers
Kim Wilde
Peter Andre
Erasure
Shaggy & Sting
In the May episode of Merry Britsmas, I chat about an episode of timey-wimey show Dr Who set in a snowy wonderland, discuss and read a British Xmas poem, and share some alternative original seasonal songs that you probably don't know.
Dodgy - Xmas At The Food Bank
The Lilac Time - The Needles
Shelley Harland - In My Arms For Xmas
Oh! Gunquit - High On Xmas/Don't Believe In Xmas
Merry Britsmas is BACK for 2025! In my first episode of the year, I check out an old sitcom about Santa in hospital in Only When I Laugh, some Welsh festive christmas music from Cerys Matthews, and the much loved tradition of Boxing Day Footy!
Cerys Matthews Xmas Music Playlist
It's CHRIIISTMAASSS! For our last full episode of the year, I dive into a festive special of a great sketch show from the 90s called Goodness Gracious Me, explore British covers of my favourite carol, O Holy Night, and share some more festive emergency question responses about nativities and chocolates!
Total Christmas Podcast
O Holy Night Covers
Leona Lewis
Michael Ball
Ellie Goulding
Bastille
Nina Nesbitt
In the first of our December episodes this year, we take a look at a boy band called East 17 telling us to Stay Another Day, chat about some Outnumbered parents back in 2011, & discuss some more festive emergency questions about nativities and Quality Street!
East 17 - Stay Another Day
Kylie Minogue - Stay Another Day
Tom Chaplin - Stay Another Day
Rae Morris - Stay Another Day
Old Dirty Brasstards - Stay Another Day
In our second November episode, we have a very unusual Santa Claus exploration with a Channel 4 take on therapy and history, some alternative indie British festive tunes that need to be heard, and more festive questions and answers!
The Long Blondes - Xmas Is Cancelled
The Beautiful South - Hold It Back
Frankie & the Heartstrings - Too Right It's Xmas
Badly Drawn Boy - Donna & Blitzen
In my first November episode of Merry Britsmas, we have more festive questions to answer about food and drunken mistakes, a Christmas comedic special about a big comedian called Greg Davies, and a song that links to armistice day by a pretty famous Liverpudlian called Paul McCartney!
Pipes of Peace Covers
MUNA
Callum Minks
Sergio Denis
Don't Call Me Ishmael
Merry Britsmas KO-FI Link
It's Merry Spooksmas! Which means Halloween vibes and horrors, such as a creepy tale of murder mystery from Jonathan Creek, some gothic horror songs, and creepy ghostly stories from the historic town of Rye!
Kaiser Chiefs - Zombie Prom
Radiohead - Burn The Witch
Echo & the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
On our first October episode of Merry Britsmas this year, we get a little bit spooky but still quite festive. I watch a recent kids show about monsters called Scream Street, force myself to listen to comedic British Xmas songs, and ask and answer some more Emergency Festive Questions, this time with a spooky twist!
David Brent - Don't Cry It's Xmas
Geraldine McQueen - Once Upon A Xmas
Spitting Image - Santa Claus Is On The Dole
In my 66th episode and the first Ber month episode of 2024, I go back to the 1960s to listen to some older British Christmas songs that people may not know, watch an old show about Scottish doctors with some festive storytelling, and go back to the Emergency Festive Questions book to answer and ask some more odd queries such as why is Rudolph's nose red?
David Whitfield - Santo Natale
Dave King - Xmas & You
Adam Faith - Lonely Pup In A Xmas Shop
In the August episode of Merry Britsmas, I take a look at British covers of an indie classic Just Like Xmas by Low, explore a sitcom I knew nothing about called Robin's Nest, and answer some more Festive Emergency Questions, as well as reading out some of your answers from last month!
Covers of Just Like Xmas
Tripp Mirror
Guisers
Parcs
Gastown Irregulars
Gabrielle Aplin
It's Christmas in July! So it's time for some summery xmas things on Merry Britsmas including some (incredibly vaguely linked) festive songs about sun and summer, as well as a look at Death In Paradise, a show about crime, the Caribbean, and, in this episode, Christmas. I also ask and answer some more festive questions and hope you will answer them too!
The Sunflower Thieves - It's Not Like The Xmas Films
The Eves - Xmas In Summertime
Los Bitchos - Los Chrismos
Leo Sayer - Xmas In July
In the Leon Day episode, with only six months until Xmas, I take a look at a sketch show spin-off about a home-made Christmas from Smith & Jones, learn my A-B-Cs with Xmas Alphabet, and start looking at some Xmas questions for all of us to answer!
Xmas Alphabet by Dickie Valentine
Xmas Alphabet by Cliff Richard
Xmas Alphabet by Jasmine Rae
In the 62nd episode of Merry Britsmas, I talk about the ever-growing Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, force you to listen to some 'apparently' comedic novelty Christmas songs, and watch a festive episode of a sitcom about undertakers called In Loving Memory.
Paul Holt - 50 Grand For Xmas
Hot Pantz - (I'd Like To) Give You One For Xmas
Barron Knights - Merry Gentle Pops
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Promo
MERRY BIRTHDAY! April is my Birthday month so I went seeking other birthday connections, looking at two famous people with April birthdays by exploring Leona Lewis' brilliant festive album and a TV show about a very famous playwright born in April. I also explored some British celebs with Xmas Day Birthdays! Also check out more of me (if you want more...) on the Total Christmas Podcast.
Leona Lewis - One More Sleep
https://www.totalchristmaspodcast.com/
In the March episode, I'm inspired by St David's Day to look at Welsh Christmas traditions, listen to some British covers of the carol God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, and watch a festive episode of police drama The Bill.
Covers of God Rest You Merry Gentleman
Wat Tyler
Manfred Mann
Jamie Cullum
Annie Lennox
In the first episode of 2024, Merry Britsmas takes a look at Kiss Me Kate, a sitcom about counselling, the New Year tradition of First Footing, and some alternative under-heard festive songs.
https://ko-fi.com/merrybritsmas
Pet Shop Boys - It Doesn't Often Snow At Xmas
Twitchels - Ode To Just Like Xmas
Shadowlark - Christmas Time
John Cale - Child's Xmas In Wales
It's the (now) annual Bonus New British Xmas Music episode! Check out all the amazing artists below, support them if you can, and there's also a surprise comedic gala from all your favourite Christmas podcasters (& me...)
ALA.NI
Peaness
Problem Patterns
Don't Call Me Ishmael
New Rules
Nina Nesbitt
Volk Soup
Erica Manzoli
Kate Rusby
Curerbell
Pegasuses
Fortune Faded Glory
Brutalligators & Fightmilk
Sunflower Thieves
Wasuremono
Fenne Lily
Wyldest
It's the big December episode of Merry Britsmas! I look at the king of Xmas' Cliff Richard's 'Mistletoe & Wine', one of my favourite raucous British shows, Bottom, more festive munching of British snacks, and I reveal the Winner of the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN!
Also, I get some festive Podcast friends to help review some new seasonal adverts from Tesco, Aldi, M&S, and John Lewis. Check out their podcasts below!
https://adventcalendar.house/
Festive Foreign Film Fans -
https://twitter.com/festivefilmfans
Christmas Cousins
https://www.instagram.com/christmascousinspod
https://www.instagram.com/hollyjollyxmasu/
In my first December episode of 2023, I take a gander at a Christmas Gone Wrong in the Gone Wrong Show, explore British covers of It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas, chomp on some more British festive chocolate, and reveal the final showdown in the BIG XMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN!
Covers of It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Xmas:
Connie Talbot
Rag'n'Bone Man
Calum Scott
Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
In our second November episode, I explore Greg Davies as Santa in a festive Cuckoo, some British covers of White Christmas, more of the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN, and try some British festive snacks so you can hear me munching and get hungry!
Covers of White Xmas:
Billy Idol
Peggy Sue
Keane
Martine McCutcheon
In Merry Britsmsas' first full November episode, we kick things up a festive notch with an exploration of Coldplay's modern classic Christmas Lights, a watch and review of Postman Pat's Magic Christmas, and more on the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN!
Covers of Xmas Lights:
Kylie Minogue
Straight No Chaser
Yellowcard
Amber Leigh Irish
It's a Merry Britsmas Christmas Podcast Day Special! Xmas Podcast Day will showcase a whole range of takes on A Christmas Carol from brilliant festive podcasters. Here, we'll stay British with 1970's Scrooge, a musical favourite of mine starring Albert Finney!
Check out more Xmas podcasts at https://christmaspodcasts.com/
It's Merry Spooksmas! Our full on Halloween Episode explores some British artists with spookily-titled songs, an ex-haunting via The IT Crowd, and some creepy Cornish tales of death and the supernatural. We also finish the first round of the BIG XMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN and kick off Round Two!
The Fratellis - Halloween Blues
Laura Marling - Ghosts
Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave
Spooky Xmas music copyright free by Myuu
In our first October episode of the year, I get to grips with some British artists with slightly spooky names who released original Christmas songs, a haunting tale of St Nicholas' bones from Inside No 9, and set up the final group of the first round of the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN!
Boo Hewerdine - Xmas Morning
The Spook School - Someone To Spend Xmas With
Mogwai - Xmas Song
Dog Is Dead - TV Xmas
Spooky Xmas music copyright free by Myuu
In our first BER episode of 2023, I get extra festive with a look at Not Going Out's second seasonal episode, Absent Father Christmas, as well as discussing Band Aid 20, the 20th anniversary release from 2004. And, as all through this year, I share the results of the last round and the face-offs of the next round of the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN!
Band Aid 20
Keith Lemon - Do They Know It's Xmas Lockdown
Daddy's Home 2 - Do They Know It's Xmas
Gavin & Stacey Do They Know Sing-Along
In our August 23 episode, I take a look at a 90s nostalgia-hit of rural Sunday night watching with a festive Heartbeat episode, listen to some (supposedly) comedic Christmas songs, and continue the GREAT BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN! Get voting at Merry Britsmas
Ricky Tomlinson - Xmas My Arse
The Goodies - Father Xmas Do Not Touch Me
The Goodies - Make a Daft Noise for Xmas
Dora Bryan - All I Want For Xmas Is A Beatle
It's Xmas in July! Let's get extra festive with some British covers of The Christmas Song, an exploration of timey wimey Dr Who episode Last Christmas, and the next round of voting in the Big Christmas Number One Showdown!
The Xmas Song covers:
Smith & Burrows
Delegation
Clare Teal
Joss Stone
In the summery 47th episode of Merry Britsmas, I take a look at a festive episode of strange sitcom Mandy, listen to a ever-so-slightly summery folksy Xmas record from The Boy Least Likely To, and continue to run down the BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN! Go to https://twitter.com/MerryBritsmas to vote, share, and comment!
Listen & buy via Bandcamp: The Boy Least Likely To - Christmas Special
In our May episode, I look at some more under-heard alternative British festive songs, discuss a tangentially Coronation linked episode of King Gary, and start my BIG CHRISTMAS NUMBER ONE SHOWDOWN POLL! Vote at Merry Britsmas
Snow Patrol - When I Get Home For Xmas
Bird to Beast - Winter Snow
Shy Nature - Xmas Lullaby
Sandra's Wedding - Spite Xmas
In my April episode, we go a little bit sweet for Easter with British covers of A Marshmallow World, explore the final chapter of Christmas at War, and take a look at an outdated classic British sitcom called On The Buses.
Deacon Blue - Marshmallow World
Emmy the Great & Tim Wheeler - Marshmallow World
In the March 2023 episode of Merry Britsmas, I explore some alternative, little known (but brilliant) British indie christmas songs from the likes of Oh Wonder and Gaffa Tape Sandy. I also look at how nurses and hospitals dealt with the festive season during World War II, and take a gander at a BBC Sherlock Holmes episode set during the holidays.
Oh Wonder - This Xmas
Citizen Helene - On Xmas Day
Mary Hepworth - The Wolf & The Woods
Gaffa Tape Sandy - Black Xmas
In a kind-of-but-not-really Valentine Special, I explore My Family's Xmas Special, The Heart of Christmas, British covers of the heartbreak festive tune Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), and more stories of the frontline during WWII during the holidays.
Xmas (Baby Please Come Home) covers:
Leona Lewis
KT Tunstall
Olly Murs
Slow Club
In the first episode of 2023, I take a little look at The Fast Show Christmas Special, covers of wintry festive duet Baby It's Cold Outside, & the seasonal experience of British soldiers during World War II.
Baby It's Cold Outside covers:
Ted Heath & Edmundo Ros
Dolly Parton & Rod Stewart
Paloma Faith & BB Bones
Barns Courtney & Lennon Stella
Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews
If you think there's no good new Christmas music OR just want more Christmas music, well how about this BONUS MERRY BRITSMAS offering of new British Xmas songs? Check them out below and also, if you can, buy their stuff and go to their gigs!
The Bug Club - Christmas Lullaby
Los Bitchos - Los Chrismos
Joss Stone - Bring on Christmas Day
BumbleWasps - Mr Christmas
Shybits & Eddie Argos - Hope This Christmas
Jack In Water - I'd Rather Be Home For Christmas
Chubby and the Gang - Violent Night (A Christmas Tale)
Spencer Flay - Hey Christmas
Rhys Lewis - Christmas Eve
Lexie Carroll - Christmas Day
The Voltz - Do You Remember Christmas?
James Vincent McMorrow - At Christmas
Don’t Call Me Ishmael - It's Christmas, Let's Pretend We're Fine
Ollie Hayes - Boxing Day Blues
IT'S CHRISTMAS! And in this super festive December episode, I explore Alan Partridge's Knowing Me Knowing Yule, the John Lennon classic Happy Xmas (War Is Over), & the history of the Christmas Pudding! Also, find out the champion of the World Cup of the Ghost of Xmas Present, and hear a modern festive poem from Carol Ann Duffy!
How to make a Victorian Xmas Pudding
Diana Ross - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Boy George & Anohni
Jherek Bischoff
Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson & Sean Ono Lennon
In my first December episode of 2022, I explore school nativities, a brilliant TV special called Flint Street Nativity, and British covers of 80s new wave classic Christmas Wrapping.
Also, check out Have Yourself A Merry Indie Xmas compilation on Bandcamp for Crisis below:
https://v4velindre.bandcamp.com/album/have-yourself-a-merry-indie-christmas-volume-i
https://v4velindre.bandcamp.com/album/have-yourself-a-merry-indie-christmas-volume-ii
It's almost December and it's time for more full on Christmas joy! In this episode, I discuss the marvellous music of British festive classic Love Actually, how Christianity helped people through World War II, and brotherly conflict over decorations in the cult ITV special Christmas Lights.
Also, hear the results of the first round of the World Cup of the Ghost of Xmas Present! Vote for the next round at https://twitter.com/MerryBritsmas
Love Actually Soundtrack playlist
In my first fully festive episode of November, I step right into Xmas! It's time to go back to timey wimey Dr Who with their take on A Xmas Carol, British covers of Winter Wonderland, and more wartime history of festive entertainment. I also discuss my new poll for the very best Ghost of Christmas Present! Vote on Twitter at Merry Britsmas!
Jamie Cullum - Winter Wonderland
Gary Barlow - Winter Wonderland
Cocteau Twins - Winter Wonderland
Eurythmics - Winter Wonderland
Emeli Sande - Winter Wonderland
It's Christmas Podcast Day! In celebration of the start of November, check out the Christmas Podcast Podcast, which will help you hear all of the Christmas Podcasts worth checking out!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/
In this bonus episode, I also talk about something seasonal for November 5th - Bonfire Night aka Fireworks Night aka Guy Fawkes Day!
The Big Moon - Bonfire
Talk Less Say More - Bonfire Night
In our full on Halloween special, we take on some spooky British things, including a Halloween-set episode of kind-of-forgotten sitcom My Family, some alternative rock songs about zombies and gravedwellers, and explore some slight differences and unique traditions for a Scottish Halloween.
Spooky Alternative Songs
Veronica Falls - Found Love in a Graveyard
Jamie T - Zombie
The Wytches - Gravedweller
Ewan McGregor teaches Conan about Scottish Halloween
In the first of our October 2022 episodes, Merry Britsmas covers some festive but spooky things! Listen to me ramble about the Xmas Special of The League of Gentlemen, some terrifying novelty Xmas songs, and a historical exploration of the creepy winter Night of the Mothers.
The Cheeky Girls - Cheeky Xmas
Fast Food Rockers - I Love Xmas
Cruz Beckham - If Everyday Was Xmas
In the September 22 episode of Merry Britsmas, I pay homage to the festive power of our late majesty, explore a joke filled modern sitcom called Not Going Out, some alternative and glam christmas songs, and what sort of presents were given at Xmas during WWII.
T-Rex - Christmas Bop
The Staves - Home Alone Too
The Staves & Flyte - Have Yourself A Merry Little Xmas
Oscar - It's Christmas Again
Sweet Baboo - Don't Be Alone This Xmas
We are very close to the ber months so celebrate with Merry Britsmas by hearing me ramble about the second Band Aid to take on Do They Know It's Christmas, a pair of super spies from the sixties in a strange festive adventure, and how decorating was all about tradition and thrift during wartime.
Band Aid II
Going Live! Report on Band Aid II
Glee
Slade
Richard Cheese
It's Christmas In July! Which mean's it's time to talk all things Christmas (as it is every month here...). This month, I explore some kind-of sunny British festive songs, a nativity that goes dreadfully wrong from the Play That Goes Wrong, and how rationing affected the holiday season during World War II.
British Summery Christmas Songs
Shame - Feliz Navidad
Shaggy & Joss Stone - Sunny Celebration
Brutalligators - Christmas in July
Peggy Sue - Surf Xmas EP
It's Half Christmas! So let's get proper festive with the classic Snowman tune Walking in the Air, as well as discussing a kind-of-superheroic festive special from cult show Misfits, along with our now regular topic of British Christmas during World War II, focusing on rationing and supplies.
Aled Jones - Walking in the Air
Tom Chaplin cover
Jack Robert Hardman cover
Jerkcurb cover
The Maccabees cover
How about taking a little look at a classic 70s sitcom Xmas episode about life in prison with Ronnie Barker in Porridge, the merry joy of ex-footballer Chris Kamara singing some classic holiday songs, & the difficulties of Xmas during bombing raids in WWII.
Chris Kamara - Here's To Christmas
In the first episode of 2022, I take a look at a silly reboot of a kids show about a super spy rodent, listen to some under appreciated festive British indie pop, and begin a new section exploring what life was like in the UK at Christmas during World War II.
Dan Croll - A Guardian Christmas
Gabrielle Aplin - Untitled
Belle & Sebastian - Are You Coming Over For Christmas?
In the wise words of Noddy Holder, it's CHRIIIISTTMAAASSSS!! Check out this mega message of festive love and celebration from the Christmas Podcast Network!
Happy Christmas all of you brilliant, wonderful people!
In a special bonus episode, I review and recommend some brilliant new British festive songs from this year including the likes of Billy Nomates, Shame, Gary Barlow, Dream Nails and Will Joseph Cook. Check out the songs below:
Gary Barlow - The Dream of Xmas
Will Joseph Cook - No Time To Be Alone
Shame - Baldur's Gate
Blackaby - Plastic Mistletoe
Laurie Shaw - Snow Day
Billy Nomates - Xmas is for Lovers, Ghosts & Children
David Newton - Winter Tragedy
Kathryn Williams & Carol Ann Duffy - Snow Angel
Gabrielle Aplin - Just Like Christmas (Low cover)
George Ezra - Come Home For Xmas (cover)
Dream Star - Lonely Star
It's our full on final proper episode of 2021 and it's an extra long packed present full of more than just the usual Merry Britsmas ramblings! I look at British classic The Vicar of Dibley's The Xmas Lunch Incident, covers of Greg Lake's I Believe in Father Xmas, and hear from other festive podcasters to get the final say on which Xmas advert of 2021 is the very best!
Check out the other festive podcasts below:
Totally Rad Xmas
Advent Calendar House
Xmas Alphabet
Planning for Xmas
Xmas Podcast Podcast
Jingle Jank
Kringle Talks Xmas
Cosy Xmas
It's actually DECEMBER! So let's get super festive with some historical Medieval feasting, a Xmas celebration with Mark & Jez of Peep Show, and some intriguing British covers of Mariah Carey's super hit All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Check out the covers:
Clean Bandit
Bastille
Puppini Sisters
Jamie Cullum
Olivia Olson
Check out The Christmas Alphabet podcast: http://christmasalphabet.com/
In the second November episode of 2021, I explore a festive Titanic cosmic cruise from an episode of Doctor Who, some seasonal poetry from Wendy Cope, and some history and covers of Fairytale of New York by The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl.
In the first November episode of 2021, I take the festive up a notch by looking at the Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree, a festive episode of Aardman' kids TV show legend Shaun the Sheep, and look at some seasonal indie rock from British bands. Check out the full songs below as well as a new podcaster in the Christmas Podcast Network (& another Brit!), Kringle Talks Kristmas.
Los Campesinos! - When Christmas Comes
Girl Ray - Wish I Were Giving You A Gift
Loose Tapestries - Can't Wait for Christmas (w/ Idris Elba!)
https://twitter.com/KristmasTalks
In our first ever full Halloween special episode, we get into some disgusting & spooky British culture! I discuss the history of Halloween on the British Isles, a grotesque Halloween episode of cult sitcom Bottom, & share some gothic rock that perfectly fits spooky season.
Check out this video for more information on Samhain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai_8RaTbmeY
It's October & spooky season is here! For my festive spooktacular, I explore a seasonal episode of BBC sitcom Ghosts, a tale of history & horror from Hertfordshire, and an album of 'Ghost Stories' from Aidan Moffat.
If you liked the strange historical tale this episode, follow @Verity_Holloway on Twitter or visit https://verityholloway.com/
In the September episode (just!), I explore all things Father Christmas to give you a real festive Ber month episode! I explore the history of the British Father Christmas figure, an episode of 70s sitcom Are You Being Served called The Father Christmas Affair, and The Kinks' rocking class attack track, Father Christmas.
The Kinks - Father Christmas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPPCPqDINEk
In our August episode, I explore the tasty joy that is the Christmas Sandwich, the festive Panto focused episode of police procedural The Bill, and British covers of Donny Hathaway's soul classic This Christmas.
John Lewis' Xmas Decoration Themes 2021
The Xmas Sandwich Song by Christopher Dennis
In the Christmas in July episode, we get a little bit summery and sunny! Check out my thoughts on a Benidorm christmas special, the tradition of mummering (which is not carolling!), & some indie summer-adjacent christmas songs!
It's Noel Day! In the June episode, I explore an Inbetweeners' Christmas Party, a Wombling Merry Christmas, and read a festive poem about a naughty king.
In our April episode, I take a little look at 90s British leisure centre sitcom The Brittas Empire, explore a range of British covers of the classic Jingle Bell Rock, and discuss the history of the Yule Log, & how it relates to British tradition and culture.
It's pretty much Spring so let's get uplifted with some timey-wimey nonsense from Doctor Who dealing with a Runaway Bride, discover the topsy-turvy world of the Lord of Misrule, and explore some little known indie Christmas songs from the UK. Check out the links below to hear the full songs I mention in the episode!
Futureheads - Christmas Was Better in the 80s
PINS - Come On Home (It's Xmas)
The Spook School - Someone to Spend Xmas With
Frightened Rabbit - It's Xmas, So We'll Stop
In the February episode, I explore some wintery things to stave off the cold weather blues! Check out a winter warmer hot drink called Smoking Bishop, remember the silly superhero sitcom My Hero, & listen to David Essex sing all about A Winter's Tale.
In my first episode of 2021, I explore some post-Christmas bits and bobs. Listen to me ramble on about the glory of Boxing Day, the Boxing-Day-set special of BBC sitcom Outnumbered, and the history & covers of the traditional New Years Scottish song Auld Lang Syne.
Auld Lang Syne by United States Marine Band is licensed under a Public Domain Mark 1.0 License.
In a special bonus episode, I review and recommend some brilliant new British festive songs from this year including the likes of Blossoms, Paloma Faith, Porridge Radio, The Cribs & Liam Payne.
Song List
Circa Waves - Miss Christmas
Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard - Christmas is Coming (We All Know the Score)
Liam Payne & Dixie D'Amelio - Naughty List
Honne - Warm on A Christmas Night
Blossoms - Christmas Eve (Soul Purpose)
Porridge Radio - The Last Time I Saw You (O Christmas)
Thom Stone - Merry Christmas (What a Hell of a Year)
The Cribs - Christmas (All Year Long)
Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter - Christmas Prayer
Willie J Healey - Merry Christmas
In the second December episode of 2020, I review a classic British comedy character in Merry Christmas Mr Bean, explore the history behind the Christmas Cracker, and check out some interesting covers of Paul McCartney's 1979 festive hit 'Wonderful Christmastime'.
BBC Report on Christmas Crackers
Podcast Recommendation: Advent Calendar House
In the first December episode, I look at some interesting British covers of the classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Xmas, look at some 2020 seasonal ads with some fellow festive podcasters, and explore the 2000 christmas episode of The Royle Family.
Check out the adverts in the podcast below:
Tesco: https://youtu.be/8CfrpexaCwg
Sainsburys: https://youtu.be/GqtcpLywgRU
Lidl: https://youtu.be/2waeUenMzYY
Very: https://youtu.be/JR_ZVamR5YE
Walkers: https://youtu.be/eCpQ_DBiEpw
John Lewis: https://youtu.be/x2sE2YuheK0
And check out the brilliant festive podcasts that my guests host:
Christmas Clatter
Seasons Eatings
Christmas Time in the City
Total Christmas Podcast
Santa by the Minute
Cozy Christmas
In the second of my November episodes, I explore and discuss the first festive Only Fools and Horses, the Xmas Radio Times, and the charity super smash Do They Know It's Xmas by Band Aid.
In the first of our November episodes, we honour Remembrance Day by hearing all about Jona Lewie's Stop the Cavalry, discuss the wonderful stories of Raymond Briggs, and explore the surprisingly intriguing take on A Christmas Carol from ITV in 2000 starring Ross Kemp!
In this episode as we get spooky for October with a strange Welsh New Year creature, a Devil of Christmas from Inside No 9, and the most horrifying festive songs in British history: the comedy christmas novelty hit!
In this episode as we dive into the Ber months, I discuss a sad glam song, the horror of banning Christmas, and a Jewish comedy christmas celebration! I also recommend some other audio festivity for your ears and reveal the results of the World Cup of Dr Who Xmas Episodes!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
Lonely This Xmas on TOTP
Our August episode brings a new website, a new logo and a World Cup of Dr Who Christmas Episodes that you can vote for on Twitter! Oh and I talk about festive Him & Her, the wonderful world of Xmas Markets, and explore some British versions of Silent Night!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the 6th episode of Merry Britsmas, for Christmas in July, get ready to learn something about Christmas in the Tudor era, listen to a non-Christmassy Christmas song from a bunch of Scousers (Liverpool-citizens for non Brits!), & the first modern timey-wimey Xmas with Dr Who!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
The Power of Love cover
Here is a mini episode of Merry Britsmas just before the big day! Check out some of my favourite songs by British artists from 2019 including the likes of Will Young, Mabel, Honey Hahs and Feet.
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the 5th episode of Merry Britsmas, it's ACTUALLY DECEMBER! Hear my chat about 1991's Father Christmas, the war of xmas ads & Chris Rea driving home.
Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the 4th episode of Merry Britsmas, we are so damn close to Christmas, I can almost taste it! Actually, I literally can with some talk about Mince Pies! I also chat about some festive Wham and a modern comedy classic in Gavin and Stacey.
Check out the official, amazing video for 'Last Christmas', as mentioned in the podcast, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the 3rd episode of Merry Britsmas, I return with a ramble about my love for Elton John's 'Step Into Christmas', a review of the dark festive offering from Charlie Brooker in Black Mirror's 'White Christmas' and a bit of history about the odd and unusual tradition of British panto!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the 2nd episode of Merry Britsmas, I take a look at the Royal Christmas speech, a take on A Xmas Carol from Blackadder and Wizzard's 'I Wish It Could Be Xmas Everyday'!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod
In the first ever Merry Britsmas, we begin by discussing and reviewing the first festive special from a classic UK sitcom, The Royle Family.
We also discuss the madness, splendour and joy of Christmas Number Ones, before focusing in a little more detail on Slade's mega-hit 'Merry Xmas Everybody'.
So, get your Xmas jumper on, grab a hot festive beverage and settle in for some British Christmas feels!
Background Music: Wish by Kevin MacLeod