Festive favourites for some me-time amidst family and feasting!

??Films: "What's Up Doc" - A delightfully ludicrous, fast-paced farce in the screwball comedy tradition. Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand shine in iconic car chases. Perfect for a Christmas watch on BBC iPlayer.

?? TV:

- It wouldn't quite be Christmas Day without a special episode of “Strictly Come Dancing” and a one-episode battle for the Silver Star trophy.

- "Outnumbered Christmas Special" on BBC One, Boxing Day - A charming glimpse into the chaos of a family Christmas. My mum says the little precocious girl reminds her of me who now I see is a grown up young woman!

- "The Traitors Series 3" on BBC One, New Year's Day - A Bafta-winning series set to captivate viewers with game show antics in the Scottish Highlands. Can’t wait to see Claudia's outfits.

- "SAS Rogue Heroes Series 2" coming soon on BBC 1 - Action-packed drama following the SAS in WWII promises gripping entertainment.

- And more festive TV specials for me to enjoy this holiday season!

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (childhood absolute delight)

Eastenders Christmas Day (watching since the very beginning)

All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special (just cosy)

Doctor Who: Joy to the World

Call the Midwife Christmas special

The Piano Christmas special

The King's Speech (from a hospital this time)

?? Podcasts:

Audio has become my modern lecture theatre. My lifelong learning scheme as a self-elected eternal student.

- "Legacy" - History Podcast presented by the writer and broadcaster Afia Hirsch and historian Peter Frankopan. Thoughtful, insightful conversations about historical figures, presented with multi-perspective analysis. Currently enjoying learning about Charles Dickens.

- "Lady Swindlers" with Lucy Worsley and a team of all female detectives revisit con-women of history from BBC Radio 4. I love how this podcast uses these past crimes to open up insight into women’s lives and their situations living in a world made by men.

- "When It Hits the Fan" - Presented by David Yelland and Simon Lewis who give insightful discussions on communication, crisis and reputation management from BBC Radio 4. Liked their end of year analysis.

-"The Media Show" from BBC Radio 4 - Engaging journalists deliver informative content that's accessible even for non-media enthusiasts like me.

-"Good Bad Billionaire" BBC Radio 5 podcast features Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng dissecting how billionaires amassed their wealth and passing judgment. Their analysis, like the review of Peter Thiel, offers intriguing insights into this exclusive group.

- "The Story" - Deep dive into one remarkable story each day from The Times and Sunday Times. I have to say I find Manveen Rana's voice incredibly soothing and perfect to listen to complex subjects whilst travelling or relaxing.

- I enjoy “The Today Podcast” from BBC Radio 4 for its current and well-planned content that's intellectually serious, curious and thought-provoking. It's a great compliment to BBC News “Newscast” and “Americast” offering diverse perspectives and expert analysis.

- I also appreciate Global's “The News Agents” intriguing "What if" scenarios during the festive season. Although it does feel like Lewis Goodall is working with his mum and dad ??.

- Sky’s "Electoral Dysfunction" featuring three actively working women in news and politics is a refreshing listen reshaping the political male-dominated landscape. Enjoyed listening to their end of year conversations taking us behind the scenes of the 2024 general election.

- Still searching for a good mental health/psychology podcast. “Centre of Mental Health” and “All in the Mind” so far but come on The British Psychological Society (BPS) and Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP) put out something! I can’t stand all the babble from the growing health and wellness community on air as mostly quackery and anti science.

?? Theatre:

- "Hansel and Gretel" at Royal Opera House - A captivating warm production with marvellous singing the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale.

- "Matthew Bourne Swan Lake" at Sadler's Wells Theatre - Audacious reinvention of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece that took London by storm back in 1995.

?? Books and Magazines:

- "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy - I know it has been out for quite sometime but only discovered this book when reading Financial Times's twenty-five most influential women of 2024 and Roy was one of the inspiring women featured.

A powerful and inspiring novel who sheds light on societal struggles and injustices. Roy's work is a testament to the impact of literature on understanding our world.

-"Private Eye": A must-read for a satirical year-end recap with a UK twist. Plus, check out Ian Hislop's interview in Politics JOE.

-"Delayed Gratification": Embracing a shift towards delayed gratification in a world of instant desires. Let's rethink impulsivity and savour the process.

Enjoy the festive season ???