Hello again, and welcome back to "My 70's TV Childhood.” In this special Christmas episode, I'm not just taking you back to the nostalgia of the 70s but also right into the heart of the festive season.

As I record this episode in mid-December, I'm surrounded by the full swing of the UK's Christmas spirit. The weather outside might be frightful, but the warm and delightful scenes across the country more than make up for it. The air is filled with the smell of mulled wine, mince pies, and a palpable sense of anticipation!

This episode is particularly special as it marks our fourth Christmas special and the lead-up to our fifth year of the podcast. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the continued support and the staggering number of listeners who share their TV memories and experiences with me.

Remembering a 1970s Christmas, it was a time of great excitement, from eagerly anticipating Father Christmas's visit to family gatherings and, of course, indulging in the special TV programming. I fondly reminisce about the unique feel of 1970s Christmas TV, which was quite different from the rest of the year's programming. The special double editions of the Radio Times and TV Times were essential for planning our holiday viewing.

Do you remember the Christmas adverts? Stores like Woolworths and the iconic Argos catalogue were central to our Christmas experiences. I often found myself in a dilemma, choosing the perfect gifts from these catalogues, and I still cherish the joy of receiving memorable presents, like the stadium edition of Subbuteo in 1977.

The episode explores what Christmas TV was like in 1976, a time I mostly missed due to illness. To make up for this, I went through the TV and Radio Times from that year, reviewing the programming on ITV, BBC2, and BBC1, and sharing my thoughts on what I missed.As we journey through this festive episode, I invite you to share your own Christmas memories and traditions. Did you have a particular routine during the holidays? What TV shows or adverts captured your imagination?

Don't forget to stay in touch! You can email me at [email protected], visit our blog, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 

Take care, and join us again soon for more from "My 70's TV Childhood."

Oliver

Get in touch!

Support the show