30/11/2020
Christmas is now it seems – everywhere. Every commercial break on television is full of seasonal adverts, and many radio services have dedicated channels entirely to festive music, such as the national networks Magic and Heart Extra. Is there any let up? Christmas can be difficult for some people, so it is important to know that you can find a let up from the wall to wall Christmassy ness. Terry has previously blogged about avoiding Christmas – perhaps until you feel you want to get involved, or totally giving it a miss. If so, then our friends at Trans Radio UK, Europe’s first all trans and non-binary radio station, have some interesting news for you. Mike Mainguard, who presents the station’s breakfast programme from 7am on weekdays, says that he will not be playing any festive tracks until well into December. Specialist music stations are also worth checking out, as they tend not to have a huge amount of Christmas fare on them. There are many stations that broadcast online and will be carrying on with their less festive output through the Christmas season. Perhaps you could spend some time exploring the vast amount of videos on platforms like YouTube, focusing on a subject that interests you, from bird watching to Egyptology. You’re bound to find some good material that will help the hours while away. With television, there are also many choices that might help you ignore Christmas. Although the main channels will have Christmas specials and variety shows going out, there are many stations that will carry on with a less feverous schedule! Try the Science Fiction or crime drama channels for something more to your liking. If in doubt, the rolling news channels will report as they do throughout the year and the presence of things going on even over the holidays is strangely comforting if you are avoiding Christmas. And remember, the shops will soon be open again, we will be into January and the pressure will be off. Take care and look after yourself!
