While the nation settles down with the latest glossy Christmas specials, the people who actually make television have their own, often very different, festive viewing traditions. Forget the headline-grabbing new dramas; for many industry insiders, Christmas is about comfort, nostalgia, and a few surprising annual rituals.
The Comfort Classics and Nostalgic Must-Sees
For a significant number of television professionals, the festive schedule is less about what's new and more about reliable, heart-warming repeats. BBC One controller, Karl Warner, confesses his family's tradition involves the 2009 film Nativity!, describing it as a "stone-cold Christmas classic" that marks the true start of the holiday in his household. The appeal lies in its perfect blend of humour and festive spirit.
This sentiment is echoed by others who find joy in timeless animations. ITV's director of reality TV, Sunita Mundi, along with her children, makes a point of watching The Snowman every Christmas Eve. She highlights the powerful, wordless storytelling of the film as a key part of their family ritual. Similarly, Sky's factual boss, Poppy Dixon, champions the charm of the 1970s animation The Town Christmas Forgot, a lesser-known gem she adores.
For some, the classics extend to blockbuster films. Channel 4's chief content officer, Ian Katz, points to It's a Wonderful Life as his essential watch, a film whose profound message of hope and community resonates deeply during the season.
Unexpected Rituals and Soap Opera Marathons
Beyond the predictable films, some traditions are more unexpected. A fascinating ritual comes from TV producer Richard Cookson, who revealed that his family engages in a unique "Doctor Who Christmas Special marathon". They watch these specials in chronological order, creating a day-long event that celebrates the show's evolution alongside their own memories.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation is the enduring festive power of soap operas. BBC's chief content officer, Charlotte Moore, admits to a longstanding tradition of watching the EastEnders Christmas Day episode. She values the show's ability to deliver high-stakes drama and emotional punch, making it a cornerstone of BBC One's Christmas Day lineup for decades. This insider endorsement underscores the show's continued cultural relevance during the holidays.
Why Insiders Crave Familiarity Over Novelty
The collective viewing habits of these executives tell a compelling story. In an industry driven by the constant pressure to create the next big hit, their personal Christmas choices are strikingly devoid of professional obligation. They gravitate towards programmes that offer comfort, shared family experience, and a direct link to personal nostalgia.
These traditions are less about critically assessing television and more about using it as a social glue and a source of simple joy. The repeated viewings of the same films and specials year after year create a sense of continuity and tradition that often outweighs the allure of something brand new. It serves as a reminder that for all the glittering new productions launched during the festive period, television's most powerful role can often be as a familiar and comforting backdrop to our own personal celebrations.
So, while the TV listings are packed with expensive new offerings, the real insider secret is that the magic of Christmas TV often lies in the reliable, well-worn favourites that families return to, together, season after season.
