Merry Britsmas

Merry Britsmas 86 - Bonus British Christmas Songs 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:16:37 -0400

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.

Merry Britsmas 85 - Festive Adverts, Christmas Glam Rock, and A Winter Nativity in Dibley

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 11:14:26 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 84 - Christmas Cards, Jubilation, and A Shakespeare Christmas Carol

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:31:41 -0400

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:

Merry Britsmas 83 - Indie Christmas and Santa Claus The Movie 40th Anniversary

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 02:00:00 -0400

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.

S anta 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

Merry Britsmas 82 - Do They Still Know It's A Christmas Night With The Stars?

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 81 - Christmas Podcast Day! It's A Wonderful Basil Brush

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0300

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/

Merry Britsmas 80: MERRY SPOOKSMAS visits a Wuthering Halloween Welsh Motherland!

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:15:17 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 79 - Christmas Spirits, Beasts & October Creeps

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 06:19:26 -0300

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'

Merry Britsmas 78 - Santa Baby, Call The Midwife & Bring Me A Christmas Rose

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 77 - A Nightingales Metal Musical Christmas

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 14:10:22 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 76 - Feliz Navidad from Harry Enfield and Chums

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 75 - It's A Silent Night at Grange Hill for Christmas

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 74 - The Doctor, The Christmas Poem & The Alternative Festive Songs

Wed, 28 May 2025 10:05:06 -0300

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 73 - Christmas Hospital Laughs & Boxing Day Footy

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 72 - Goodness Gracious Me & O Holy Night, It's Blooming Christmas!

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 71: Stay Another Day To Be Outnumbered This Christmas

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 70: A Curious Case Of Some Alternative Christmas Music

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 02:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 69: A Man Down For A Peaceful Christmas

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 68: SPOOKSMAS! Halloween Murders, Music & Ghostly Tales

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:10:06 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 67: Christmas Screams and Shrieks

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 66: A Retro 60s Christmas Peek

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 12:41:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 65: Just Like Christmas At Robin's Nest

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 64: Christmas In July and Paradise

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 63: Leon Day Homemade Christmas Questions

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 62: A Comedic Christmas Winter Wonderland

Tue, 28 May 2024 06:37:41 -0300

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 Britsmas 61: Christmas Birthdays with the Bard

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 12:13:57 -0300

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/

Merry Britsmas 60: Nadolig Llawen & God Rest The Bill

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 59: Kiss Me Christmas for First Footing

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 02:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 58: BONUS! New British Christmas Music 2023

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

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

Brutalligators & Fightmilk

Merry Britsmas 57: Mistletoe and Wine and Holy Bottoms For Christmas

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 12:10:56 -0400

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/

Merry Britsmas 56: It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Gone Wrong

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 20:03:17 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 55 - I’m Dreaming of a White Cuckoo Christmas

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

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:

Merry Britsmas 54: Postman Pat’s Magic Christmas Lights

Sat, 11 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0400

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:

Merry Britsmas 53 - Christmas Podcast Day - Scrooge the Musical

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 02:00:00 -0300

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/

Merry Britsmas 52: SPOOKSMAS! Halloween Hauntings & Cornish Creep

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 51: Spooky Xmas Songs & St Nicholas’ Bones

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 50: Do They Know An Absent Father Christmas?

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 49: Comedic Christmas Heartbeats

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 48 - The Last Christmas Song In July

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:13:13 -0300

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:

Merry Britsmas 47 - A Summery Mandy Christmas

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 07:52:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 46: King of the Christmas Number One

Mon, 29 May 2023 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 45: On The Buses For A Marshmallow Christmas

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 44: The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Indie Christmas Songs

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 43 - My Family, Please Come Home for Valentines & Christmas

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 02:00:00 -0400

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:

Merry Britsmas 42: A Fast Christmas Show When It’s Cold Outside

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 03:56:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 41: BONUS! New British Christmas Music 2022

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:58:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 40: Knowing Christmas, Knowing Pudding (War Is Over)

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 05:29:21 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 39: Wrapping Up Christmas Nativities

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 38: Love & Christmas Lights Actually

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 37: Time Travelling to a Winter Wonderland Xmas Carol

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 36: Bonus Christmas Podcast Day Bonfire Special!

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 35: Scary Spooksmas Halloween Special

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 34: Yule Never Leave A Spooky Christmas Night

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 33: Not Going Out For A Glam Christmas

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 01:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 32: Do The Avengers Know It’s Christmas Again?

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 31: A Sunny Christmas In July Goes Wrong

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 03:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 30: Some Misfits Walking in the Air for Half Christmas

Sat, 25 Jun 2022 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 29: Some Festive Porridge with Chris(tmas) Kamara

Sat, 28 May 2022 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 28: Festive Evacuees, Danger Mouse & an Indie Pop Christmas

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 02:00:00 -0300

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?

Happy Christmas from Merry Britsmas & the Christmas Podcast Network!

Sat, 25 Dec 2021 02:00:00 -0400

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!

Merry Britsmas Bonus Episode 2021: New British Christmas Music 2021

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 03:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 27: I Believe in Multiple Christmas Lunches & Adverts

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 06:45:07 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 26: All I Want For Christmas is a Medieval Peep Show

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:37:10 -0400

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:

Check out The Christmas Alphabet podcast: http://christmasalphabet.com/

Merry Britsmas 25: Fairytale of a Doctor Who New York Christmas

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 05:29:15 -0400

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.

Merry Britsmas 24: Christmas Sheep, Trees & Indie Rock

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:23:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas 23: Getting to the Bottom of a Gothic Halloween

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 11:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 22: The Ghost Stories of a Cold Christmas

Sun, 24 Oct 2021 06:52:17 -0300

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/

Merry Britsmas 21: The Rocking Father Christmas Affair

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 20: Christmas Sandwiches & Police Panto

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas 19: A Sunny Summer Camp Benidorm Xmas

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0300

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!

Merry Britsmas 18: Inbetween A Wombling Merry Christmas

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 03:00:00 -0300

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.

Merry Britsmas 17: Jingle Bell Rocks, Yule Logs & Leisure Centres

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 03:00:00 -0300

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.

Merry Britsmas Episode 16: WHO is the Lord of Misrule?

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 03:45:27 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 15: A Winter's Tale About Smoking Bishop

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 04:00:00 -0400

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.

Merry Britsmas Episode 14: Auld Lang Boxing Day

Sun, 17 Jan 2021 04:00:00 -0400

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.

Merry Britsmas Bonus Episode 2020: Best British Christmas Music 2020

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:59:39 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 13: A Wonderful Bean Christmas Time

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 12: Have Yourself a Royle Little Christmas

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 11: Do They Know It's the Christmas Radio Times?

Sun, 29 Nov 2020 04:00:00 -0400

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.

Merry Britsmas Episode 10: Stop The Cavalry & Ross Kemp's Scrooge!

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 03:00:00 -0400

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!

Merry Britsmas Episode 9: Creepy Welsh Creatures & Christmas Devils

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 02:00:00 -0300

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!

Merry Britsmas Episode 8: Lonely This Christmas

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 02:00:00 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 7: A British Silent Night

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:00:29 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 6: A Timey Wimey Christmas

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 03:16:49 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 5.5: Christmas Music 2019

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 08:55:02 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 5: Driving Home For Christmas

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 17:24:33 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 4: Last Christmas

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 13:27:02 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 3: Step Into Christmas

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 08:20:50 -0300

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 2: Christmas Everyday

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 09:08:33 -0400

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

Merry Britsmas Episode 1: Merry Xmas Everybody!

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 11:26:40 -0400

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