I finally managed to read the Christmas edition of the Radio Times last night and there's so much good stuff ahead in the next couple of weeks.
Highlights include seasonal editions of The Sunday Night Project with Simon Pegg presenting, Gavin and Stacey who also gave an interview hinting what would happen if they made a third series, and Russell Brand's Ponderland which will probably have me in stitches even if it is juvenile at times.
On the day itself however, BBC 1 really do have the best line up consisting of Doctor Who, Strictly Come Dancing, and the new Wallace and Gromit film "A Matter Of Loaf and Death" sandwiched between the two episodes of Eastenders.
In addition to that there's a new episode of the Royle Family although Ralf Little will be absent, and what looks set to be a very interesting documentary on Blackadder with all of the main actors being interviewed together for the first time.
BBC 2 are even going nostalgic on Boxing Day with the 1975 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special and a festive edtion of The Generation Game from 1973 in the ideal way to remember the late Bill Cotton.
There's also a TV Burp review of the year which should provide a few laughs considering my mums elder sister and her family are big fans of the man with the big collars and to top it all there's the 2008 Big Fat Quiz of the Year with Jimmy Carr which for me is a staple of the Christmas schedule in the same way as Top Of The Pops is on Christmas Day.
I don't know who the celebrities are that will be taking part but I doubt Jonathan Ross will be one of them.
In fact with regards to Top Of The Pops it's making two appearances this year including a New Year Special and BBC 2 will be showing quite a few editions of TOTP2.
Just after the New Year Channel 4 will be bringing back Celebrity Big Brother for 2009 which I'll probably watch the first episode and go off the series after that as the main show itself isn't as fun and irreverent as most other shows of a similar nature.
Big Mouth is coming back on E4 however which is usually good for a laugh.
I'd imagine when watching the launch show I'll be tempted to shout "Who are ya!" at the television screen in the likely situation of any models going in.
Radio on the other hand is pretty disapointing this year although this coming Monday there's a special edition of David Mitchell's "Unbelievable Truth", and Trevor Nelson will be seeing in the New Year in a very soulful manner on Radio 2.
There's also a two part documentary hosted by Paul O'Grady looking at the life of the late Bill Cotton who commisioned shows for the BBC such as Top Of The Pops, Dad's Army and The Two Ronnies amongst many others.
It's also worth mentioning BBC Local Radio as it's the only time of year they let
Peter Stewart in as a presenter as he happens to be appearing on BBC Radio Kent on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Whether I'll be able to hear him is another thing but I imagine things will be quite crazy on air considering his presenting style.
But the overall highlight in the radio schedule comes on Friday the 2nd of January where Radio 1 sees the long awaited return of the legendary Ten Hour Takeover allowing listeners to raid the biggest record library in the world. It's got a pretty good presenting line up too (with the possible exception of Colin Murray) consisting of Annie Mac and Greg James who's done really well this year proving that there is possibly a future for radio.
Overall it looks like it's going to be one of the strongest years in terms of entertainment this festive period.
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