YULE LOVE THIS...

ell I’m shaking things up a bit here! While the subject matter will remain the same — after all, this is my blog — I’m looking to freshen up the delivery. I’m happy with the overall look of the site, but it needs a jolt to rekindle my interest.

So, before we dive into this post, what do you think of the new medieval-style graphic?

2312.12 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

Usually at this time of year I buy the festive edition of the TV listings magazine and pick out my festive favourites. This year I've decided to forego the expense (and they are getting expensive) but doing a bit of internet research instead. So here is my 2023 guide to the Yuletide televisual event.

2311.27 WINTER POSTCARD

Everyone knows where I go every year. In fact I was there a couple of months ago. So it may surprise people to learn that we are back so soon.

2311.21 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

It's that time of year when I venture into the loft to get out the festive decorations. I know it's considered a little early but for the last few years we've been trimming up a little earlier.

2212.19 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's the time of year where I buy the festive copy of the Radio Times generic listings magazine and, armed with a highlighter pen, I go through and pick out the programmes I want to watch. I know in the age of multi- channel TV and streaming this might seem archaic but it's a practice and tradition I enjoy and hope to continue for many years.

2112.25 CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

So we are still battling the pandemic but at least this year we managed to regain some of our freedoms, but for how long? The Omicron variant is all the rage at the moment and threatens to plunge us back into another lockdown.

2012.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

This is probably the most difficult of seasonal messages I've had to deliver. The world in in the middle of a pandemic that that effected everyone in some way.

2012.16 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's become a bit of a tradition now, I check out the televisual offerings armed with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Then I share my favourite upcoming delights...

1912.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

As I usual I like to take an opportunity to look back at my year as it disappears in the 'rear view mirror'. The post is published at the same time as the Queen gives her speech, and as she does I've prepared it beforehand, I'm guessing at the moment it goes up I'll be tucking into our seasonal feast.

1912.16 FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

As always I like to check out the television offerings. As always I've armed myself with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Last year was a bit poor - hope it's better this year...

1912.08 IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE...

The first full weekend in December is usually when we put up our festive decorations. The trouble this year is that I've been at work for one of those days.

1912.06 WHO IS FATHER CHRISTMAS?

It's a strange time. It's the festive season but we've got a general election going on which is distracting everyone from the fun that is supposed to be this time of year. But I want to take a moment to leave the crap to one side and look at something that really interests me (and captures the season).

1812.29 CHRISTMAS SICKIE

I was going to call this post "Christmas Hangover" but circumstances have meant that has had to change. But first let's go back to the beginning.

1812.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

I like to take this opportunity to look back on my year at this time. As usual I'm publishing this post at the same time the Queen gives her address to the commonwealth. In reality I'm probably eating my dinner at this point, if you're catching up later I'll probably drinking beer.

1812.23 YULETIDE CHEER

Christmas has lost its way. There I said it. That's not to say all is lost, you must look at the whole celebration and how you view it. If you strip Christmas back it's supposed to be about gathering with those important to you. It's about the feast. It's about family.

1812.21 THE FESTIVE TV ROUND-UP - WEEK 1

One of my favourite Christmas pastimes is scrutinising the festive edition of the Radio Times (other listings magazines are available but to be honest they're just a bit shit - in my opinion).

1812.02 CHRISTMAS PRELUDE

Christmas has come around so quickly this year, my head is still spinning from the last on. Isn't it time Christmas was like the Olympics? Then we'd have a few extra years to catch up.

1712.30 CHRISTMAS HANGOVER

As this is my last post of the year so I thought I'd better tie up the final loose end of 2017. So as the hangovers subside (at least till New Year's Day) let's look at my Christmas. 

1712.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

At the time I publish this (and if you're in the UK) you're probably sat down to your Christmas Dinner (I'm northern, dinner is at lunchtime - subject for another time) or sat in front of the TV watching the Queen give her address to the commonwealth. There's a chance you've decided to read this in which case I'm honoured, if you're catching up later on then that's fine too. Ok it's time for me to take the time to reflect on the year behind me.

1712.22 WEBCOMIC: ROLLO #37- PARTY

Rollo #37; There's nothing like a little excess at Christmas. Sometimes though we go too far at the Christmas party.