Drive Time Xmas

With the holidays upon us, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives. It’s how we show we care about them. So why is it so hard to find the right gift? Hidden Brain talkswith researcher Jeff Galak about why the presents we give for holidays and birthdays often miss their mark, and how to become a better gift giver.

Amanda Litherland presents a festive selection of podcasts to get you through the holidays. Featuring Christmas specials from: You’re Dead To Me, Box Of Delights, Shedunnit, Multi Story, Hooked: The Unexpected Addicts, No Country For Young Women, Girl Chaat, Do The Right Thing and Date Fight.

Maya Jama is joined by Kimberley Walsh, Angela Scanlon and Samantha Barks in front a of a live audience to talk surviving Christmas, New Year’s resolutions and their choice of celebs to kiss under the mistletoe..

Merry Fishmas! Live from Birmingham, Dan, James Anna and Andrew discuss the earliest known pornography, Mariah Carey’s Christmas tree, and how a poodle saved the Queen’s speech.

Chris Moyles chats to the wonderful Jamie Oliver, who talks us through how to prepare for the perfect Christmas Day dinner! From potatoes to parsnips, if you’re cooking for family and friends this festive period, have a listen and get your notepad out.

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientists with their Christmas Special, looking at how many miles you need to run to work off Christmas Dinner, and whether ear size could be used to track down Santa.

A more serious podcast here, but relevant to us all this year. Moral Maze discusses the ethical calculation families across the UK are having to make about seeing loved ones this Christmas. The government has laid down the rules, but the moral choices lie between the gaps. Those who urge caution and those who feel that after a terrible year that we deserve to celebrate with family and friends, debate the issue.

Why do we celebrate Christmas with cards, crackers and a tree? Join Greg Jenner and the team as they travel back and explore the weird and wonderful history of the Victorian Christmas.

A Christmas Carol tells the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

An audio reading of the story, Chapter 1 here, 5 Episodes of about 35 mins each. Click on external site link for the remaining chapters.