Jane McDonald shares her festive must-dos for a perfect Christmas Day, including carol singing with friends and family, classic films, and creating special memories with loved ones
There’s no time like Christmas for popping open the bubbly and settling down for a cosy film night with a box of chocs. This year,
I’m so excited to be presenting my Christmas Day show on Radio 2 again and celebrating with the wonderful listeners
– I can’t wait to hear what they have planned. Here is my ultimate Christmas Day to-do list and some tips to help create your own perfect day. Whether you’re at home, on the move or at work, these little bits of festive cheer will help make your Christmas Day a good ’un.
Play lots of Christmas songs from the moment you get up
My personal favourite is All I Want For Christmas Is You, by Mariah Carey. I adore Mariah and I can’t wait to listen to her Radio 2 show when she makes her presenting debut on Christmas Day, not long after my show. Sharing the bill with her is a dream come true, but we’ve already got a bit of history. On Gogglebox, brother and sister Peter and Sophie described her as “America’s version of Jane McDonald.”
Well, she found out, got in touch and said: “I’m thrilled to be America’s answer to Jane McDonald!” Of course, I said how thrilled I was to be England’s Mariah Carey! My dream Christmas gift would be to sing All I Want For Christmas Is You with her – so Mariah, if you’re reading this, let’s make it happen next year.
Gather friends and family and sing some carols
I’ve sung a lot of Christmas songs and hymns in shows, and I love them. Silent Night always gets me as it’s such a beautiful song. And, as a proud Scot, I love to sing Donald, Where’s Your Troosers? It is always a laugh and I will play it on my Christmas Day show.
Scour the TV listings in advance so you know what to watch…I love a good Christmas movie for a bit of nostalgia and a good old weep. I’ll definitely seek out It’s A Wonderful Life as the classics are always the best. I always watch A Christmas Carol as well. I feel a bit more generous after seeing it.
I will definitely pop on the King’s Speech at 3pm. I never used to watch the Queen’s speech as a child – I was too busy eating my selection box – but now I like to see it. As a family, we loved Christmas specials especially The Two Ronnies and The Andy Stewart Show so I’ll hunt those down.
Make cooking the dinner as painless as possible
If you have my (lack of) cooking prowess, my tip is to let someone else do the work. I tried cooking Christmas dinner once and nothing was ready at the right time. Instead, I sing a few carols and play songs on the piano while enjoying the aromas coming from the kitchen.
If you are cooking, my tip is to have the wireless on – it’s the perfect accompaniment. I’ve got lots of friends and family who are great cooks including my sister and bezzie mate Sue so luckily, I never have to worry and always get my pigs in blankets cooked to perfection. I always buy dates as they seem so festive to me, but I actually never get round to eating them. And I do like soup at Christmas. A family favourite is ham hock with lentils and leeks.
My brother and I were born in England, but have a big Scottish family so we take the best festive traditions from both. I’m really proud of my Scottish heritage. Last year, I travelled to Scotland for Hogmanay for the first time, which I’d always wanted to do. Some friends and I travelled to Aviemore and had the best time. And wherever I am, I always toast the New Year with a wee dram.
Pull a cracker and go around the table so everyone reads out their joke
Here’s a joke for you – Why was the turkey in the band? Because he’s the only one with drumsticks. I also like it when everyone wears the paper hat from a cracker as it’s something you only do at Christmas – but there’s always someone who refuses to, isn’t there?
Put on a festive jumper
I do love a Christmas jumper because they’re so easy – you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear and you always look festively glam.
Switch on as many fairy lights as possible
I adore going all out with the decorations. My tree is covered in baubles and lights and I’m pretty sure you can see my house from space. I don’t think I put the big light on for the whole of Christmas. There are those special decorations, the ones that mean the most to you, reminding you of a special memory from when you were a child or a loved one who is no longer with us.
I was given a beautiful bauble of me and my late husband Ed. It goes on my tree every year and, of course, he’s always in my heart.
Reminisce with loved ones about Christmases past
Every Christmas is special with the ones that you love. Getting my first bike as a child is a wonderful Christmas memory, as was eating a whole selection box from my stocking before dinner.
Pop in to see a neighbour or friend who might be alone this Christmas
Knock on their door and take them a box of chocs. If you are able to, maybe offer them a seat at your dinner table or invite them over for a cuppa. Check in with those people you have been meaning to message or ring, and let them know you are thinking of them. All my neighbours get together for a lovely Christmas party, which is a great chance to spread some good cheer.
