Documentary about the history and tradition of the British Christmas dinner and the role it still plays in a Britain of different faiths, food fads and health concerns.
It's the season of peace and goodwill to all, when we think of those less fortunate than ourselves. It's also the time of year when we stuff our faces and gorge and drink ourselves silly. Christmas dinner is served. Being the last great feast in the British culinary tradition, what role does it play today?
With contributions from actor Simon Callow, cultural critic Jonathan Meades, food writers Paul Levy, Prue Leith and Diana Henry, and historians Kate Colquhoun and Kathryn Hughes, this fun documentary asks why the British remain so wedded to this meal? What does it say about us as a nation? Can it survive in a rapidly changing and culturally diverse Britain of different faiths, food fads and health concerns?
For many, Christmas dinner means the anxiety and pressure to get it right, the endless advice from every celebrity chef reinventing the wheel and the bizarre traditions that must be maintained at all costs. For others it's a time to savour good food, dine with family and friends and connect with ancient customs and rituals. Either way, we end up completely stuffed.
Last on
More episodes
Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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00:19David Holmes
My Mate Paul
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00:31Primal Scream
Rocks
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00:34Vaughn Monroe
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
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00:34Bert Kaempfert
Jingo Jango
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00:37Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker (Act 2) TrΓ©pak
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00:40The Ronettes
Sleigh Ride
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Director | Tony Higgins |
| Producer | Tony Higgins |
| Series Producer | Alastair Laurence |
| Interviewed Guest | Simon Callow |
| Interviewed Guest | Prue Leith |
| Interviewed Guest | Jonathan Meades |
| Interviewed Guest | Marguerite Patten |
Broadcasts
- Sun 23 Dec 2007 21:00
- Christmas Eve 2007 00:30
- Boxing Day 2007 02:50
- Tue 10 Jun 2008 23:50
Fri 16 Dec 2011 21:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Northern Ireland, Wales & England only- Wed 19 Dec 2012 23:20Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Wales, England & Northern Ireland only
- Thu 20 Dec 2012 00:50Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two Scotland
- Sat 23 Dec 2017 19:00
- Christmas Eve 2017 02:00
- Christmas Eve 2018 01:25
- Sun 22 Dec 2019 23:00
- Tue 15 Dec 2020 23:50
- Wed 22 Dec 2021 23:00
- Thu 22 Dec 2022 20:00
- Fri 23 Dec 2022 02:25
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