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Woman's Hour Christmas Day on Comfort

Fiona Murden on the psychology of comfort zones, palliative care nurse, Molly Case, Revd. Bryony Taylor, Grace Dent & Dipna Anand on comfort food and music from The Unthanks.

As this is the season of Comfort & Joy, today’s programme is devoted to the theme of β€˜Comfort’. At this time of year when many women are frazzled and craving a bit of comfort, Nuala and Anita explore why it is so important with their guests.

The occupational psychologist Fiona Murden explains what comfort is, why we crave it and why it’s necessary, but she also discusses the importance of sometimes pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Molly Case is a former cardiac care nurse and now works in palliative and end of life care. She works out what matters most to the people she cares for and how she can provide a level of comfort for them.

The Reverend Bryony Taylor is a priest in the Church of England and works as Rector of Barlborough and Clowne in the Derby Diocese. She is also the author of 'More TV Vicar?' a book about Christians on the television. She describes how faith can be a source of comfort for many people, especially at this time of year.

The food writer Grace Dent and chef and restaurateur Dipna Anand recall the favourite foods from childhood that bring them emotional comfort and bring back happy and nostalgic memories and what they will be having for Christmas.

Hygge took the world by storm when Meik Wiking published The Little Book of Hygge – The Danish Way to Live Well in 2016. Hygge has been described as a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. Anita and Nuala are joined by Becci Coombes, whose father is Danish. She grew up with a love of all things Hygge and runs an online business - Hygge Style.Β 

The band The Unthanks are known for their eclectic approach in combining traditional English folk, particularly Northumbrian folk music, with other musical genres.
They have just finished a UK tour, and they have a new album out – The Unthanks In Winter. They perform two songs live in the studio: Bleary Winter and The Cherry Tree Carol.

Presented by Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani.
Producer: Louise Corley

Release date:

49 minutes

On radio

Christmas Day 2024 10:00

Broadcast

  • Christmas Day 2024 10:00

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