As Christmas Eve jingles ever closer, let’s take a moment to unwrap the festive season in 1970s Britain—a time filled with wonder, laughter, and the magic of television.

Christmas as a child in the 70s was pure joy. The excitement began weeks in advance, from crafting endless paper chains at school to rehearsing nativity plays that got more creative each year (a South Sea Island-themed production, anyone?). At home, our trusty but increasingly threadbare Christmas tree emerged from its box once again, and the annual battle with the fairy lights became a family ritual of frustration and triumph when they finally flickered to life.

The ultimate thrill came with the double issues of the Radio Times and TV Times. These weren’t just TV guides; they were treasure maps to two weeks of festive television bliss. Christmas specials weren’t ordinary episodes with a sprinkle of tinsel—they were cultural events.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on the holiday TV moments that shaped my Christmas memories. Morecambe and Wise were the crown jewels of festive programming. From Andre Previn’s legendary “all the right notes” sketch to Angela Rippon’s unexpected dance number, their shows brought the nation together. Who could forget the star-studded chorus of newsreaders performing “There is Nothing Like a Dame,” or the touching comedy of Porridge Christmas specials? These weren’t just shows—they were moments that united families and offered laughter during an era of power cuts and economic struggles.

And that’s what made 70s Christmases so magical. It wasn’t just the gifts or the glittering decorations; it was the togetherness, the joy of shared traditions, and the anticipation that made each festive season unforgettable.

So, as we gather with loved ones (or simply indulge in some well-deserved quiet time), I want to wish you a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. This podcast wouldn’t be what it is without you—your memories, your support, and your company make every episode special. That’s why I do this, why we reminisce, and why we’re so grateful for each and every one of you who tunes in and shares this nostalgic journey through 70s TV.

As I raise a glass of QC British Sherry (perhaps a little more generously than intended—it is Christmas), I toast to you. Here’s to the laughter, the memories, and the joy we’ve shared, and to many more moments of nostalgic delight in 2025. Thank you for being part of the My 70s TV Childhood family.

Take care,
Oliver

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Welcome to a very special edition of My 70s TV Childhood! This week, we’re celebrating Christmas with a listener-powered quiz extravaganza. That’s right—every single question in this episode has been submitted by you, our brilliant audience. Your response was overwhelming, and while we couldn’t include all of your fantastic submissions, we’ve curated a selection that spans the golden age of 1970s television.

From the sci-fi adventures of Blake’s 7 and Sapphire and Steel to the comedic brilliance of Fawlty Towers and The Good Life, this quiz is a nostalgic journey through the iconic TV shows of the 70s. It’s a true testament to the joy of gathering around the television during a simpler time.

And with Christmas just around the corner, why not turn this into a festive family challenge? Gather your loved ones, grab a glass of eggnog or a plate of mince pies, and see who knows their 70s TV trivia best.

What about you? Did these questions bring back memories of your favourite shows? Which round stumped you the most? Share your stories and scores with us on the blog or social media—I’d love to hear how you got on!

Take care and have a wonderful Christmas,

Happy quizzing!
Oliver

Contact Us

📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com
📖 Blog: [Link]
📘 Facebook: [Link]
🐦 X: [Link]
📺 YouTube: [Link]

Get in touch!

Support the show

Welcome to My 70s TV Childhood! As the festive season jingles ever closer, it’s time to unwrap memories of Christmas in 1970s Britain.

Ah, the Christmas list. A child’s masterpiece of dreams, overthinking, and perhaps a little greed. Would Father Christmas judge your requests? Would you strike the perfect balance between modesty and ambition? Tools like the Argos catalogue turned our imaginings into meticulously referenced wish lists, complete with page numbers for ease of parental shopping.

And then there were the TV adverts. From the magical Mousetrap to Ronco’s ever-so-slightly odd Record Vacuum, these commercials cast their spell on us. Even if some of the toys didn’t quite live up to the hype (I’m looking at you, Mousetrap), the magic of those 70s adverts still lingers.

In this episode, I’m reminiscing about the best Christmas presents of my childhood: Action Man’s daring missions, the endless adventures of my Hornby Train Set, and the excitement of Subbuteo’s Stadium Edition. These weren’t just toys; they were moments of pure joy that lit up Christmas mornings.

What about you? Did your list include toys inspired by TV adverts? Did the festive build-up fill your home with excitement? Share your memories on the blog or social media—I’d love to hear your stories!

Take care,
Oliver

Contact Us:
📧 Email: Oliver@My70sTVChildhood.com
📖 Blog: [Link]
📘 Facebook:[Link]
🐦 X: [Link]
📺 YouTube: [Link]

Get in touch!

Support the show