Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also among the most stressful periods too. We get barely any time to ourselves and that can all become a little overwhelming, particularly if you already suffer with your mental health.

 

The Christmas period can really heighten struggles in that regard, with private alcohol rehab centres UK based, for example, often seeing people who were in recovery relapse as a result of the hectic festive schedule.

 

It’s important we look after ourselves and others at this time of year, and there are lots of ways we can take that moment and decompress, whether it be a long walk in the countryside or just an evening in front of the television. And at this time of the year, there’s lots to watch too!

 

So, if you have a spare hour or so and want to decompress, here are four shows you should flick on and escape with this Christmas…

The Great British Bake Off: Christmas Special

We’re going rather route one to begin with and The Great British Bake Off. The Christmas special is on Channel 4 on Christmas Eve and it’s the sort of feel-good television that is full of heartwarming moments.

 

There’s just a charm to it that can’t help lift our mood. This year will feature a number of previous contestants, including many of our favourites, and it’s bound to add a little more sweetness to your Christmas.

Ghosts

Ghosts is another loveable, charming and heartwarming TV show from the team behind Horrible Histories. However, for those that already love the show, there will be a tinge of sadness this Christmas as the special, on Christmas Day, will be the last ever episode of the comedy.

 

Starring Charlotte Ritchie and a brilliant ensemble cast, it’s all set to be a fantastic Christmas special and a perfect escape that will have us no doubt crying for all the right reasons.

Beyond Paradise

Gentle comedy drama is always good at this time of year, and it doesn’t come more gentle than Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off that follows DI Humphrey Goodman and his partner Martha. With beautiful scenery of the Devonshire coast, it’ll be a lovely ramble through an evening and a real feel-good escape.

 

It’s on at 9pm on BBC One this Christmas Eve, ahead of a new series early in 2024.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special

Finally, we’re finishing in a similar place to where we started, with a feel-good and heartwarming talent show. The Great British Sewing Bee will see comic actor, and star of Ghosts, Kiell Smith-Bynoe take over the role as presenter from Sara Pascoe, while celebrities will also be picking up their sewing needles.

 

The challengers on the show include Kerry Godliman, Jessica Knappett, Hammed Animashaun and Toyah Wilcox.