That Christmas

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With ‘That’s TV’ normally being a channel dedicated to nostalgia and entertainment – its Christmas-themed channel also tends to press the retro buttons. This isn’t the first time a Christmas-themed channel from “That’s TV” has graced our screens during the holiday period – as this is now a festive tradition.

Saltaire makes Christmas shopping easy – the village is dotted with one-off shops, including Radstudio for homewear and Giddy Arts. And be sure to stop for a drink – there is something particularly satisfying about having a tipple in one of the village’s locally owned bars (and one called Don’t Tell Titus in particular) because, when Saltaire was founded by Titus Salt to house workers for his mill in the late 19th century, alcohol was prohibited. Christmas Day is the Christian festival most celebrated by non-churchgoers, and churches are often completely full for the service late on Christmas Eve. Father Christmas Matthew tells us about some wise men who followed a star that led them to Jesus' birthplace and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Luke tells how shepherds were led to Bethlehem by an angel. The tradition of Nativity plays began in churches where they were used to illustrate the Christmas story as told in the Bible. Victorian ChristmasWith the advent of ‘That’s Christmas’, a few shifts in channel numbers across different platforms are bound to happen – and, as usual, it’ll be especially confusing for Freeview viewers.

Christmas comes just after the middle of winter. The sun is strengthening and the days are beginning to grow longer. For people throughout history this has been a time of feasting and celebration.Christmas trips to Banchory, half-an-hour’s drive from Aberdeen (or around an hour on the 201 or 202 bus), begin with crisp country walks to the Falls of Feugh and Corsee Wood, where red squirrels scramble through the trees. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke give different accounts. It is from them that the nativity story is pieced together. Many Pagan traditions had been brought to Britain by the invading Roman soldiers. These included covering houses in greenery and bawdy partying that had its roots in the unruly festival of Saturnalia.

In some areas, you can hire a Christmas tree in a pot which will be delivered and then collected. Although you'll pay a premium for this service, it may be useful, especially if you don't have a car to transport your tree or find lifting and carrying difficult. Before Christianity came to the British Isles the Winter Solstice was held on the shortest day of the year (21st December). The Druids (Celtic priests) would cut the mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing. Oaks were seen as sacred and the winter fruit of the mistletoe was a symbol of life in the dark winter months. Advent is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus and begins on Sunday nearest to 30th November. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus meaning coming. Traditionally it is a penitential season but is no longer kept with the strictness of Lent and Christians are no longer required to fast. During the medieval period (c.400AD - c.1400AD) Christmas was a time for feasting and merrymaking. It was a predominantly secular festival but contained some religious elements. The festive season is upon us and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than with another dedicated Christmas channel?

This year, the festive channel – which is the Christmas-themed sister channel to That’s TV, is launching this Wednesday – October 18. Christmas is not only a Christian festival. The celebration has roots in the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festivals of the ancient Greeks, the beliefs of the Druids and the folk customs of Europe. Midwinter celebrations Belleek also offers bracing walks through the 200-acre woodland at Castle Caldwell Forest and warming meals in cosy pubs. Build connection with distant relatives or friends. Send this printable to them. Share your answers together! Use the Numbers Question Game

That’s 60s’ will shift to Freeview Channel 71 UK-wide and Freeview Channel 77 in Greater Manchester (taking the place of That’s 70s).

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All Jewish people had to be counted so the Roman Emperor could determine how much money to collect from them in tax. Those who had moved away from their family homes, like Joseph, had to return to have their names entered in the Roman records. That’s Christmas will take over the main ‘That’s 60s’ feed on Freeview and Freesat (see full details below), and the ‘That’s 70s’ channel on Sky. This World Heritage village near Bradford is home to a living Advent calendar. Between 1 December and Christmas Eve, 57 windows across the village will be “opened” or lit up and remain illuminated until the new year.