Repeats on the telly are a long standing joke in most households over the Christmas period as the same old classics are re-hashed year on year. But if you’re going to be spending time this Christmas with an older relative or friend, these old favourites may just prove a godsend.
Settling down in front of the TV during the festive rush is a relaxing pastime for all of us, and enjoying an old favourite movie or TV show could provide a way of spending some enjoyable time together.
Here are our suggestions for some films, shows or comedy clips you might like to re-visit. Hopefully some of these will evoke a happy response, trigger a memory or two, and maybe even stimulate some interesting conversations!
Comedy Classics
Comedy partnerships such as Morecambe and Wise, The 2 Ronnies, and French and Saunders all have a timeless appeal which remain as engaging today as they were when first produced.
The Christmas Special shows from these comedy geniuses are sure to be repeated on the TV schedule at some point over the Christmas period, or if the timings of these don’t suit you, iconic sketches such as Morecambe and Wise’s “Breakfast” or The 2 Ronnie’s “Four Candles” are easy to find on YouTube.
Musical Appeal
Musical films remain a favourite with many older people. Music can provoke a powerful response, and song lyrics often prove a surprisingly enduring memory, even in people living with dementia.
The emphasis on song and dance in the films rather than relying solely on dialogue to tell the story make Musicals visually appealing and very easy to watch. It won’t matter if the person can’t sit through the whole film - just dip in and out as concentration spans allow.
Classic films that could appeal include The Sound of Music (1965), Singing in the Rain (1952), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954).A glimpse into the past
Popular TV shows depicting life in previous decades may bring back a few memories. Open All Hours (depicting a corner shops in the 1970s), All Creatures Great and Small (set in a Yorkshire Vet’s practice in the 1940s) or Call the Midwife ( showing the East End of London in the 1950s) may appeal.
Christmas magic
Christmas films with a sentimental, feel-good message don’t really age so it’s for good reason they make an appearance on TV schedules every year. Classics like Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) have an enduring appeal. If you don’t want to sit through the whole film try just watching the first and last 15 minutes to bring back happy memories of Christmases past.
Happy Christmas and enjoy some good Christmas viewing!
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