Psychologists actually back up this desire and have said watching certain TV shows can help us to feel calm when the world around us is anything but. Krystine Batcho, a licensed psychologist and a professor at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York who researches nostalgia, told TODAY that watching our favourite TV shows satisfies our “nostalgic need”, providing us with emotional benefits.

“When people are stressed, or anxious, or feeling out of control, nostalgia helps calm them down. It’s comforting. It’s analogous to a hug from your mum or dad, or being cuddled,” she said.

“It’s harkening back to what we might, even erroneously, perceive as a simpler time in our life with fewer responsibilities and obligations and fewer worries.”

So what are you waiting for? Simply click on the Advent calendar doors below to discover a selection of shows on GOLD that will provide you with that snug as a bug in a rug, big hug feeling this December…

When are these Christmas Specials on TV?

Find them all on GOLD HD (CH 124) throughout December. Also available for 30 days in Catch Up > Channels > GOLD. 

Let’s do Christmas

Count down to Christmas with prizes to be won every day, plus all your TV listings and tips on what to watch and play!