Best of the Spectator Christmas Out Loud II: Dominic Sandbrook, Philip Hensher, Steve Morris, Christopher Howse, Michael Hann & Mary Killen
Dec 21, 2025
In this festive special, historian Dominic Sandbrook reflects on Lady Emma Hamilton's impact on Christmas traditions in the 18th century. Novelist Philip Hensher delights in the charm of miserable Christmases in literature. Steve Morris discusses the spiritual significance of angels, inviting listeners to take them seriously. Music journalist Michael Hann connects holiday tunes from The Waitresses to the Spice Girls. Finally, agony aunt Mary Killen offers witty solutions to Christmas dilemmas, ensuring a holiday filled with laughter and insight.
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Alan Partridge Mania And Christmas TV
- Dominic Sandbrook describes his son's Alan Partridge obsession and its household effects.
- He recounts debating Emma Hamilton's reputation and fondly recalling watching The Box of Delights each Advent.
Reassessing Historical Reputation
- Sandbrook questions denigrating historical women and contrasts reactions to Emma Hamilton.
- He highlights how attitudes once celebrated (Goethe admired her) now invite moral dismissal.
Literary Christmases Skew Heartwarming Myth
- Philip Hensher surveys literary portrayals of miserable or unexpected Christmases across authors.
- He shows many classics use grim or absurd festive scenes to reveal character and social truth.