Robert Lloyd's very special guide to what to watch over the Christmas holiday

Christmas television has been going roughly since the day after Halloween (earlier in fact: Hallmark Channel premiered its Jane Austen update "Christmas at Pemberly Manor" four days before), and we approach the day itself with many of its most cherished films and specials having come and gone.

That does not mean you will be left wholly on your own to weather the holidays. TV will continue to perform its traditional duties as a balm to the lonely, a bond for the family, or an excuse not to have to talk to anyone. It's Styrofoam peanuts for the psyche.

Let us begin at the beginning, as it