As a child, one of my favourite Christmas traditions was buying the Radio Times. Sitting on the living room carpet, pen in hand, I’d eagerly flip through the pages, circling the TV shows and radio programs I couldn’t wait to enjoy during the holiday season. Each circle was a promise of something to look forward to—a story, a laugh, a moment of escape.

For anyone outside the UK—or those who grew up in the age of streaming—the Radio Times is a UK-based TV and radio listings magazine that’s been a beloved part of British homes since the 1920s. Long before we had streaming platforms or on-screen guides, it was the trusted go-to for figuring out what to watch or listen to each week.

For many families, especially during the holidays, buying the Radio Times was part of the festive tradition. People would sit down with a pen to circle the shows, movies, and radio programs they didn’t want to miss, turning it into an anticipation-building ritual of planning entertainment over the Christmas break.

If you didn’t grow up with it, think of the Radio Times as the analogue version of browsing Netflix, except with the added joy of flipping through glossy pages and physically marking out your “must-watch” choices. It was as much about the joy of discovery as it was about the shows themselves—a moment of excitement and planning in the midst of holiday chaos.

That simple ritual wasn’t just about entertainment; it was about anticipation. It gave me a sense of excitement and joy, knowing I’d carved out time for myself amidst the holiday hustle.

Fast forward to today, and while the Radio Times might have been swapped for podcasts, blogs, and audiobooks, that anticipation and joy of curating something special for myself remains. And it’s something I want to share with you this holiday season.

The end of the year is often a whirlwind of festivities, family gatherings, and to-do lists. But it’s also a perfect time to slow down and carve out pockets of time for yourself. Whether it’s during a quiet moment with a coffee, a long winter walk, or wrapping up one last gift, I’ve put together a list of my most-loved blog posts and podcast episodes from this year to inspire, entertain, and support you in carving out a little time for you.

So, here’s your very own “Radio Times” of recommended reading and listening. Grab a pen (or bookmark this page!) and circle the ones that spark your curiosity.

Top Podcast Episodes to Listen To This Christmas

1. Redefining Leadership, Insights on Work, Life and Motherhood with Helen Spencer
2. Breaking point: Understanding the Burnout Epidemic for Working Mothers
3. The Wellbeing Blueprint: Navigating the 8 Common Mistakes Women Make
4. Break Free From The January Hustle: The Gift of the Fertile Void

Most-Loved Blog Posts of 2024

1. This Makes My Blood Boil: Why We Need to Stop Shaming Women for Asking for Help
2. The Power of Pausing: Lessons From Simone Biles For Busy Working Parents 
3. Finding Freedom as a Working Mum: Ditching Self-Criticism for Self-Correction
4. Harnessing Your Menstrual Cycle for Peak Professional Performance and Wellbeing

My hope is that these handpicked blogs and podcast episodes will offer you a sense of connection, validation, and practical support to help you navigate the season with more ease.

Whether you listen to a podcast episode during a winter walk or read a blog post while sipping a hot chocolate, let this list remind you to take moments for yourself. After all, those small moments of care and reflection can make all the difference.

So, grab your metaphorical pen and circle the ones that resonate most with you.

Here’s to finding joy, calm, and inspiration this Christmas.

Nicky