Topical Talkers

December Topical Talkers.

We are well into the last month of 2024 and as we edge closer to 2025, we have compiled a list of various Topical Talkers for your radio station.
Iconic and memorable television moments
These moments have become synonymous with the UK’s Christmas television, offering a mix of humor, drama, and festive spirit that continues to delight audiences year after year.
  • Only Fools and Horses – “Heroes and Villains” (1996) Del Boy and Rodney’s unforgettable entrance dressed as Batman and Robin, leading to an accidental crime prevention, remains a comedic highlight.
  • EastEnders – Den and Angie’s Divorce (1986) On Christmas Day, ‘Dirty’ Den hands divorce papers to Angie, a scene that captivated over 30 million viewers and became a defining moment in British soap history.
  • The Snowman (1982) This animated tale, featuring the song “Walking in the Air,” has become a cherished Christmas tradition, enchanting audiences with its wordless storytelling.
  • Morecambe and Wise Christmas Specials The 1977 special, featuring a rendition of “There Is Nothing Like a Dame” with BBC presenters, attracted over 20 million viewers, showcasing the duo’s comedic brilliance.
  • Doctor Who Christmas Specials Episodes like “The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe” (2011) have become festive staples, blending science fiction with holiday themes.
  • Gavin & Stacey – Christmas Special (2008) This episode brought together beloved characters for a festive gathering, delivering humor and heartwarming moments that resonated with fans.
  • The Office (UK) – Christmas Special (2003) Concluding the series, this special provided closure with Tim and Dawn’s reunion, offering a perfect blend of comedy and emotion.
  • The Vicar of Dibley – Christmas Lunch Incident (1996) Geraldine’s attempt to attend multiple Christmas lunches leads to comedic overindulgence, highlighting the show’s charm.
  • Downton Abbey – Christmas at Downton Abbey (2011) This special featured significant developments, including Matthew’s proposal to Mary, set against a festive backdrop.
  • Call the Midwife – Christmas Specials Known for addressing poignant themes, these specials combine festive cheer with emotional storytelling, resonating deeply with audiences
Celebrity Christmas quotes to add a little sparkle to the season
These quotes from beloved celebrities embody the humor, joy, and warmth of the holiday season!
  • Bing Crosby “Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white.’”
  • Taylor Swift “I love Christmas. I don’t know if it’s the presents or the cookies or the music — but it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
  • Mariah Carey “Christmas is about spreading love and sharing moments together. That’s what makes it magical.”
  • Oprah Winfrey “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It’s happiness because we see joy in people. It’s forgetting self and finding time for others.”
  • Julie Andrews “Christmas has a way of making us feel nostalgic for things we’ve never experienced and memories we long to create.”
  • Charles Schulz (via Charlie Brown) “Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”
  • Ellen DeGeneres “Nothing says holidays like a cheese log.”
  • Will Ferrell (as Buddy the Elf) “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!”
  • Lady Gaga “Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling, a time when we can show love and creativity through what we give to those around us.”
  • Audrey Hepburn “It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”
10 of the best Christmas jokes to bring some festive cheer
Share these at your next holiday gathering for some guaranteed groans and giggles!
  • Why was the turkey at the Christmas party so happy? Because it was stuffed!
  • What do you call Santa when he stops moving? Santa Pause.
  • Why did no one bid for Rudolph and Blitzen on eBay? Because they were two deer!
  • What’s every elf’s favorite type of music? Wrap music!
  • Why did Santa go to music school? To improve his wrapping skills!
  • How does a snowman get around? By riding an “icicle”!
  • What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes!
  • What do you get if you cross a Christmas tree with an iPad? A pineapple!
  • Why don’t crabs celebrate Christmas? Because they’re shell-fish!
  • How do sheep wish each other Merry Christmas? Fleece Navidad!
Top 10 Worst Christmas Presents that are sure to raise eyebrows
The key to a good gift is thoughtfulness—something personal and meaningful usually avoids the “worst gift” category!
  • Cheap Toiletries - Generic gift sets of soap or deodorant that scream “last-minute buy.”
  • Self Help Books - Especially ones that imply a flaw like weight loss, better habits, or self-improvement.
  • Re-gifted or Used Items - Gifts that are clearly second-hand or re-wrapped, often with the original gift tag still inside.
  • Off-Season or Wrong-Sized Clothing - A swimsuit in winter or clothes that are too small/large, making the recipient feel awkward.
  • Chores or “Guilt” Gifts - A vacuum cleaner, mop, or anything implying work, especially for someone who doesn’t love cleaning.
  • Overly Practical Items - Socks, underwear, or basic office supplies unless explicitly requested.
  • Diet or Fitness Equipment - Treadmills, diet shakes, or calorie counters, which can feel insulting if unasked for.
  • Controversial Novelty Gifts - Gag gifts like offensive mugs, T-shirts, or inappropriate joke items that miss the mark.
  • Nothing at All - Forgetting entirely or claiming, “Your gift is still in the mail,” leaves a lasting negative impression.
Common Christmas family arguments that often arise during the festive season
  • Who Does What - Disputes over who is responsible for cooking, cleaning, or organizing events.
  • Money Issues - Arguments about overspending on gifts, food, or decorations, or disagreements about budgets.
  • Gift Choices - Complaints about receiving “bad” or impersonal gifts, or people feeling their gift-giving efforts were underappreciated.
  • Family Politics - Old grievances or rivalries between family members resurfacing during gatherings.
  • Hosting Duties - Tensions around whose house to celebrate at or disagreements on who should host.
  • Timetable Conflicts - Arguments about when to eat, open presents, or visit other relatives, especially with large or blended families.
  • Overindulgence - Someone drinking too much or overeating, leading to embarrassing or tense situations.
  • Parenting Differences - Clashing opinions on how to handle the kids discipline, bedtimes, or how much sugar they can have.
  • Tradition Clashes - Disagreements over sticking to long-held family traditions versus trying something new.
  • Politics or Controversial Topics - Heated debates about politics, religion, or other sensitive topics over Christmas dinner.