Traditionally, a British Christmas is a very traditional affair. Rosy-cheeked youngsters gather to roast chestnuts over an open fire that rages from the car they’ve just hi-jacked. Families are joyfully united for an hour to enjoy the seasonal death of a major character in the Eastenders’ Christmas Day special. Your dad spends most of the time desperately searching for batteries before realising that what was actually required is one of those silly rectangular types which are impossible to get hold of and so he resorts to the shed before your cousin gets too drunk and makes a scene.

All these elements come together to make the 25th December the most magical day of the year, but even these special moments are essentially meaningless without that classic Christmas Day movie – Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman. Whether you love the understated charm or despise the sugary-sweet sentimentality, there can be no denying that 96% of the country would rather go ‘walking through the air’ than watch the Queen’s speech.

If you are partial to a taste of nostalgia with your Noel, but would also like something a little different, Sky Arts are broadcasting Robert North’s ballet version of The Snowman over the Christmas season – starting on Thursday 20th December at 4:20pm. If you like watching well-choreographed chubsters in white snowman outfits prancing across an on-stage winter wonderland, this could be your greatest Xmas yet.