You can get any movie or TV show on demand these days but on Christmas Day it feels somehow fitting to watch live TV. 

There are so many reasons to opt for terrestrial on the 25th December – that shared feeling of knowing many are out there watching the same thing. 

Second, the ads are actually desirable  – yes it seems weird to want ads but they tend to be christmassy and give handy info about upcoming sales. And it’s a chance to replenish what you are eating and drinking because it’s not a normal Monday with three meals.

Third – it’s the way you’ve always done it, that is unless you are all under the age of around thirty five. Netflix only came along in 1997 remember!.

A survey for the RadioTimes.com a few years ago found 72 percent of people still prefer watching live TV over on-demand on Christmas Day and sure we are so like the folk in the US.

And we love our TV on Christmas day. A survey for Virgin media in 2018 estimated 70% of Irish people will spend up to six hours watching TV on Christmas day.

With 91% of people choosing Christmas content. Obviously!

Here is our guide to what’s’ worth watching on the big day.

RTÉ One 9pm – Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special

RTÉ two 7.05 pm – Home Alone 2 : Lost in New York

Virgin Media One 4.25pm – The Wizard of Oz

ITV2 10.55am – Peter Pan (2003)

BBC Four 11.25 – West Side Story (1961)