The official Christmas FM thread

DvB · 30-09-2020 10:47am

Lord Spence wrote: »

Personally come st stephens day I stop listening to Christmas music, Christmas for me is the build up, always find the days after a bit of a come down. But November up to the 25th of Dec are the best days of the year by a long way

That seems to be the general media approach to Christmas music also. I've been on here a few times bemoaning the fact Christmas music seems to stop on the stroke of midnight on the 25th December (or maybe the 26th, but no later) as I always remember growing up the music lasting up until new years at least.

In reality the Christmas period seems to have shifted somewhat from that I remember/experienced as a child. Back then it started in early December & ran through until little Christmas on 6th Jan. Now it seems to start Early/Mid November & stops on St. Stephens Day with New years an afterthought or suchlike.

TRS30 · 30-09-2020 10:52am

Agree DvB. Not sure the reason why, could be because Christmas has become more and more commercial and a lot of industries rely on the Christmas period to make most of their income so are starting earlier and earlier. Is hard to maintain at 100% for more than 7/8 weeks so if things start in earnest early Nov then by Christmas itself, people are worn out with it.

DvB · 30-09-2020 10:58am

TRS30 wrote: »

Agree DvB. Not sure the reason why, could be because Christmas has become more and more commercial and a lot of industries rely on the Christmas period to make most of their income so are starting earlier and earlier. Is hard to maintain at 100% for more than 7/8 weeks so if things start in earnest early Nov then by Christmas itself, people are worn out with it.

That's it exactly. I remember reading an article about the 'Christmas Creep' being firmly the responsibility of commercialism & the retail sector in particular & with fatigue setting in after a few weeks maintaining it from early November into the first week of January was pushing it, hence many deciding come the 26th thats that. It started in the states and has migrated over here & to the UK in the last 10-20 years. I still suspect in my lifetime (assuming I have a few years left in me) that we'll see shops opening on Christmas Day which for me will be the real rubicon moment. I just genuinely hope it never happens.

Loughc · 30-09-2020 12:18pm

DvB wrote: »

Any updates on the day Christmas FM launches this year? IIRC last year it was Thursday 28th (& ran until the 27th Dec IIRC, though open to correction on that) So suspect it'll be Friday 27th, cant see them launching on a Saturday somehow which is the day the 28th falls on this year.
I know its based around the limitations of their licence which is for 30 days? (open to correction on this also) so if they lauch on the 27th they'd be finishing up on St Stephens day which seems a tad abrupt!
Hoping 27th Nov - 27th Dec myself anyway (though that would be for a day longer than last year which doesn't sound right)

They tend to use the 27th as a test day so sadly I do see it being the 28th Nov to Dec 27th 6pm.

They still do live DJs online from the 27th to the 31st Dec so it's the same offering as the the radio station.

TRS30 · 30-09-2020 12:23pm

DvB wrote: »

..... that we'll see shops opening on Christmas Day which for me will be the real rubicon moment. I just genuinely hope it never happens.

While I am all for choice, progression etc. I'm a big believer that Christmas is for relaxing/family time etc. If I had my way, shops would close mid day Christmas Eve and not open again till the 27th. Give people who work in retail a break.

DvB · 30-09-2020 12:30pm

Loughc wrote: »

They tend to use the 27th as a test day so sadly I do see it being the 28th Nov to Dec 27th 6pm.

They still do live DJs online from the 27th to the 31st Dec so it's the same offering as the the radio station.

Not sure tuning in on a Saturday for the launch will be quite as exciting as doing so from work! I just associate it with work lunchbreak (or if lucky enough, the car as I go to or from a site meeting):)

In fact if its a saturday lunchtime there's a decent enough chance I'd miss it completely what with Saturdays being so hectic for us generally

That could change if we're at level 4 or 5 of lockdown mind...:eek:

Loughc · 30-09-2020 12:32pm

DvB wrote: »

That could change if we're at level 4 or 5 of lockdown mind...:eek:

Loughc · 06-10-2020 11:39pm

It’s a random thought but I often wonder did the lads setting up ChristmasFM ever have an idea just how big it was going to be.

Lord Spence · 06-10-2020 11:53pm

It's as massive and as Irish traditional as the toy show now in my opinion, hopefully keeps going for generations to come. It's going to be even more needed this year.

Loughc · 07-10-2020 8:03am

Lord Spence wrote: »

It's as massive and as Irish traditional as the toy show now in my opinion, hopefully keeps going for generations to come. It's going to be even more needed this year.

Completely agree, it's completely embedded in pretty much all my Christmas traditions already

Jude13 · 07-10-2020 8:24am

Bigger than the toy show for me. The charity aspect and general good spirit is infectious.

TRS30 · 07-10-2020 8:36am

It was something that I hadn't heard about until I stumbled across it a few years ago, about the same time I found this forum (was a watcher for a good while before joining in). Might even have heard about it here, honest can't remember at this stage.

I think it has so much going for it, the charity aspect, doing the 'one offs' at Valentines and Halloween keeps their exposure at non Christmas time and the fact the amount they raise keeps climbing (I know there was a bit of dip a few years) hopefully means they are around for a long time.

DvB · 07-10-2020 8:43am

To me it just feels like its always been there. It obviously hasn't but I just assume its part of my christmas experience at this stage & can't imagine it not being there.
Since getting involved in here a few years ago the build up & launch has taking on a new importance though, as it feels like a bigger shared experience now with so many on here buzzing about it. Even the on air closedown on the 27th Dec has a sadness about it that when I re-read the old threads brings back a real pang of emotion as you re-live the shared sadness of it going off air for another 11 months.

Really looking forward to it launching this year

& dreading it going off air again

TRS30 · 07-10-2020 9:13am

I remember the first year I came across it and use to listen in the car, had the radio set to Christmas FM. I was going to work I think on the 27th and when I started the car there was just static. Was one of the saddest drives to work ever

DvB · 07-10-2020 9:33am

TRS30 wrote: »

I remember the first year I came across it and use to listen in the car, had the radio set to Christmas FM. I was going to work I think on the 27th and when I started the car there was just static. Was one of the saddest drives to work ever

Listening in to the shut down is worse again. IIRC last year ended with 'Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas' which was a lovely symmetry as it was the first song played on the launch back in November. I remember being in the car at the time driving across the M50 to collect my in-laws for a night out and it felt almost like that was the real moment Christmas had ended despite there being days of it left.

The rest of the holiday break never seems quite the same knowing Christmas FM is gone, the fact most of the musical channels & other radio stations stop with christmas music too doesn't help either.

Loughc · 07-10-2020 9:53am

DvB wrote: »

Listening in to the shut down is worse again. IIRC last year ended with 'Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas' which was a lovely symmetry as it was the first song played on the launch back in November. I remember being in the car at the time driving across the M50 to collect my in-laws for a night out and it felt almost like that was the real moment Christmas had ended despite there being days of it left.

The rest of the holiday break never seems quite the same knowing Christmas FM is gone, the fact most of the musical channels & other radio stations stop with christmas music too doesn't help either.

I was out for a walk last year to catch the last hour of ChristmasFM it was almost a poignant lump in the throat moment.

DvB · 07-10-2020 10:06am

Loughc wrote: »

I was out for a walk last year to catch the last hour of ChristmasFM it was almost a poignant lump in the throat moment.

Definitely. I still remember the feeling of fairytale of New York being No.1 on the final countdown & expecting that to be the last song (think it had been the year before) & when 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas came on I had a massive grin on my face, only for the realisation to draw in as it played that this was the last song i'd hear on Christmas FM until the end of November.

Only a few weeks away now all the same

Jude13 · 07-10-2020 10:21am

My first experience of it was driving through a desert part of Oman coming home from work and using my data to get a request played out a request for myself and another Irish guy in the 4x4. We went mental.

TRS30 · 07-10-2020 11:30am

Any early thoughts on first/last song this year??

Loughc · 07-10-2020 11:33am

TRS30 wrote: »

Any early thoughts on first/last song this year??

I imagine it will be it's beginning to look alot like Christmas again, it's fast becoming their go to launch song and it makes total sense!

pigtail33 · 07-10-2020 11:40am

Loughc wrote: »

I imagine it will be it's beginning to look alot like Christmas again, it's fast becoming their go to launch song and it makes total sense!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas would be an apt one for this year. Some of the lyrics look like they could have been written for Christmas 2020.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on your troubles will be out of sight

...

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

Lord Spence · 07-10-2020 11:49am

Jesus I'm gonna an emotional wreak this Christmas

Loughc · 07-10-2020 12:03pm

pigtail33 wrote: »

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas would be an apt one for this year. Some of the lyrics look like they could have been written for Christmas 2020.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on your troubles will be out of sight

...

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough

That is actually a great shout. It’s one of my favourites and the song perfectly fits the mood.

Love this cover version too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRUyd5Gh5hU

Loughc · 07-10-2020 12:04pm

Lord Spence wrote: »

Jesus I'm gonna an emotional wreak this Christmas

Yep. I’m with you there. I think the reality of 2020 will really hit home this Christmas season. Even looking back to all the previous years on this thread this morning gave me goosebumps.

Declan A Walsh · 07-10-2020 12:06pm

Unlike a lot of posters here, it was this thread I stumbled upon last rather than the station! I was aware of the station since its first launch back in 2008.

That is because I was coming from a different angle from many of you, namely an radio anorak approach. I had been following the advent of temporary licensed stations since 2003 and listening out to see who I would recognoise from previous stations, particularly pirates. Incidentally, the four lads who set it up: Garv Rigby (it was his brainchild), Daragh O'Sullivan, Paul Shepard, aka Ray Jackson, and Walter Hegarty, aka Greg Townsend, have an interesting radio cv between them.

Christmas FM is unique amongst the vast majority of temporary licensed operations in that it has captured the imagination of a significant proportion of the population. This is because of the nature of the operation, the type of music it plays, the time of year (good cheer!) and that it is for charitable purposes.

I dip in and out of it every year. Sometimes I like the songs, sometimes I don't. The other point of interest for me, of course, is who's presenting. This is another interesting aspect of Christmas FM. Unlike other temporary operations, which are all voluntarily run, Christmas FM has managed over the years to get some well established broadcasters to get involved- people who do not necessarily need the radio experience.

DvB · 07-10-2020 12:07pm

Loughc wrote: »

I imagine it will be it's beginning to look alot like Christmas again, it's fast becoming their go to launch song and it makes total sense!

Has to be this. Its become a tradition in itself.

The last song had been FONY for couple of years until they finished with 'Its beginning to look a lot like christmas' this year after FONY topped the countdown, I'd love this to become a tradition also being honest as I get satisfaction from the symmetry.

If they decide to go with something else to kick off I'd be hoping for Andy Williams 'Its the most wonderful time of the year' which was the first song a few years back, but would much prefer they stuck to IBTLALLC.

pigtail33 · 07-10-2020 12:11pm

Loughc wrote: »

That is actually a great shout. It’s one of my favourites and the song perfectly fits the mood.

Love this cover version too.

I love The Coronas and didn't know they did a version of this. It gave me goose bumps.

Loughc · 07-10-2020 12:15pm

pigtail33 wrote: »

I love The Coronas and didn't know they did a version of this. It gave me goose bumps.

Same I'm a fan of them, I know alot of them are not but I find that cover beautiful. It's perfect listening to while out for a walk on a cold dark winter night.

Declan A Walsh · 07-10-2020 12:20pm

One act that I got to know from Christmas music videos tv shows over the last ten years is Lady Antebellum. I don't think they get much of an airing, or at all, on Christmas FM. They are an American country trio, who have done their own interpretations of some well-known Christmas standards. I am not a big country fan but their vocal and musical arrangements are really good. I wonder why Christmas FM don't use them more.

TRS30 · 07-10-2020 12:52pm

I'd be pretty happy with any of the ones mentioned so far. Once it's not Christmas Shoes

Loughc · 07-10-2020 12:56pm

Declan A Walsh wrote: »

One act that I got to know from Christmas music videos tv shows over the last ten years is Lady Antebellum. I don't think they get much of an airing, or at all, on Christmas FM. They are an American country trio, who have done their own interpretations of some well-known Christmas standards. I am not a big country fan but their vocal and musical arrangements are really good. I wonder why Christmas FM don't use them more.

I think the presenters have said before unless it's Irish they tend to stay away from Cover songs as that's a rabbit hole to go down. It might be cause Lady Antebellum has alot of covers.

Jude13 · 07-10-2020 12:59pm

TRS30 wrote: »

Any early thoughts on first/last song this year??

Im banking on them starting off with this Christmas song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to24HpTmtho

eviltwin · 07-10-2020 1:00pm

I love Christmas FM can't wait for it to be back on air. I imagine the text line will have much more muted messages this year not like previous years and a lot of shout out to those who keep the country going these last few weeks.

I hope that Paul Brady song about those working at Christmas gets a few airs as they were the same people who were out grafting during lockdown.

Posy · 07-10-2020 1:06pm

Love reading about the shared pain experienced by everyone when it goes off air.

Remembering last year's shut down is especially eerie, because of what was in store. We never know what the future holds, I guess.

Also banking on It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas as song one.

DvB · 07-10-2020 9:49pm

The one thing I don't really like about Christmas FM i must admit is when they play the dodgy covers of the really big Christmas tunes, well iffy versions of FONY and last Christmas , wish it could be Christmas every day etc. Usually by Ronan Keating or suchlike... no ta.

I know some people like hearing these but they really miss the spot for me.

Beechwoodspark · 07-10-2020 9:56pm

Here here

Give us the original 70s/80s versions and not some new effort by a pop star trying to get attention

Loughc · 09-10-2020 9:09am

Just 7 weeks to launch... less than the 2 month mark now.

DvB · 09-10-2020 9:50am

Loughc wrote: »

Just 7 weeks to launch... less than the 2 month mark now.

Have they announced the official launch date yet? Still hoping its not the Saturday myself. Always associate the launch with a lunchbreak in work, usually with a site visit that requires me being in the car at the time

Loughc · 09-10-2020 10:00am

No official announcement yet, but it's coming soon I imagine. I hope it's the Friday myself as that will be the day I'll be putting up the tree.

And what a way to kick off the Christmas season but with ChristmasFM playing.

DvB · 09-10-2020 10:10am

Loughc wrote: »

No official announcement yet, but it's coming soon I imagine. I hope it's the Friday myself as that will be the day I'll be putting up the tree.

And what a way to kick off the Christmas season but with ChristmasFM playing.

Great minds think alike, thats the weekend ours goes up too. We actually discussed it last night whilst working away on our christmas 2020 jigsaw (we started it last weekend, a 1000 piece one & its a difficult one so could take some time) and we all agreed that last w/e in Nov (most likely the saturday afternoon) would be our decorating day.

Lord Nelson · 10-10-2020 11:53pm

DvB wrote: »

Have they announced the official launch date yet? Still hoping its not the Saturday myself. Always associate the launch with a lunchbreak in work, usually with a site visit that requires me being in the car at the time

It's been the 28th for a good number of years. The BAI rules mean there must be a full 365 days between commencement so the start date can't move back, only forwards. That being the case if I was a betting man (which I'm not!) I'd say the 28th is most likely.

DvB · 11-10-2020 9:30am

Lord Nelson wrote: »

It's been the 28th for a good number of years. The BAI rules mean there must be a full 365 days between commencement so the start date can't move back, only forwards. That being the case if I was a betting man (which I'm not!) I'd say the 28th is most likely.

Had copped that, hence expecting the Saturday. Which unless we're in lockdown means I'm likely to miss it.... always busy Saturday morning and lunchtime.

Jude13 · 11-10-2020 9:39am

28th would work for us. (Our weekend is Fri 7 Sat). Take out all the decs Friday and put up the tree. Saturday would be decorate the tree to Christmas fm.

webpal · 11-10-2020 10:27am

Alexa prompt has changed again on my echo dot. When I ask to play Christmas fm or Christmas fm Ireland, Christmas fm classical plays. Does anyone have any other prompts?

Loughc · 11-10-2020 12:13pm

webpal wrote: »

Alexa prompt has changed again on my echo dot. When I ask to play Christmas fm or Christmas fm Ireland, Christmas fm classical plays. Does anyone have any other prompts?

Hage you tried saying Alexa play ChristmasFM on tunein?

Lord Nelson · 11-10-2020 11:26pm

webpal wrote: »

Alexa prompt has changed again on my echo dot. When I ask to play Christmas fm or Christmas fm Ireland, Christmas fm classical plays. Does anyone have any other prompts?

I'm told that the streams, Alexa, app etc are all currently being updated in preparation for launch so it could be something to do with that?

DvB · 12-10-2020 8:18am

Lord Nelson wrote: »

It's been the 28th for a good number of years. The BAI rules mean there must be a full 365 days between commencement so the start date can't move back, only forwards. That being the case if I was a betting man (which I'm not!) I'd say the 28th is most likely.

Was just thinking about this, i.e. the 365 day thing & whilst you're correct that it tends to start on the 28th Nov & finishes on the 27th Dec with this year being a leap year they could technically launch on the 27th & still comply with the 365 day rule. Though that would mean finishing up on the 26th which I simply can't see happening. So agree, looking like Saturday 28th Nov to kick it all off.

Would love an extra day though, launch on Fri 27th Nov & finish Dec 27th as well!
Thats not being greedy, is it?

Lord Nelson · 12-10-2020 10:59pm

DvB wrote: »

Was just thinking about this, i.e. the 365 day thing & whilst you're correct that it tends to start on the 28th Nov & finishes on the 27th Dec with this year being a leap year they could technically launch on the 27th & still comply with the 365 day rule. Though that would mean finishing up on the 26th which I simply can't see happening. So agree, looking like Saturday 28th Nov to kick it all off.

Would love an extra day though, launch on Fri 27th Nov & finish Dec 27th as well!
Thats not being greedy, is it?

Exceeding the 30 day limit would be the end of civilisation as we know it!! Suggest it to the BAI, they'll probably set up a committee and kick the can down the road for the next five years like everything else they put their hand to..

TRS30 · 13-10-2020 8:31am

Lord Nelson wrote: »

Exceeding the 30 day limit would be the end of civilisation as we know it!! Suggest it to the BAI, they'll probably set up a committee and kick the can down the road for the next five years like everything else they put their hand to..

Maybe they would make an exception for this year. After everything that has gone on people need cheering up and Christmas FM provide a vital public service imo.

Loughc · 13-10-2020 8:37am

TRS30 wrote: »

Maybe they would make an exception for this year. After everything that has gone on people need cheering up and Christmas FM provide a vital public service imo.

Yea that's never going to happen, BAI would rather pull the licence than break protocol on any of their rulings.

The official Christmas FM thread

Comments

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year" - Charles Dickens