Christmas is pretty much here. I imagine that the TV won't be getting watched much as everyone will be dashing around buying last minute presents and going to the pub getting wrecked. For those of you who do intend snuggling up with the cathode, here's my top tips for the Christmas weekend.

Friday - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, 8.30pm, ITV2

Basically, the rule is this. If it's got Chevy Chase in it, watch it. He is, without doubt, one of the funniest men alive. Even in half baked Christmas films like this, Chevy still has enough to make you fall down, flat on your face, with laughter. The plot here revolves around the disaster area that is the Griswold family.Having already destroyed an American theme park and most of Europe in the previous films, the family stays at home, and, of course, blow things up and have a terrible time of it. It's pure daftness and Randy Quaid's performance as an obnoxious relative steals the show.

Saturday - Charlie Brooker's Screen Wipe: Xmas Special, BBC4, 10.10pm

Charlie Brooker is a genius. A vicious wit coupled with a deadly insight into the workings of TV. Watch this and laugh until your head actually falls off into the corner, still nodding in agreement with some Brooker quip about some programme or other.

Christmas Eve - Fear of Fanny, BBC4, 9pm

One of the best programmes shown in 2006, Fear of Fanny is a brilliant portrayal of one of the most bonkers women to ever grace our screens. Julia Davis (from the wonderful Nighty Night) acts out of her skin to bring us a performance that is her career high to date. It's funny, strange, sad and completely compelling. A must see, even for those who caught it first time 'round. Follows a look back at 'Fanny Craddock Cooks for Christmas'.

Christmas Day - Creature Comforts, ITV1, 11.15pm

For me, Nick Park has never eclipsed his work on Creature Comforts. It's always a favourite over Christmas, and to be honest, who couldn't love it? Important questions are obviously answered... like How do hamsters cope with indigestion? Why do corgis find Christmas unbearably emotional? Brilliant.

Boxing Day - Faking It: Burlesque Special, Channel 4, 9pm

Pretty anyone who has been on this programme prattles on about the emotional and spiritual journey they've undergone... even if they've only ridden a horse or something. Thankfully, the show on Boxing Day is far superior to that. For once it's true and, interestingly, the blossoming of shy Welsh girl Sharon Pallister feels more important than whether or not she fools the judges. Her challenge is to become Scarlet Fever - a burlesque dancer -  and for someone who can't barely look at herself in the mirror to parading in public with little more than a pair of tassels to cover her modesty is a great leap indeed. It's one of the most enjoyable editions of Faking It for yonks.

One To Avoid

Jam and Jerusalem, Boxing Day, 9.45pm, BBC1

It's got Dawn French in it. It's got Jennifer Saunders in it... and Joanna Lumley... which is three more actresses than gags. Awful.

[Mof Gimmers]