TV has a tendency to be a little predictable at times doesn’t it? I mean, we all know Gillian McKeith will always use some gawd-awful visual aid, we all know that Gok Wan will say “bangers” at some point and we all know that, come Children In Need, the newsreaders will do something ‘wacky’. Of course, Christmas as whole, is no different. Every year, trends reappear and stars do things to get in the spirit of Yule. With that, get over the jump for a bunch of stuff that’s surely going to happen…

Sleigh Bell Remix

Keep an eye out for TV shows having sleigh bells in the theme-tune. These are there to remind you what time it is, just in case you hadn’t noticed.

Shows clearly not filmed this month

There will be a spate of Christmas specials which will see the host wearing a Christmas tie or something and the guests wearing Santa hats and stuff, despite the none-committal chat which relates to nothing topical as it was filmed in June.

‘Classic Clips’

Christmas is when TV gets a bit lazy, so look out for Del Boy falling through the bar again, Frank Spencer on rollerskates and Angela Rippon’s legs.

Graphics with snow on them

…when really they should be getting rained on.

Alternative speeches by The Queen

It’s about this time of year when male comics dress up like Her Madge’ and do ‘amusing’ skits in the form of the Christmas speech.

A complete absence of Gary Glitter’s ‘Rock and Roll Christmas’

And quite possibly, the last time we’ll have all those Phil Spector hits if he gets done for murder.

Cameos

Really famous people will appear in shows they aren’t normally in! It’s the next rung up from panto…

Weird animations on Christmas Day morning

If you’ve got kids who will wake you at silly o’clock on Christmas Day, then prepare yourself for weird ethereal animations with a message.

Brass bands and choirs on the local news

…because the TV spods need some community action too! And those helplines that run across the bottom of all the shows just aren’t rewarding enough.

Why not add your own in the comments?