The lull between Christmas and New Year festivities when the pace slows down and - if you’re lucky enough to have time off work - you can recharge your batteries. In this week’s episode the Blethers range from culinary disasters to Mirrie Dancers. From the complexities of our Public Holidays in Scotland to an explanation of a literary portmanteau! The perfect opportunity to join as you relax and draw breath.

As the big day draws near we chat about our preparations. Decorating the house, getting “the messages” - even meeting Santa. In the end, it’s not what is under the tree that matters but who is gathered around it that counts. We end with the Twelve Days of Christmas given a Scottish accent by Sheena Blackhall - lots of new words to add to your vocabulary! Wishing all of our listeners a very Merry Christmas.

While many of the festivities leading up to Christmas are now universal, Scotland retains a colourful patchwork of Pagan, Christian, Celtic and contemporary customs. From fire and candle light to pantomimes and nativity plays, we reflect on what makes a typical Christmas in Scotland with reminiscences from our own childhood memories. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas !