Take some time for yourself with soothing classical music from the mindful mix, the Science of

Happiness Podcast.

For the last 20 years I've dedicated my career to exploring the science of living a happier more meaningful life and I want

to share that science with you.

And just one thing, deep calm with Michael Mosley.

I want to help you tap in to your hidden relaxation response system and open the door to that

calmer place within. Listen on BBC Sounds.

All I want for Christmas is some sociological analysis. Your wish is granted. My father had an all-purpose term for anything that for him smacked of superstition or of sentiment,

muck. He routinely described my mother's

Catholicism as your mother's muck and invariably dismissed Christmas as a

load of muck. I remember traveling 200 miles to the family home in Liverpool one

Christmas Eve and when dad finally opened the door he looked disdainfully at the

pile of gaily wrapped and carefully chosen presents I was clutching in my arms.

Oh you shouldn't have bothered with chosen presence I was clutching in my arms.

You shouldn't have bothered with all that muck, he said, guiding me past the paraffin heater in the hall.

Well I blame Dad's influence for my determined efforts a few years ago to abolish Christmas.

It was a sort of cultural experiment, really. You see see six of us rented a cottage in rural Kent and we swore to eschew any sign at all of Ualtide. No mince pies, no turkey, no holly, no cards and above all no television.

Well, on the first day, the only lavatory in the cottage froze over,

and four of the group went down with the severe gastrointestinal writers.

Thus so, my partner and I took refuge in the pub over the road.

And there, on the tiny television perched above the bar

were Morcombe and wise yeah Morcombe and wise well we ordered another round

...