Is Christmas TV Starting Too Soon with 111 Days Ahead Launch?

This year, a UK TV channel has embraced the festive spirit earlier than ever by launching a Christmas-themed programming block, GREAT! Christmas, which offers a variety of holiday movies from August through early January. This initiative highlights the growing trend of early festive celebrations, even during one of the hottest summers on record.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• GREAT! Christmas has launched early, starting its programming in August.
• The channel offers a wide selection of Christmas movies available to stream for free on GREAT! Player.
• Many festive films have already been produced, contributing to the early holiday cheer.
• Streaming services are promoting Christmas content year-round, catering to eager viewers.
• Public reactions to early Christmas celebrations are mixed, with some enjoying the festive mood while others prefer to hold onto summer.

Why the Early Christmas Push?

As summer fades, the anticipation for Christmas begins to build. GREAT! Christmas, a channel owned by Narrative Entertainment, has capitalised on this sentiment by launching its festive programming sooner than ever before. Starting in August and running until early January, the channel aims to provide viewers with a continuous stream of holiday-themed films.

This early launch aligns with a broader cultural trend where festive celebrations are beginning earlier each year. Many retailers and media outlets have observed that consumers are eager to embrace the holiday spirit, even in the warm summer months. The move by GREAT! Christmas may be a response to these changing consumer behaviours, aiming to capture the hearts of those yearning for festive cheer.

What’s on GREAT! Christmas?

Viewers tuning into GREAT! Christmas can expect a variety of holiday films, ranging from classic favourites to newer releases. Some of the highlights include:

• A Bride For Christmas
• Candy Cane Christmas
• Twinkle All The Way

These films promise to deliver all the warmth and whimsy associated with the holiday season. In addition to the channel, the GREAT! Player offers a vast selection of Christmas movies available for free streaming, making it easier than ever for fans to indulge in festive content at their convenience.

Christmas Advert Filming in Summer Heat

Interestingly, the early Christmas spirit isn't confined to television programming. A recent filming of a Christmas advert featuring Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in Sex Education, took place in a small British town, transforming it into a winter wonderland despite temperatures soaring to 28 degrees Celsius. This juxtaposition of summer heat and Christmas cheer is becoming increasingly common as brands aim to capture the festive spirit ahead of the December rush.

The filming's location and timing highlight how the entertainment industry is adapting to audience expectations for early seasonal content. Although many may find it peculiar to see Christmas festivities in the summer, it reflects a growing willingness to celebrate the holiday season well in advance of the traditional timeline.

The Streaming Christmas Phenomenon

In addition to traditional television channels like GREAT! Christmas, streaming platforms have been capitalising on the demand for holiday-themed content year-round. Services such as Netflix have made it possible for viewers to enjoy Christmas classics at any time. Films like A Christmas Prince remain popular choices, offering a dose of festive spirit regardless of the season.

This trend suggests that audiences are not just content with waiting until December to engage with Christmas media. Instead, they seek out these experiences earlier, prompting networks and streaming services to expand their holiday offerings.

Public Reaction to Early Christmas Celebrations

The early launch of GREAT! Christmas has elicited varied reactions from the public. While some viewers appreciate the chance to indulge in festive films long before December, others express concern about the premature celebration of Christmas. For many, the holiday season represents a specific time of year, and starting too early dilutes its significance.

This divide reflects a broader cultural commentary on how society engages with seasonal celebrations. As the trend towards early festivities continues, it begs the question: is there a point at which we celebrate too early? Or does the joy of Christmas deserve to be experienced for as long as possible?

What’s Next for GREAT! Christmas?

As we move through the autumn months, GREAT! Christmas is poised to maintain its festive momentum. With numerous holiday films already in the pipeline and a dedicated audience eager for more, the channel has laid the groundwork for a successful season. The challenge will be to keep viewers engaged as the actual Christmas season approaches, especially with many competing platforms vying for attention.

The network's strategy of starting early may continue to pay off, as more people seek out the joy and nostalgia associated with Christmas. As the festive content landscape evolves, GREAT! Christmas stands at the forefront, potentially reshaping how we celebrate the holiday season.

Conclusion

The launch of GREAT! Christmas in August signals a significant shift in how we approach holiday celebrations. With an abundance of festive films available and a growing acceptance of early Christmas cheer, viewers are encouraged to embrace the spirit of the season whenever they choose. Whether you’re a fan of summer or an early Christmas enthusiast, the options for festive enjoyment are now more accessible than ever.

As the festive season approaches, consider how you will engage with Christmas media this year. Will you join the early celebrations, or hold off until December? No matter your preference, one thing is clear: the excitement for the holidays is alive and well.

#ChristmasMovies #EarlyCelebrations #GREATChristmas

FAQs

What is GREAT! Christmas?

GREAT! Christmas is a UK television channel that offers a selection of Christmas-themed movies, launching its programming as early as August and running until early January.

Where can I watch GREAT! Christmas movies?

You can watch GREAT! Christmas movies on the GREAT! Christmas channel and stream them for free on the GREAT! Player online.

What types of movies are featured on GREAT! Christmas?

The channel features a variety of Christmas movies, including classics and new releases, such as A Bride For Christmas and Candy Cane Christmas.

Why are Christmas adverts filmed in summer?

Filming Christmas adverts in summer allows brands to prepare their marketing content ahead of the holiday season, ensuring they are ready for the December rush while capturing festive themes early.

How have streaming services changed Christmas viewing habits?

Streaming services have made Christmas movies available year-round, allowing viewers to enjoy festive content whenever they desire, rather than only during the traditional holiday season.