Christmas on the box

Once you've eaten all the turkey and ham you can stomach on Christmas Day it's good to know you can curl up on the couch - and thrill to the sight of Simon Dallow presenting an hour of Christmas music and ballet.

The special programme, followed by a festive Monarch of the Glen, is listed as a highlight of TV One's Christmas Day offering.

But for those of you who are completely out of Christmas spirit by that time of the day, don't despair - there is plenty of non-Christmas related viewing on offer.

After the Shortland Street grand finale of the year, TV2 is offering two movies: A Knight's Tale followed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

TV3 has opted for a romantic comedy, Shakespeare in Love, featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck and Geoffrey Rush.

Earlier in the day there are a range of programmes to help keep the kids entertained between meals and pressie opening.

Switching between the channels you will find just about every Christmas-themed children's programme ever made - from Mickey's Once Upon A Xmas to Postman Pat's Magic Christmas and the Toronto Santa Parade.

At midday there is a range of viewing options, from the Ultimate Christmas Present to David Copperfield or Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park.

At 6pm, just for a change of viewing, you may wish to watch the Chelsea Flower Show on Prime while TV One and TV2 report the news of the day.

And before the big Simon Dallow highlight there are several early evening sitcoms, including Friends: The One With The Christmas in Tulsa and Home Improvement: Bright Christmas.

Overall, if Chrismassy viewing is what you want, you're best to go with TV2 or 3. If not, wait until evening or try Prime or TV One.