Top 10 Christmas TV Picks

The weather outside may be jumping between somewhat ok and frightful but when the sofa looks ever so delightful and you've simply got no place better to go, pull up a seat, grab a sweet and stick on a TV show.

Whittling down the top TV for Christmas 2013 wasn't actually that easy, but we've certaintly given it our best shot. Here are just 10 things you will definitely be watching this Christmas.

1. Mrs Brown's Boys - RTE One/BBC One, Christmas Day at 9.25pm/9.30pm
Whether you love her or loathe it, there's absolutely no escaping Mrs Brown's Boys this Christmas because, ala 2012, we're getting not one but two Specials this year. This first installment is all about Bono. No, seriously. Christmas is just round the corner, and no-one knows what Mrs Brown’s grandson Bono wants for a present. He's already posted his letter off to Santa, so how can she find out in time? We can't even begin to imagine what kind of antics will ensue...

2. Little Crackers - Sky One, Christmas Day from 9pm
We do love a bit of variety in our Christmas telly and nobody does it better than Sky's Little Crackers. Over the years we've had short films from the likes of Chris O'Dowd, Tommy Tiernan and Paul O'Grady to name but a few, but this year's festive offerings come courtesy of the absolutely fabulous (pun totally intended) Joanna Lumley, EastEnders and Carry On veteran Barbara Windsor and comedy's new golden boy Jack Whitehall. Who knows what this lot will get up to when they're left to their own devices?

3. The Time of The Doctor - BBC One, Christmas Day at 7.30pm
Hey now Whovians, don't dream it's over. The much anticipated Doctor Who Christmas Special will bring about an end to Matt Smith's tenure as the Time Lord, and clear the way for Peter Capaldi to step into The Doctor's shoes. Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe. Keep an eye out for our own Orla Brady in a major role.

4. Downton Abbey - UTV, Christmas Day at 8.30pm & TV3, St Stephen's Day 9pm
The Crawleys ditch the Abbey for a rather summery Christmas Special as they head down to London for Rose's 'coming out' at Buckingham Palace. We'll be getting our first gawk at the plush Grantham House (the family's home in the big schmoke), atching up with Cora's mammy and brother (played by the wonderful Shirley McClaine and Paul Giamatti), and following the servants on a day out and about in London. Oh, and there'll be plenty of scandal too, with Robert struggling to keep both the Royal Family and his own brood from becoming the subject of idle gossip.

5. Dermot Morgan Fearless Funnyman - RTE One, December 27th at 9.50pm
If there's one Irish comedian who holds a special place in all of our hearts it's got to be Dermot Morgan. The aptly titled 'Fearless Funnyman' may have gained international noteriety as Father Ted but those of us on the Emerald Isle know all to well that he honed his craft on the likes of The Live Mike and Scrap Saturday. Who knew Father Trendy was just the start of something big? We personally can't wait to see RTE pay tribute to one of Ireland's best, brightest and beloved.