ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG ‘Christmas is just heaven’

Actor and presenter Alexander appreciates the power of presents

Christmas this year will have an intense sense of family. For a lot of people I know, this year has been difficult because of being separated from family, although in other cases, it’s been a chance to reconnect. That’s been one of the great legacies of lockdown. I’ve been very lucky as it has been lovely with my family. Quite a lot of the comforts and joys that we take for granted have been held up this year, and we’ve all learned to be a bit more humble.

The build-up is one of my favourite times of the year. Christmas itself is just heaven. I love the season; the coldness, dressing up in scarves and hats, sitting by fires, the food and music. Some of the most ancient foods we eat are Christmas foods. Our forefathers and mothers preserved everything for the midwinter. All those great tastes, like cloves, cinnamon, sugar... and alcohol.

I love seeing presents under the tree. What they are isn’t important, as each one stands for a caring relationship with someone. That’s a pious thing to say but it’s true.

We have to plan for a micro Christmas and hope that regular service will resume. There’s not a lot you can do, but I’m sure as soon as the tree is up, it will feel great.

Starting my Classic FM show in lockdown has been one of the highlights of my year.

Sharing music is probably my greatest pleasure; now I get to do it every morning.

MY CHRISTMAS WISH… It would be nice to start building a future out of shared joy, and stop worrying about our past.

• Alexander presents Classic FM’S flagship weekday show, 9am to 12pm; available on 100-102FM, DAB digital radio and TV, Global Player, on your smart speaker, IOS or Android device and classicfm.com