This is a tough time of year for radio, especially talk stations. It’s easy for a CHFI to play nothing but Yule jewels for weeks on end, although I find it gag inducing (although I admit it seems to work judging by the ratings.). But the yakkers sometimes have trouble finding interesting topics this close to December 25th.
 
So I was pleasantly surprised to hear CKTB’s Tom McConnell come up with a creative way around this annual dilemma on Friday, when he “celebrated” the fictional Seinfeld celebration of Festivus, inviting listeners to air their grievances (an important part of the “holiday” which supposedly takes place every Dec. 23rd.)
 
He also asked for the worst Christmas song, which is a lot better than the usual “what’s your favourite Xmas tune,” or “what are you thankful for this Christmas,” or the always awful subject about the best gifts etc. etc. ad nauseam.
 
By the way, I did that “worst Christmas song” bit many years ago and the hands-down winner back then – no one even close came close – was Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.” This seemed to irritate people like no other and appears to be an annual giant lump of coal in listeners' ears.  

Stay tuned for what's next: Corus' annual old time radio comedy marathon on December 25th. the yearly Boxing Day topics, about how to find the best sales, finding a parking spot, what did you get that you're returning, online deals, etc. etc. etc. Some things never change.