U.K. Christmas

December 16, 2006 4:07 PM

As a child, I was an American expat, growing up in Scotland. This time of year I have many fond memories of Christmas Pantomines, Christmas Pudding, Paper Crowns & Crackers, 'Cadbury's Christmas Selection Boxes,' etc.' I also remember getting copies of year-end "annuals," particularly the 'Beano Annual' and the 'Blue Peter Annual.' There were many others, but I am at a loss for remembering their titles. What are/were some of the others published at Christmastime?
posted by ericb to grab bag (14 comments total)

I just checked my shelves and I have a few from Beano, Whizzer and Chips, and Beezer.
posted by toddst at 4:21 PM on December 16, 2006

Funny, I haven't though of them in years. Beano, Buster, Dandy, Whizzer & Chips, Topper for cartoons. All the girls' annuals like Judy, Seventeen, etc. Rupert the Bear. Roy of the Rovers.
posted by jamesonandwater at 4:22 PM on December 16, 2006

I lived in England in 1976-77. I remember a general kid comics annual called Cor!, and Bunty, another girls' annual.
posted by scody at 4:55 PM on December 16, 2006

In Scotland? oor Wullie and The Broons.
posted by aisforal at 4:57 PM on December 16, 2006

In depends on the time period in some cases. When I was little my brother and I got Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds annuals, as well as the Bunty and Dandy ones. Basically in addition to the standards any kids program that was popular enough to have an annual got one. I'm not sure if that's the same case these days though. (For example: Bunty folded about five years ago. Dandy is still going though)

Searching "Christmas annuals" for ebay has produced some interesting results. Lots of older annuals such as Rupert the Bear, but newer one like a Doctor Who 2007 annual as well.
posted by kosher_jenny at 6:25 PM on December 16, 2006

The Broons, it's tradition.
posted by fire&wings at 6:29 PM on December 16, 2006

Many of these were produced by Scottish publishers DC Thomson - here's their current offerings.
posted by forallmankind at 6:56 PM on December 16, 2006

I remember some more action-orientated ones like Victor and Warlord, as well as the DC Thompson comic comics.
posted by prentiz at 8:46 PM on December 16, 2006

Magpie, Shoot, the Goodies & How all spring to mind!
posted by kenchie at 10:54 PM on December 16, 2006

Some pop-stars and bands also had annuals devoted to them.
posted by misteraitch at 1:04 AM on December 17, 2006

I thought almost every comic brought out a Christmas annual. Of those I remember, Jackie hasn't been mentioned. And before my time, but in Oxfam I've found some fascinating 1960s copies of School Friend annual. Hurrah Broughty Ferry, by the way - I spend a lot of time on the other side of the Tay. And of course Dundee (jam, jute and journalism) is the home of DC Thomson, mentioned by forallmankind - don't know if the statue of Desperate Dan was there in your day?
posted by paduasoy at 3:59 AM on December 17, 2006

And for the teenagers: 2000AD and Judge Dredd
posted by PenDevil at 9:00 AM on December 17, 2006

Thanks for all of these memories. Ah, yes, Desperate Dan (and Mini the Minx). I've been "googling" the long-forgotten titles and have come across some interesting articles, etc.
posted by ericb at 2:55 PM on December 17, 2006

whizzer and chips
posted by baker dave at 11:11 AM on December 18, 2006