18 December 2020
2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least and Christmas will definitely be very different this year.
But one thing that won't change is the feast of programmes S4C will be serving up to celebrate and entertain over the Festive season.
Sport will also play a big part in the festive schedule, with live Guinness PRO14 Welsh derby matches on Clwb Rygbi and live JD Cymru Premier matches on Sgorio.
So, lock the door, cwtsh in with a plate of mince pies and a glass of something nice and enjoy ...
S4C Christmas 2020 Promo
SOL
Monday, 21 December, 6.30
Sol is the story of a young boy plunged into darkness after the loss of his grandmother (Nonee) whom he adored. Sol is sent on a quest to bring back the light to a darkening world.
His quest takes him through a vast landscape made from Nonee's memories – the collected photos and scraps of her photo albums. He is guided by Nonee as a little girl in the beginning and finds her at different stages of her life along the way.
At the end of their journey, Sol reaches the Ancient Temple of Light in the East, where his grandmother is waiting for him. He realises he can accept his feelings of grief as his love for her is far greater than the pain from his loss.
Sol was commissioned by Celtic broadcasters TG4, S4C and BBC ALBA. The animated film aims to bring light and comfort to families with young children as the darkest year in modern times draws to a close.
'Dolig Epic Chris
Monday 21 December, 8.00
In this special festive edition, Chris 'Flamebaster' Roberts helps a cause that is close to his heart (and his doorstep!) - Porthi Pawb. Having been set up during the pandemic, the Caernarfon community group provides meals for vulnerable and elderly town residents.
By now, the small crew of volunteers cook as many as 650 delicious meals every week – each one prepared at the kitchen of Chris' old school – Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen. With the festive season around the corner, this hard-working team enlist Chris' help – and he does so in typical Flamebaster style, by lighting a barbecue on his old schoolyard before sharing out the hearty meals in his own neighbourhood – Twthill!
A new series of Bwyd Epic Chris starts on Monday 28 December. (A Cwmni Da production)
Carol yr Ŵyl
Monday 21 December, 9.00
For more than 20 years Carol yr Ŵyl has proved to be a popular competition, with primary schools across Wales competing for the title and special trophy by composing a brand-new Christmas carol or song. This year, in the wake of Covid, the competition will be different. This is an opportunity to celebrate and reward the cream of the crop!
All the previous winners will go head to head with two judges, Mari Lloyd Pritchard and Huw Foulkes, deciding first on the shortlist of ten songs or carols, before deciding on three winners.
We'll also get to visit the schools that came up top and see some familiar faces among former pupils who have since made a career in the performing world. (A Tinopolis production)
Prosiect Pum Mil
Tuesday 22 December 9.00
To close this special series, Emma and Trystan visit Llandysul Food Bank, an extremely timely project as the services offered by food banks become more important than ever.
Sian ap Gwynfor said: "We wanted to do more than fill bellies - offer an ear, a cuppa and conversation around the table. Having started to include recipes for quick and hearty meals, we realised guidance on their preparation would be welcomed."
Her husband, minister Guto Prys ap Gwynfor, added, "The vestry here at Capel Seion was cold and bleak and the kitchen was only capable of running water."
Will it be possible to create a comfortable space for the residents of Llandysul, in time for them to collect their Christmas hampers?
Emma said, "Working on every project is a privilege, but realising the demand for the bank and the work that goes into it was an eye opener. "Seeing communities support each other brings a difficult year for many to a nice end." (A Boom Cymru production)
Pobol y Cwm
Tuesday, 22 December; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day, 8.00
There has been a lot of falling out between the residents of Cwmderi in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Britt is desperately missing her brother Garry Monk since he disappeared from the Cwm back in October. Colin and Britt fall out over Garry and Colin turns to his old friend Eileen for comfort. But Eileen wants to offer Colin a lot more than her friendship.
Will Colin be unfaithful to Britt? Perhaps Siôn White could bring the community together after a very difficult year? He is keen to organise a community event to celebrate Christmas, but somebody steals his idea! Cassie thinks that someone has broken into her house but has a huge surprise when she discovers that it isn't a burglar but somebody very familiar. (A BBC Cymru production)
Rownd a Rownd
Tuesday December 22 and Christmas Eve 24 December, 8.25
There's not much festive cheer for some in Rownd a Rownd. Although both Mathew and Iolo suspect that Aled is worried about something, Iolo doesn't put two and two together until he sees Barry and Carys at Copa.
Barry is desperate to buy Copa, and when he finds out about Carys and Aled's affair, he keeps it under wraps. (A Rondo Media production)
Dolig Ysgol Ni: Maesincla
Wednesday 23 December, 8.00
The children of Ysgol Maesincla are back! After winning the best Factual Series award at this year's BAFTA Cymru awards, we celebrate Christmas with the children (and teachers!) Of Ysgol Maesincla as they perform a special Christmas show.
With well-known Christmas songs, but all in the children's own words, referring to a camel as "a horse with two bumps" and "purple gravy for me, a favourite in our house" is perfectly natural to the Maesincla crew.
The children thank key workers such as nurses, care home staff, the police as well as their parents for their care during the year. For Maesincla children, presents are not the most important thing this year, but that Mum and Dad are safe and healthy, and that the family is all together.
This is a programme full of fun and laughter (and a few tears!) with familiar faces, full of mischief and honesty of the Maesincla crew as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. (A Darlun production)
Ken Hughes yn cadw 'Dolig i fynd
Christmas Day 25 December, 7.00
It's time to return to the cosy bungalow of the charismatic Ken Hughes, as he gives his all to keep going through Christmas.
People who live alone can feel quite isolated, especially over Christmas, but Ken is determined to enjoy the festive period by inviting us all to spend Christmas in his company.
"I want to lift spirits. I will be celebrating the true meaning and sharing gifts with the friends that have supported me throughout the year. In return, they have given me a few challenges, as well as presents. I hope everyone enjoys watching as much as I enjoyed doing them. Elis is back in the garage, there is room for him at the inn - but it's a little more luxurious this time - I've even decorated it for him."
But it's not just Ken who spreads joy - watch to find out who leaves him speechless with their surprise visit. (Darlun production)
Mastermind Selebs Cymru
Christmas Day 25 December, 9.00
Some of Wales's well-known faces are hoping to shine as S4C brings the world's most iconic and well-known quiz to Welsh homes over the festive period.
In a special edition of Mastermind Selebs Cymru on Christmas Day, some of Wales's celebrities will challenge each other in the famous black chair and reveal a wealth of information in quite unexpected areas.
The brave celebs who will challenge the black chair is the former First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, sports reporter and presenter Catrin Heledd, actress Carys Eleri, writer Anni Llŷn and presenter Ameer Davies-Rana.
Betsan Powys will be asking the questions with a general knowledge round and a specialist subject round, but who has chosen Strictly Come Dancing, the Welsh Rugby Team 1969-1979, Llyfr Mawr y Plant and Star Wars? And who at the end of the programme will claim the special Mastermind Selebs Cymru trophy? (Produced by BBC Studios Entertainment & Music)
Nadolig Al Lewis Christmas
Christmas Day 25 December, 9.45
As Christmas Day draws in, singer and composer Al Lewis takes us on a personal musical journey between the Llŷn Peninsula and Cardiff.
Al performs some of the nation's favourite Christmas songs, alongside familiar faces such as Kizzy Crawford, Côrdydd and Gwenan Gibbard in unique locations across Wales.
Al also shares what Christmas means to him. He says, "It was a real pleasure to tour around Wales, performing with friends and other musicians after such a bleak time for us all. Being able to sing in each other's company again, reminding each other of why Christmas time is so important was so rewarding.
"Hopefully the programme will make viewers smile as they sing along with me to all the old favourites from the comfort of their homes!".
This musical feast promises to be a fantastic way to celebrate the festive period and get the entire nation singing from their sofas. (An Avanti production)
Rownd a Rownd: 'Dolig Mr Lloyd
Boxing Day 26 December, 8.00
As part of Rownd a Rownd's 25th birthday celebrations there will be an additional, special episode where we'll see faces old and new come together to try and raise Mr Lloyd's spirits over the Christmas period.
In his despair and loneliness, Mr Lloyd is reminded by some of the series' most loved characters over the years, of the true meaning of community and that Christmas does not have to be a lonely time, especially when you have the company of friends and a sing song around the piano. (A Rondo Media Production).
A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everybody at S4C.
