The Christmas trees are up, the shopping centres are bustling, the festive tunes are playing, and Christmas Podding is back.

Brisbane radio hosts Liam Renton and Vanessa Gibson are celebrating the 5th year of their Christmas-themed podcast, and they’re taking December by the horn, or should that be reindeer antlers?

The podcasters say December is their time to shine, connecting on a personal level with listeners from right around the world who also love Christmas, through daily episodes and social media interaction.

These festive besties have been unpacking the big Christmas topics for more than 120 episodes, and this season’s awkward, quirky and at times touch topics include:

• Why being alone on Christmas Day is the best way to spend the day
• What to do with family members who hijack Christmas Day celebrations
• Why kids should NOT be invited to Christmas parties.

Renton, who recently filled in on the drive program on Mix FM Sunshine Coast, says it’s a shame that capital city stations wrap up their shows at the end of November, just when families are getting into their favourite season.

He says, “Podcasts like Christmas Podding are filling the void, where people will search out the Christmas content that relates to them and their tastes.

“Our podcast is a perfect example of people wanting to share Christmas with friends, and that’s where we come in – every day in December.” 

Gibson says while a podcast that talks just about Christmas can sound cheesy, they love to push the boundaries in ways traditional radio won’t allow.

“There’s no set rules for the content we create, and that’s refreshing and exciting,” she says.

“We love what we do and the feedback and interaction from listeners reinforces that other people do too.”