This week we tried something a little different and invited our listeners to ‘ask us anything’. Absolutely anything at all. The topics ranged from our usual territory of mental health and the NHS through to the psychological impact of Santa and the, slightly sinister sounding, ‘Elf on the Shelf’. 

Here are some links to things we discussed in the show and to further reading.

This paper, mentioned by Rachel, describes the results of a study which interviewed parents and children who no longer believed in Santa. So brace yourself for an ‘Encounter with reality‘.

Rachel also mentioned this study looking at factors associated with satisfaction and stress over the Christmas holiday period. Find out ‘What Makes for a Merry Christmas?‘

John’s article ‘In Praise of Alfie’ (about the importance of imaginative play and the fiction of Shirley Hughes) can be found on this blog here.

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Please note The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any of the contributors employing organisations.

Producer: John McGowan

Assistant Producer: Saul McGowan

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