Now that we’re in the thick of the holiday season, I’ve returned to one of my seasonal habits: binge-watching “The Great British Baking Show: Holiday Edition.” I stumbled onto this gem a few years ago while scrolling through Netflix. As an amateur baker (with a loaf of cranberry bread in the oven as I write this), the theme naturally appealed to me.

Each season follows a group of home bakers competing for the title of the UK’s Best Amateur Baker. Over ten episodes, they tackle three challenges each week; the Signature, the Technical, and the aptly named Showstopper, with the difficulty ramping up as the competition tightens.

But it’s so much more than a baking show. Much of the charm comes from the setting: a pristine white tent pitched in the English countryside, birds hopping around the hedges, and that distinctive instrumental theme that is both elegant and playful.

The tent itself feels like a character. Each workstation is stocked with every gadget a baker could dream of, ready for the next ambitious “pudding,” the British catch-all term for what we in the states call dessert.

So, what makes this series so enjoyable, and so consistently popular that it lives in Netflix’s Top Ten, even among people who have no interest in cooking? A lot of it comes down to the cast.

The judges, Paul Hollywood (yes, his real name) and Prue Leith, are a study in contrasts and compatibility. Paul, a seasoned pastry expert with his famously icy blue eyes, is sparing with praise and even stingier with his coveted handshake. Prue, with her bold glasses and good-humored presence, brings culinary credibility.

Then there are the hosts, led by actor/comedian Noel Fielding and a rotation of cohosts. They wander the tent offering gentle teasing, moral support, and the iconic cue: “Ready… set… bake!” Their humor balances the seriousness of the judges and keeps the show light on its feet.

But the real secret of the show’s appeal is its happy tone, which is pure respite from an unending news cycle and the stress of holiday obligations. You can tune in and out without losing the thread. I often watch while multi-tasking, zoning back in to watch the results of the final contest.

While the competition has some stakes – collapsing cakes, underbaked pastries, melting meringue, nothing is life-threatening. Contestants cheer for each other and the atmosphere is creative and fun. In the end, the winner is crowned “star baker,” but they all seem to go home happy.

I find myself tuning in frequently during the holidays, when I’m juggling decorating, cooking, and everything else the season brings. Even my husband, whose kitchen repertoire basically tops out at peanut butter toast, happily watches with me.

It’s soothing viewing and a welcome reminder that sometimes the simplest comforts – like a perfectly baked macaron – are the ones that make the season feel magical. For me, watching an episode (or three) is like stepping into a kinder, gentler world.

The same can be said of those holiday movies we watch year after year. The traditional favorites; Miracle on 34th street, It’s a wonderful Life. The animated classics; Frosty, Rudolf, the original Grinch. Or the silly, yet heartwarming spoofs; Elf, Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause. These shows bring nostalgia and a sense of comfort as we lose ourselves to familiar characters and storylines.

And there’s also the option of the Hallmark Channel which provides a steady dose of uplifting holiday romcoms. All are variations on a theme: City girl meets hunky Christmas tree farm owner/millionaire developer during a hometown Christmas visit. It’s feel-good viewing with endings that tie up in a perfect bow, like the presents under the tree.

Whether it’s binging baking shows on Netflix, watching “Elf” for the millionth time, or keeping the TV tuned to the Hallmark channel, a little holiday viewing can’t hurt. You might even learn to make a perfect Christmas “pudding” along the way…

Readers share their holiday viewing favorites:

Sarah Marshky: “The Bishop’s Wife – Cary Grant is wonderful as the angel. Christmas in Connecticut – it’s funny & Barbara Stanwyck is the perfect “big city girl”. The Family Stone – the characters are real, and it’s so heart warming.”

Leslie Barr: “White Christmas. I’ve seen it so many times, I can put it on while decorating and see the scene in my head while hearing it in the background.”

Paula Strong: “Love Actually. I love the relationships between the characters.”

Martha Kay Yeakel:  “A Christmas Carol” with Alistair Sim, “White Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Meet Me in St. Louie,” “Holiday Inn.” Why? No better character than Scrooge especially as played by Sim. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen, need I say more? “To my brother George, the richest man in town.” Gets me every time.”

Peter Bannon: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Nelena Niff: “My favorite is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, because it’s so nostalgic. I remember it being on TV when I was a kid. #2 is ELF. Set in modern times – it’s a cute, magical story.”

Dan sparks: “Miracle on 34th St, the original version.”

Peter Tomaras: “White Christmas. Big Crosby was THE crooner of the day. Rosemary Clooney gets a movie. The young Vera-Ellen is cast (yes, Danny Kaye, also). Michael Curtiz directs. Edith Head costumes, and Wally Westmore makeup. That is, the top people of the day.”

Toni Lemmon: “A Christmas Carol (original version). It has a lot of meaning. I think it’s fitting for everyone to watch and learn. I watch it every Christmas Eve.”

Tina Ashworth: “Miracle on 34th St (original version) because it shows how dreams can come true.”

Lisa Joley: “Christmas Vacation and Home Alone. We watch it every year!”

Bobbie Jo Kirby: “We usually watch a classic on Christmas Eve, like the Polar Express or Elf, but a movie I discovered two years ago that is worth a watch is Noelle. It’s a spinoff of Elf. Very cute, and magical.”