Ruth Langsford 'addicted to the orgy of ripping paper off presents' says Eamonn Holmes

If you’re going to a lot of trouble at Christmas, you should enjoy it.

Our tree is always up by the second weekend of December. And we have a Christmas dinner dress rehearsal, where my domestic goddess wife Ruth makes a roast with all the trimmings.

I have a conscience with Christmas, especially since meeting Ruth.

I remember one year when we first started going out, we passed presents back and forth. I gave her five, and she gave me 44.

She is addicted to Christmas, but the orgy of ripping paper off presents really saddens me. It’s not good for the planet.

Ruth once threw a plate of food at me because I gave her money instead of presents. I’ve learnt my lesson.

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a carol concert.

It’s very important to go to a gathering like that. Christmas truly is for children and it’s a great joy when you have them in your life.

It’s a magical time and you can’t forget that.

Loneliness is a terrible curse.

My mother is 91, very frail but sharp as a tack. Everybody she grew up with – her siblings and relations – they’ve all gone.

It’s so important to socialise. Don’t mistake your oldest friends for your best friends.

There is always an opportunity to make and meet more. It’s all about community spirit at Christmas time.

I always think of a New Year’s Resolution.

I want to learn something new or keep up to date with the latest technology.

Even if there’s just one thing that you can improve on or tweak in your life, it’s well worth doing. Nobody is perfect, and what’s life without a challenge?

I turned 60 this year, but I didn’t want to think about it too much.

I like to celebrate a significant birthday throughout the year and that’s my advice to anyone: make it your year, not just your day.

The biggest love in my life is Manchester United, closely followed by Maggie the dog .

Ruth would say the same. Man United is my great escape. It reminds me of being a child and I spend every weekend living football.

I was a barman from the age of 14, and by 21 I was hosting the TV teatime news programme.

I carried on working at the bar because I didn’t think it would last, but here I am. It’s hard to get into TV, but it’s harder to stay there.

Your best audience is in a pub. There are people with no inhibitions who will tell you what they think.

I honed my interview skills behind the bar and transformed from a shy teenager to a confident man who could talk to anyone.

People need people. I love talking to people, sitting down, conversing and finding out the real you.

I’m usually proud of other people, like my kids and my wife, but I am proud of myself for receiving an OBE from the Queen .

I was recognised for my services to broadcasting. No one else says it so I’ll say it to myself, well done Eamonn.

I like to go on a ride in life.

It’s a sad day when you think you’ve met everyone and seen everything. I try everything because we all live and learn.

The Secret Behind My Snapshot

I remember lots of really lovely things about Christmas as a child.

Those were the days of coal-burning fires when you’d put your wish list up the chimney. I had a lovely mother and father who didn’t have much, but you’d never know.

Christmas was amazing for us, always. We’d see all our names on the sofa – Brian, Leonard, Eamonn, Conor and Colm – and play with our new toys from Action Man to helicopters.

Santa had put the batteries in and set up the remote controls. The season is a great joy when you have children in your life.

Traditions have changed a lot now. My eldest boy is married and my other kids have their own homes. We’re lucky to have Jack, who has the Christmas gene, and our new baby is our dog Maggie.

I never thought I’d be that person who buys the dog a present at Christmas, but here I am. I haven’t had a gift from her yet…

Eamonn took part in Heineken’s Brewing Good Cheer campaign, which invites pubs across the country to join up with local charities, host free lunches and get-togethers and help beat loneliness over Christmas