Doctor Who skips Christmas Day special in favor of New Year's Day special!

For the first time since 2005, there will be no Doctor Who Christmas Day special. Instead, this year, fans will be treated to a New Year's Day special. As noted by Charlotte Moore, Director of Content:

“We’re delighted the Doctor and her companions will be welcoming BBC One audiences into 2019 with this exciting new episode. The Doctor's fans are in for a special treat on the first day of the new year.”

Showrunner Chris Chibnall also noted:

“We’re thrilled to be starting the New Year with a bang on BBC One, as Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor and friends face a terrifying alien threat in an action packed, hour long special adventure for all the family.”

What will the episode be about? Well, BBC provided the synopsis.

As the New Year begins, a terrifying evil is stirring from across the centuries of Earth’s history. As the Doctor, Ryan, Graham and Yaz return home, will they be able to overcome the threat to planet Earth?

I'm all for changing things up, but there was a certain joy found in knowing there was a Doctor Who special on Christmas day since 2005. I know I'll miss it this year. The festive special is written by Chris Chibnall and directed by Wayne Yip.