One of the coolest things about the holiday season happens to take place on that magical box we call a television. Yes, I'm talking about holiday TV specials.
We all have our favorites. From "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (both of which ran prior to the date of this article; bit early right?) to "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Santa Clause," these shows have shaped our holidays seasons for decades.
Let's take a look at some of the best and we'll tell you when they're on, too. Call it a Christmas miracle.
"A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS" 8 p.m. Dec. 8 Monday and Dec. 16, ABC, Ch. 9: Does it get any better than this classic tale of love, redemption and a boy and his dog? OK, maybe I'm dramatizing the special a bit but that doesn't mean the sentiments aren't real. This one might well be Fanboy's favorite Christmas special.
"OLIVE THE OTHER REINDEER" 8 p.m. Tuesday, My 65: This is a relatively new special about a dog who, after mishearing a radio broadcast about Santa canceling his Christmas trip due to because of an injured reindeer, to travels to the North Pole andto volunteer to be a replacement. The special features the voices of Drew Barrymore, Joe Pantoliano and Dan Castellaneta (Homer Simpson).
"LITTLE SPIRIT: CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK" 8 p.m. Dec. 10, NBC, Ch. 2: This one is a new, new classic. I'm talkin' brand new. Featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Lucy Liu and Freddy Rodriguez (Granted, not names usually associated with holiday cheer), this special involves a boy, a dog and a magical imp who helps the boy find his dog after being separated in the big city.
"HOME ALONE" 8 p.m. Dec. 10 My 65: "Kevin!" OK, guys, thisit doesn't come get much better than this 1990 masterpiece pushes all the holiday buttons. It's cute. It's funny. And it has a great holiday theme of family despite the whole forgot-about-you-for-a-long-time thing. "This is my house! I have to defend it!"
"FROSTY THE SNOWMAN" 8 p.m. Dec. 12, CBS, Ch. 6: "Happy Birthday!" This is just one of those shows that really gives you that Christmas feeling when you watch it. Originally airing in 1969, who could forget the wonderful narration by Jimmy "The Nose" Durante?
"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 24, NBC, Ch. 2: When it comes to holiday classics, this one is in a league of its own. Starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, this film about a man helped by an angel as his world falls down around him was considered a box office bust even though it was nominated for five Oscars. Not only is it now considered a holiday classic, it has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.
"THE SANTA CLAUSE 2" 8 p.m. Dec. 14 and 23, ABC, Ch. 9: While the first film starring Tim Allen playing double S.C.'s (Scott Calvin and Santa Claus is terrific, the second one is even better. The third one, not so much
"LETTERS TO SANTA: A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS" 8 p.m. Dec. 17, NBC, Ch. 2: Who doesn't love muppets? This year the Jim Henson creations are back with some new holiday cheer featuring guest stars like Whoopie Goldberg, Jane Krakowski, Nathan Lane, Jesse L. Martin, Tony Sirico and the mayor of New York, Michael Bloomburg. Will this one stick around? become a classic? We'll see.
"SHREK THE HALLS" 8 p.m. Dec. 22, ABC, Ch. 9: This half-hour special features Mike Myers' fun-loving ogre as he and the rest of the "Shrek" universe put their own spin on holiday traditions.
"A CHRISTMAS STORY" midnight Dec. 24 through midnight Dec. 25, TBS: TBS continues its tradition of airing 24 hours of "A Christmas Story" beginning at the stroke of Christmas Eve. I know in my house, this one runs from the minute we wake up until the last breath of Christmas is gone. Or until someone has shot their eye out.
If you haven't seen it, you have to check out "Shrek the Halls." It's one Christmas show that should join the 1960s cartoons in the regular Christmas rotation. And it's more difficult to find, but if you stumble across the Spongebob Christmas special, it really is pretty hysterical as well. And why is it that almost all of the Christmas shows are from the '60s? There have been movies since then, but all of the shows are really old. And "Frosty Returns" was terrrrrrible.