Christmas TV Specials

Now that we're officially in December, I feel it's necessary to begin the traditional holiday television viewing festivities. Each week, I'll post what Christmas favorites will be on when, so you don't miss a second of reliving your childhood. Here's what's on this week.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine today who was distraught at being so distracted this time of year that she never remembers to check when her favorite Christmas shows are on tv. Her sad story made my mission clear! To inform you all of when the classics and the new wannabe classics will be on this month so you remember to catch them all whether by watching each magical minute live in front of the tube, or at least remembering to record them for a weekend marathon of all things Christmas.

Each week, I'll post what you can expect to find on TV so you will have NO EXCUSES (NONE) whatsoever for not watching the specials we all grew up with.

**Note: the listings will not include regular tv show Christmas episodes; since they are on every week (and not just during Christmas), you already know where and when to catch those.**

This week:

"The Santa Clause" (1994) - Thursday, December 1st 7pm on ABC Family. Tim "the Tool-Man" Taylor takes off his toolbet and swaps it for a Santa suit in this Christmas favorite. Scott Calvin abandons the harsh corporate lifestyle to start a new family business (and series of Christmas movie classics to boot) as the newest Santa Claus in town when he can't escape a legally binding clause in the Santa contract.

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" (1970) - Thursday, December 1st 8pm on ABC. In case your kids don't believe you when you tell them that Santa was once a red-head, or if they ever ask how reindeers can fly, sit down with them tonight and watch as Fred Astaire answers all their questions.

"Santa Buddies" (2009) - Thursday, December 1st 8:30pm on the Disney Channel. Talking labrador retriever puppies are really all you need to "Awe" on Christmas, but to put a holiday spin on it, the hounds head to the North Pole to come to the aid of Santa and restore one fellow pup to the "nice" side of the list.

"Jinge All The Way" (2011) - Friday, December 2nd 7:30pm on the Hallmark Channel. It's a new clay-mation favorite of mine that follows the story of the most adorably beloved husky puppy named Jingle. Jingle's Christmas adventure sees him trying to find his way into the arms of the little boy who just wants to make Jingle his own puppy for Christmas. You will cry when you see this. Even the guys.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000) - Friday, December 2nd 8pm on ABC Family.  The live-action version of the classic Dr. Seuss tale of a Scroogey green grump that tries to ruin Christmas for all the other Whos down in Whoville.

"Hercules Saves Christmas" (2011) - Saturday, December 3rd 6pm on Animal Planet.  More talking dogs saving Christmas!  This time, though, the pup is employed by the big man in red to show one orphan boy the Christmas he never got to have.

"A Princess for Christmas" (2011) - Saturday, December 3rd 8pm on the Hallmark Channel.  Two children and their aunt spend Christmas with their grandfather, The Duke (a real one).  Social classes and a bit of romance collide in this holiday movie.

"Nothing Like the Holidays" (2008) - Saturday, December 3rd 8pm on Lifetime.  John Leguizamo's stars with others in this story of siblings reuniting for Christmas despite the ordeal of going through their parents' bitter divorce.

"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) - Saturday, December 3rd 8pm on NBC. This is one of those classics I was referring to earlier, but you already knew that. If you can't wait until Christmas Eve this year to watch George Bailey's happy ending, then set your DVR/TiVo to record it this weekend. Every time you watch this movie, an angel gets his wings (and your Christmas wish is granted).