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Year after year, television becomes Christmas-y and Holiday spirited, like for instance ABC Family´s 25 Days of Christmas, or on ourfull and updatable Christmas and Holidays Programming Guide. And now, ABC announced its Holidays and Christmas themed Episodes and Specials.
ABC CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MOVIES, SPECIALS AND FOUR ALL-NEW EPISODES OF “EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION,” BEGNINNING MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Highlights Include “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Hallmark Hall of Fame’s “Christmas with Holly,” “CMA Country Christmas” on December 20, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” on December 31 and Many Others
The ABC Television Network is celebrating the holiday season with movies, specials and four all-new special episodes of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” beginning on Monday, November 26. Programming and airdates are as follows:
“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26 (9:01-10:00 & 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET):
“WATSON FAMILY” – Guest host Jenny McCarthy visits the Watson Family of Knoxville, TN in a special Thanksgiving-themed show. The Watson family has adopted children and runs a home for single mothers in need called Restoration House. The episode features a visit to the “Wipeout” set and an appearance by UFC Champion fighter Jon “Bones” Jones.
“A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS”
“PREP & LANDING: OPERATION SECRET SANTA”
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/8/08):
ABC will celebrate the joy of the holidays with the classic animated Christmas-themed PEANUTS special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. In the digitally-remastered 1965 special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas season. Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant, and Charlie Brown accepts, but it proves to be a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, Charlie Brown needs Linus’ help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas is. The hour will also include “Prep & Landing: Operation Secret Santa,” a seven-minute animated short featuring the voice of Betty White as Mrs. Claus.
“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):
“ZDROJ FAMILY” – In a special Christmas-themed episode, host Ty Pennington visits the Zdroj Family of Smithville, TX. Mizzy Zdroj is a female firefighter volunteer whose own home was destroyed by the largest wildfire in Texas history. The episode features an appearance by BMX biker Matt Hoffman, Chef Art Smith and some special guests from “Star Wars.”
“THE BORROWERS”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET):
“The Borrowers” is a modern adaptation of Mary Norton’s classic children’s books that brings the world of the tiny Borrowers who live under our floorboards into the 21st century.
“DISNEY PREP & LANDING”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET; OAD 12/8/09):
Walt Disney Animation Studios brings you a half-hour holiday special tale of an elite unit of Elves known as Prep & Landing. After working tirelessly on Prep & Landing for 227 years, an elf named Wayne is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion to be the Director of Naughty List Intelligence. Instead, Magee, the North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator (NPCECCC for short), partners Wayne with Lanny, an idealistic rookie who has an undying enthusiasm for Christmas. During their Christmas Eve mission, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits. Will the elves be able to guide Dasher, Dancer and the rest of the reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh through a raging snowstorm to ensure a Merry Christmas for all?
“PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/5/11):
The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission, a bombastic member of the Coal Elf Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel.
HALLMARK HALL OF FAME: “CHRISTMAS WITH HOLLY”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET):
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas’ novel, Christmas with Holly (previously published as Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor), is now Hallmark Hall of Fame’s newest holiday movie, starring Sean Faris and Eloise Mumford. Faris plays Mark Nagle, the uncle and guardian of six?year?old Holly, played by Lucy and Josie Gallina, whose single mother (Mark’s sister) passed away unexpectedly. Mark owns the coffee shop and roasterie in Friday Harbor, Washington State. Maggie Conway – played by Mumford – comes to Friday Harbor as a refugee of sorts from Seattle. Maggie was abandoned at the altar by her husband?to?be; it’s a perfect time for her to achieve her long?held dream of opening a magical toy store in the town where she spent her summers as a girl. Mark has help in raising Holly from his two older brothers. All three uncles have their hearts in the right place, but they’re charmingly inept in their new roles – and they’re not helped by the fact that Holly hasn’t uttered a word since losing her mother. That’s where Maggie comes in: Despite the approach of the busy Christmas retail season, she gives Holly extra attention every time the young girl comes into the welcoming shop. Maggie assumes Mark is “spoken for” during the whole getting?to?know?you dance, because Mark is in a relationship with Shelby, played by Alex Paxton?Beesley. But that relationship is floundering, and Mark and Maggie keep bumping into each other, which is not surprising given the cozy size of the village of Friday Harbor.
“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):
“FRIDAY FAMILY” – Host Ty Pennington brings a special holiday surprise to the Friday family of Lincolnton, NC. The Fridays have been foster parents to more than 30 children, including adopting a family of five siblings. The episode features an appearance by racecar driver Michael Waltrip, the NBA Charlotte Bobcats’ female dance troupe, and even The Grinch shows up to help with the build.
“SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/2/05):
The classic animated one-hour holiday special that has delighted generations created in 1970 by Rankin-Bass Productions (“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman”), Fred Astaire narrates this timeless tale of Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney), a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others. In his home village of Sombertown, Kris has started a gift factory where he builds toys and gives them to all the local children. But when the evil ruler, Burgermeister
Meisterburger (Paul Frees), bans toys from the land, Kris is forced to go directly to Mother Nature and ask her for assistance. With the help of magical elves and several special reindeer, Kris overcomes the Burgermeister and delivers toys to children all over the world, earning him the name Santa Claus.
“WIPEOUT: DECK THE BALLS!”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/8/11):
On this very merry special episode of Winter “Wipeout,” contestants will show their holiday spirit as they battle the Nutcracker Sweet, Santa’s Workshop and The Jingle Balls! It’ll be a Pain in the Ice for “Captain Christmas,” “The Human Kazoo” and a festive “Penguin” as they all compete for the ultimate Christmas Bonus.
“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET):
“HARRIS FAMILY” – Host Ty Pennington and the team of designers visit the Harris family of Smithville, TX for a Christmas-themed wounded veteran episode. While on patrol in Iraq, Shilo Harris was wounded by a massive IED blast. Shilo now fights for other wounded warriors to find jobs and emotional support upon their return to civilian life. The episode features appearances by J.R. Martinez (“Dancing with the Stars,” “All My Children”) and Country Music superstar Lee Greenwood, who performs “God Bless the U.S.A.”
“DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” (TV SPECIAL)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET; OAD 12/1/08):
Based on the classic children’s book by the legendary Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the 1966 animated holiday story loved by all, tall and small, takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch, a hateful creature with a heart three sizes too small, who despises Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos. Will a greedy Mayor Augustus Maywho or the seductive Martha May Whovier ruin his plans? Or will the loving little Cindy Lou Who be able to teach The Grinch the true meaning of Christmas? The voice cast includes Boris Karloff as The Grinch/Narrator and June Foray as Cindy Lou Who.
“SHREK THE HALLS”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 11/28/07):
DreamWorks Animation presents “Shrek the Halls,” a half-hour of entertainment starring America’s favorite ogre and his friends and featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas. Just when Shrek thought he could finally sit back, relax and enjoy his happily ever after with his new family, the most joyous of all holidays arrives. It’s Christmas Eve and everyone is filled with holiday cheer — except for Shrek. He isn’t exactly the picture of yuletide joy, but for the sake of Fiona and the kids, he tries to get into the spirit of things as only an ogre can. Unfortunately, everyone seems to have their own ideas about what Christmas is all about, so when Donkey, Puss In Boots, Gingerbread Man and the whole gang try to join in on the fun, Shrek’s plans for a cozy family celebration end up spiraling into one truly unforgettable Christmas.
“A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS”
“PREP & LANDING: OPERATION SECRET SANTA”
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) (See November 28)
“CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS” SPECIAL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET):
Country’s biggest stars are joining together to celebrate the holidays! For the third year, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles will host the “CMA Country Christmas” special. Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, The Band Perry and Keith Urban will be on hand to perform and share their favorite tales of the season. Also appearing on the special will be pop singer Colbie Caillat, classical singer Katherine Jenkins and soul singer John Legend.
“I WANT A DOG FOR CHRISTMAS CHARLIE BROWN!”
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/15/08):
“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!” centers on ReRun, the lovable but ever-skeptical younger brother of Linus and Lucy. It’s Christmas vacation and, as usual, ReRun’s big sister is stressing him out, so he decides to turn to his best friend, Snoopy, for amusement and holiday cheer. However his faithful but unpredictable beagle companion has plans of his own, giving ReRun reason to ask Snoopy to invite his canine brother Spike for a visit. When Spike shows up, it looks like ReRun will have a dog for Christmas after all… but then the real trouble begins.
“PREP & LANDING: NAUGHTY VS. NICE”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) (See December 9)
“A CHIPMUNK CHRISTMAS”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/19/11):
It’s coming up on Christmastime and the Chipmunks are eager for the big day to arrive. Swept up in a holiday mood, Alvin gives away his cherished harmonica to a sick little boy. Meanwhile, Dave has booked Alvin to perform a harmonica solo at Carnegie Hall!
“CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS”
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) (See December 20)
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 (7:00-11:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/28/08):
The original classic starring Julie Andrews brings its special magic to the holiday season. In “The Sound of Music,” Maria, while waiting to take her vows, is sent to the home of the widowed and retired navy Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer, “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Insider”) to care for his seven rambunctious children. Maria discovers the children, who have previously run off several governesses, are most in need of a little love. When she teaches them to sing, she wins the love of the children and the captain. The film is based on the real-life story of the von Trapp family. Maria’s book, “The Story of the Trapp Family Singers,” first became a German movie and later a successful Broadway musical before its Oscar-winning release in 1965. In 1938 the von Trapps escaped their native Austria and Nazi occupation to avoid Captain von Trapp’s being forced to serve in the German navy.
“DISNEY PREP & LANDING”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) (See December 9)
“SHREK THE HALLS”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET) (See December 18)
“DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” (TV SPECIAL)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) (See December 18)
“DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS” (THEATRICAL)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (8:30-11:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/5/08):
Based on the classic children’s book by the legendary Dr. Seuss, the live action “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” takes viewers inside a snowflake to Whoville, the magical land of the Whos. But high above this holiday-loving town resides the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a nasty creature with a heart three sizes too small, who hates Christmas and plots to steal it from the Whos. Will a greedy Mayor Augustus Maywho (Jeffrey Tambor) or the seductive Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski) foil his plans? Or will it be the loving little Cindy Lous Who (Taylor Momsen) who will teach him the true meaning of Christmas?
“HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARLIE BROWN”
THURDSAY, DECEMBER 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET; OAD 12/30/08):
ABC and the PEANUTS gang will ring in the new year with the animated PEANUTS special, “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, along with “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown. In “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” the PEANUTS gang is ringing in 1986 and Marcie and Peppermint Patty are throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash. Charlie Brown plans to celebrate the holiday by curling up with a big book that weighs nearly as much as he does: Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The book’s weight doesn’t stop him from lugging it to Lucy’s pre-party dance class, where he cuts a mean rug with a rollicking Patty. With just 1131 pages to go, Charlie Brown takes another break, this time for the party, and summons the courage to invite his true love, the little red-haired girl. She doesn’t respond, but hapless Chuck shows up anyway – with Tolstoy in tow. Then he settles down with the book – on a porch swing in a snowstorm, and in so doing, misses the evening’s big surprise. In “She’s a Good Skate, Charlie Brown,” disaster strikes as Peppermint Patty heads to her first major ice skating competition with coach Snoopy and faithful companion Marcie by her side. As always, the unassuming Woodstock flies in to save the day.
“NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE CELEBRATES DICK CLARK”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET):
Jenny McCarthy hosts a two-hour tribute to the legendary television personality who rang in the New Year for 40 years, with a special appearance by Ryan Seacrest. The special features clips highlighting Dick Clark’s amazing career and the countless artists he launched to fame.
“DICK CLARK’S PRIMETIME NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET):
Ryan Seacrest spotlights some of the year’s hottest artists, groups and songs. Fergie hosts the Los Angeles party, and Jenny McCarthy is live with all the festivities in Times Square.
“DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE WITH RYAN SEACREST 2013, Parts 1 & 2”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 (11:30 p.m. – 1:08a.m., ET; January 1 – 1:08-2:12 a.m., ET):
Ryan Seacrest counts down to midnight live from Times Square and then the party continues with some of the year’s hottest acts from Los Angeles and New York.
Will you watch ABC themed Holidays and Christmas programming? Follow me on Twitter for more Christmas TV themed scoop.