Josh’s holiday TV viewing guide

Every year the Christmas season rolls around, and every year I have no idea where or when all my favorite holiday specials are airing. So in the seasonal spirit of giving, I thought I would help us all out and provide a handy Holiday TV Viewing Guide to assist you in navigating through all the classic Christmas movies, cartoons and live specials.

Too make it easier, I’ve broken the guide down by week and have put an asterisk (*) by the brand-new offerings (there are some programs that air more than once so I’ve listed each airing in case you miss the first one). Also, I’ve tried to maintain a certain standard of quality, so if you want to waste your time trying to find Jingle All the Way or Christmas with the Kranks, you’re on your own.

For me personally, my Can’t Miss Favorites include National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and It’s a Wonderful Life. My ABSOLUTE Can’t Miss Favorites are the first and second Home Alone films, Twas the Night Before Christmas, and the crown jewel, A Christmas Story (I will literally watch it all the way through multiple times during TBS’ 24-hour marathon on Christmas Day.

What are your favorites? If you can’t find one of your classics on the list, just let me know and I will track it down for you . . . .. just not Jingle All the Way or Christmas with the Kranks.

Happy viewing!

DEC. 1-5

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Nightly Dec. 1-4, AMC

*Disney’s Prep & Landing: Tuesday, Dec. 1, ABC

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Wednesday Dec. 2, CBS

Christmas in Rockefeller Center: Wednesday, Dec. 2, NBC

The Polar Express: Thursday, Dec. 3, ABC Family

Home Alone: Friday, Dec. 4, FX

White Christmas: Saturday, Dec. 5, AMC

DEC. 6-12

Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special: Monday, Dec. 7, FOX

Twas the Night Before Christmas: Monday Dec. 7, ABC Family

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town: Monday Dec. 7, ABC

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 8, ABC

Mickey’s Christmas Carol: Tuesday Dec. 8, ABC Family

The Year Without a Santa Claus: Tuesday Dec. 8, ABC Family

Miser Brothers’ Christmas: Tuesday Dec. 8, ABC Family

Shrek the Halls: Wednesday Dec. 9, ABC

*Yes, Virginia: Friday Dec. 11, CBS

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa: Friday Dec. 11, NBC

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Saturday Dec. 12, CBS

It’s a Wonderful Life: Saturday Dec. 12, NBC

The Christmas Shoes: Saturday Dec. 12, Lifetime Movie Network

DEC. 13-19

Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas: Monday, Dec. 14, ABC

Home Alone 2: Tuesday, Dec. 15, ABC Family

Saturday Night Live Christmas 2009: Thursday, Dec. 17, NBC

Frosty the Snowman: Friday Dec. 18, CBS

Frosty Returns: Friday Dec. 18, CBS

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa: Saturday, Dec. 19, NBC

DEC. 20-25

Christmas in Washington: Sunday, Dec. 20, TNT

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Wednesday Dec. 23, ABC

A Home for the Holidays with Faith Hill: Wednesday Dec. 23, CBS

Miracle on 34th Street: Wednesday Dec. 23, ABC Family

It’s a Wonderful Life: Thursday Dec. 24, NBC

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Thursday Dec. 24, ABC

A Christmas Story: 24-hour marathon starts Thursday Dec. 24, TBS