The Daily Times

We didn’t watch much TV when I was growing up. But around this time of year, our household gathered around the tube (Wow, there’s a phrase the youngsters won’t understand — I wonder what they’d call it now? The magic glowing wall of entertainment?) regularly to enjoy our favorite Christmas specials and holiday movies.

It’s still one of the best things about the season. TV schedules loosen up a little, and we get a break from some of the more insipid fare the networks dole out most of the year in lieu of some truly classic and heartwarming entertainment the whole family can enjoy together.

I took a look at the holiday TV schedule and picked out some highlights to help you load up your Tivo with all kinds of Christmas cheer.

“CMA Country Christmas” (tonight — Dec. 1— at 9, ABC): I’m not a huge country music fan, but there’s something to be said for “A Tender Tennessee Christmas.” You’ll get a heaping helping of country and cheer with tonight’s special hosted by Jennifer Nettles. Performances by Vince Gill and Amy Grant, along with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill and more highlight this evening of entertainment.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (9 p.m. Friday, ABC Family): I prefer the original cartoon, personally, but this rollicking big screen adaptation is pretty great too. Jim Carrey’s spirited take on the Grinch character is great fun for kids and parents alike. (The original cartoon version airs Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. on the Cartoon Network.)

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (8 p.m. Saturday, NBC): This is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is simply the most uplifting holiday story you’ll ever see. It plays Saturday and then reprises on Christmas Eve, also on NBC, at 9 p.m. (Also, make room in your calendar for Clarence Brown Theatre’s radio play production of the classic story playing this month as well. I’ll be reviewing that show in next week’s Weekend.)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (6 p.m. Monday, ABC): The perennial favorite, with Linus reminding us all what Christmas is really all about. This one is a can’t-miss family favorite.

“A Michael Buble Christmas” (8 p.m. Tuesday, NBC): The Canadian crooner is joined by the likes of Justin Beiber, Kellie Pickler and Tracy Morgan for a holiday smorgasbord of songs.

“Frosty the Snowman,” “Frosty Returns” and “Yes, Virginia” (Beginning at 8 p.m. Dec. 9, CBS): CBS hits the trifecta next Friday night, with a trio of favorite Christmas stories. I remember these shows fondly from my own childhood, and I know families will enjoy them this year as much as I did way back when.

“A Christmas Story” (All day on Christmas Eve, TBS): I’m not sure when this tradition started, but it seems like TBS has been doing this for a few years now. This classic tale will run all day long on Christmas eve, so, no matter when you tune in, there’s a more than good chance you’ll hear someone shouting “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

Disney Christmas Parade (noon on Christmas Day): If you’ve cleared wrapping paper path to the TV by noon on Christmas Day, you and the kiddos can take in all the fun of Disney’s Christmas Parade. Expect all your favorite characters and a surprise or two in this marching extravaganza.

Timothy Hankins can be reached at (weekendcolumn@hnkns.com)

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