Now that we’ve gluttoned ourselves on the Thanksgiving feast and braved Black Friday (or Cyber Monday, if you hate the crowds), it’s time to focus on the upcoming holiday season. Without a doubt, one of the things that comes along with Christmas trees, twinkling lights, cookies and other obligatory holiday cheer are Christmas TV specials. No offense to those who celebrate other holidays, but the old tried-and-true Christmas TV specials round out the season and give viewers something to look forward to every year.

Here are TV Crunch’s top picks for favorite Christmas TV specials:

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” – Aw, Chuck. That Christmas tree is so pathetically cute. Come to think of it, you’re pathetically cute too! All in all, Linus sums up the meaning of Christmas and makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This one aired on November 27, so hopefully you caught it!

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…” And how. But the Grinch is redeemed when all the Whos in Whoville wake up joyous and singing, despite his despicable robberies of all their Christmas cheer. As a result, he understands the true meaning of Christmas and his heart grows three sizes. Special shout out to Max the dog, who takes a heap of crap from old Grinch. November 28 at 8:30 PM on ABC.

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” – If nothing else, you have to see this one for the Heat Miser… man, that guy’s hair is off the hook! See what happens when Santa Claus tries to take a sick day. December 3 at 8 PM on ABC Family.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and… yeah, we know. Rudolph. With the red nose. The ultimate misfit that saves Christmas. And that “twang” sound effect when Rudolph’s nose lights up? So cute and endearing. December 4 at 8 PM on CBS.

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” – Talk about classic: Fred Astaire narrates and Mickey Rooney is Kris Kringle/Santa Claus. This Christmas TV special lets everyone in on the secret of how Santa Claus and Christmas came to be, including his courtship and marriage to Mrs. Claus. December 5 at 8 PM on ABC.

“Frosty the Snowman” – How cool is a magical top hat that brings a snowman to life? Although there’s something slightly irritating about Frosty’s exclamation of “Happy Birthday!” when he comes to life, you can’t help but dig on that loveable snowman. December 7 at 8 PM on CBS.

Future favorite Christmas TV special? We just had to add the newest of the holiday specials, “Shrek the Halls” as a possible contender. While it’s too early to tell if this one will have the staying power of Rudolph or Frosty, it’s worth a mention.

“Shrek the Halls” – Shrek the ogre sheds his grumpy ways and discovers what Christmas is all about. The age-old tale of the true meaning of Christmas – ogre style. November 28 at 8 PM on ABC and December 11 at 8 PM on ABC.

And finally, one last parting image – while not a Christmas special, perhaps an honorable mention. The Yule Log, that roaring fire that never needs stoking. Curl up with that during the holiday season… who needs a fireplace?

What are some of your favorites? Did they make the list? Is there a favorite from past years that you wish you could see again?

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Related Posts:

• CBS Christmas Specials Announced
• A Colbert Christmas DVD Lands November 25
• Miley Cyrus prepares Christmas Special
• HBO to Run George Carlin Comedy Special Marathon
• Will “Shrek the Halls” Become a Holiday Classic?

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