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The spirit of the holidays is an elastic concept when it comes to commerce and TV programming. Endlessly varied gift possibilities are equaled by what's on the small screen, with Pentatonix and Mormon Tabernacle Choir concerts both making the cut.
There's also the old — "It's a Wonderful Life," again! — and the new, including Amazon's now-streaming animated specials "If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie" and "The Snowy Day," based on the children's books.
For an ongoing blast from the past, catch holiday-themed episodes of shows ranging from "Lassie" to "Quantum Leap" to "Frasier" on the Cozi TV channel from Monday to Christmas.
Here's some other fare still coming up that may fit with your traditions or provide a fresh twist. Check local listings for times.
Animation
• "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas," Wednesday, Dec. 21, NBC. In this stop-motion animated special based on the movie and stage show, Buddy (Jim Parsons) travels to meet the dad he never knew. Ed Asner narrates.
Movies
• "A Christmas Story," 24-hour marathon starting Saturday, Dec. 24, TBS and TNT. All 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle. Watch, smile, repeat.
Tunes
• "A Pentatonix Christmas Special," Wednesday, NBC. The Grammy-winning a cappella group performs favorite holiday songs, with guests Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
• "Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis," Monday, Dec. 19, PBS. Broadway star Osnes and British actor Jarvis team with the choir and orchestra in this concert taped last December.
Stocking stuffers
• "Rock the Troops," Tuesday, Spike. Dwayne Johnson salutes the U.S. military with a celebrity-filled special featuring Nick Jonas, Flo Rida, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and others.
• "Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes," Friday, PBS. Chef Lidia Bastianich meets veterans and cooks a holiday dinner at the Naval Station Norfolk for the crew of the USS George Washington.
• "A Home for the Holidays," Friday, Dec. 23, CBS. Adoption and foster care are the focus of this special that includes inspirational stories and celebrity guests. The spirit of the holidays is an elastic concept when it comes to commerce and TV programming.
Endlessly varied gift possibilities are equaled by what's on the small screen, with Pentatonix and Mormon Tabernacle Choir concerts both making the cut.
There's also the old — "It's a Wonderful Life," again! — and the new, including Amazon's now-streaming animated specials "If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie" and "The Snowy Day," based on the children's books.
For an ongoing blast from the past, catch holiday-themed episodes of shows ranging from "Lassie" to "Quantum Leap" to "Frasier" on the Cozi TV channel Dec. 12-25.
Here's some other fare still coming up that may fit with your traditions or provide a fresh twist. Check local listings for times.
Animation
• "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas," Wednesday, Dec. 21, NBC. In this stop-motion animated special based on the movie and stage show, Buddy (Jim Parsons) travels to meet the dad he never knew. Ed Asner narrates.
Movies
• "A Christmas Story," 24-hour marathon starting Saturday, Dec. 24, TBS and TNT. All 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle. Watch, smile, repeat.
Tunes
• "A Pentatonix Christmas Special," Wednesday, Dec. 14, NBC. The Grammy-winning a cappella group performs favorite holiday songs, with guests Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
• "Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Laura Osnes and Martin Jarvis," Monday, Dec. 19, PBS. Broadway star Osnes and British actor Jarvis team with the choir and orchestra in this concert taped last December.
Stocking stuffers
• "Rock the Troops," Tuesday, Dec. 13, Spike. Dwayne Johnson salutes the U.S. military with a celebrity-filled special featuring Nick Jonas, Flo Rida, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and others.
• "Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday for Heroes," Friday, Dec. 16, PBS. Chef Lidia Bastianich meets veterans and cooks a holiday dinner at the Naval Station Norfolk for the crew of the USS George Washington.
• "A Home for the Holidays," Friday, Dec. 23, CBS. Adoption and foster care are the focus of this special that includes inspirational stories and celebrity guests.