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You should be. I can’t imagine any kid under eight not being scared by the grumpy Santa (John Goodman) and the crazy elves.  I couldn’t figure out if Chris Kattan, who plays Sparky the ambitious elf, was mean or just insane. Though he is the funniest thing in the whole movie. Delta Burke a.k.a. Mrs. Santa is the only one with heart. The second half of the film worked better than first, but if you have kids, cover their eyes until Jingle (Ethan Suplee) and Jangle (Eddie Griffin) leave the North Pole and get past the Heat and Cold Misers. “The Year Without A Santa Claus” airs Monday, Dec. 11.

You won’t want to miss at least one of the airings of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” I mean it just isn’t Christmas until George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) discovers he really does matter in the world. Trivia note: This wasn’t ever supposed to be a Christmas movie. They had planned for it to premiere in February or March, but had to move it up when another film wasn’t ready in time. The film airs on NBC on Dec. 16th and 24th.

I’m thinking if you are an “Office” fan, you won’t want to miss the December 21 episode “A Benihana Christmas” on NBC. The one-hour special was directed by Harold Ramis and is about the party planning committee competing to see who can throw the best party. Michael (Steve Carell) sends out an inappropriate photoshopped Christmas card and gets his heart broken. It’s all laughs all the time. (Smile)

It’s a little sappy, but I really liked Rob Lowe’s “The Perfect Day.” It’s about a man who writes a book, becomes famous and forgets what’s most important in life. Christopher Lloyd, Frances Conroy and Paget Brewster also star. It’s heartwarming and genuine and seems to find the right balance throughout. It premieres Monday, Dec. 18, on TNT.

One show that always makes me cry is the “The 8th Annual A Home For the Holidays.” It’s full of moving stories about kids who have been adopted and who need to be adopted. There are several performers including John Legend, Five For Fighting and Katharine McPhee.

Call me crazy. But I didn’t mind Jenny McCarthy’s “Santa Baby” on ABC Family. It aired on Sunday, but they will show it again throughout the next few weeks.  I did think some parts weren’t appropriate for kids, like her assistant making out with the IT guy in the presents, but overall it was cute.

Oh, and don’t forget Oded. Okay, Oded Fehr’s show “Sleeper Cell” is back on Showtime and it has nothing to do with Christmas, but even as a super bad dude, this guy is hot. The show rocks and if you like “24” it has that kind of intensity. I forget to breathe while I’m watching.

Okay, so I’m gone until the New Year, but when I come back I’m going to tell you all about the new shows for mid-season including “The Dresden Files.” I love Jim Butcher’s books, but does the television show measure up? And I’ll give you the low down on “The Knights of Prosperity” and everything else on the way.

Happy Holidays!