What to Watch on Tv on Christmas 2009: A Television Viewing Guide

This year Christmas is on a Friday, generally one of the worst days of the week for tv viewing. But several holiday specials will give viewers plenty of television choices on Christmas.

As I am not an NBA basketball fan, you won't find any games among these television listings.

Here's what to watch on tv on Christmas 2009, in chronological order (Schedules subject to change.)

A Christmas Story, 12:00 am, TBS

TBS is starting things early with a 24-hour A Christmas Story marathon, beginning at midnight on Christmas morning. Watch Ralphie try to get his Red Ryder BB gun.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, 6:30 am, AMC

Christmas is a popular day for movie marathons on television these days. AMC is getting involved with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, which will air nonstop from 6:30 am through midnight. Chevy Chase stars in this 1989 classic about the Griswolds' holiday family adventures. Hilarity ensues.

MythBusters, 9:00 am, Discovery

Expect a lot of myths to be busted during this 15-hour MythBusters marathon. Make things interesting by keeping a running tally of Busted, Plausible, and Confirmed results as the day goes on.

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, 10:00 am, ABC

Ryan Seacrest is everywhere on television, and we just have to learn to live with it. Seacrest hosts the 26^th annual Christmas parade with Nick Cannon and Kelly Ripa. Among the scheduled performers are Celine Dion, the Jonas Brothers, Kris Allen, and Stevie Wonder.

Scooby Doo Christmas, 10:30 am, Cartoon Network

Watch Scooby and the gang deal with ghosts haunting a neighbor's Christmas tree. Spoiler alert: The ghost will probably get captured by those pesky kids. Stick with the Cartoon Network all day for other cartoon Christmas capers, including Looney Tunes and Casper.

Dogs 101, 11:00 am, Animal Planet

Christmas goes to the dogs on Animal Planet, with a Dogs 101 marathon from 11 am to 7 pm. Kitties don't get equal tv time, but you can catch two hours of Cats 101 from 9-11 am if you get up early enough.

Dirty Dancing, 12:00 pm, TV Guide Network

Starting at noon, the TV Guide Network is offering a 12-hour Dirty Dancing marathon, in honor of the recent passing of star Patrick Swayze. Tune in and watch Swayze and Jennifer Grey have the time of their lives. Like they've never felt that way before.

Extreme Waterparks, 2:00 pm, Travel Channel

Chances are many folks will be dealing with frigid winter weather on Christmas. Why not fantasize about summer fun via your television? This Travel Channel show highlights a spinning water ride and one that shoots riders straight up. More Extreme Rides shows follow.

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!, 3:00 pm, Comedy Central

Comedy Central's sarcastic political genius, Stephen Colbert, has his holiday interrupted by the world's number one terrorist threat (bears) in this special that originally aired last year. Colbert is joined by Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, and John Legend. Footnote: The CD version of this performance is nominated for Best Comedy Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

SportsCenter Special: Decade in Review, 4:30 pm, ESPN

This might be worth setting your DVR for. It's the entire decade of sports, recapped in 90 minutes. Expect lots of the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Yankees. And maybe a little Tiger Woods as well.

Jonas Brothers, 6:00 pm, E!

E! airs a one-hour profile of the music sensations, with interviews from those close to the brothers, and presumably lots of footage of screaming teenage fans.

Saturday Night Live Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas, 8:00 pm, NBC

It's another one of those SNL clip shows, with holiday-themed skits from over the years. One reason to watch: The hilarious Kristen Wiig hosts as the character Gilly.

L.A.Holiday Celebration 2009, 10:00 pm, PBS

This hour-long variety show features performances by drumming ensembles, hip hop dance troupes, church choirs, and a children's chorus.

What to watch on tv on Christmas 2009: Summary

This year offers more tv choices on Christmas than usual. Television viewing options for Christmas 2009 range from sports, classic films, science, and animals.

What to watch on television on Christmas 2009: Sources

www.tvguide.com