'Tis the season for Christmas specials and holiday-themed TV shows that put their spin on Christmas cheer.
Since the days of Bing Crosby, Christmas specials have been a television staple. Whether it's an established program deviating from the narrative to spread some seasonal cheer or a variety show hosted by the pop star du jour, if you turned on the TV and saw tinsel, peppermint print and elf hats, you knew Santa, Rudolph and your problematic Aunt Cathy were already making their way to your house.
It's a tradition that perseveres even in the streaming era. Over the last few years, the likes of Netflix have commissioned holiday-themed specials from big names like Kacey Musgraves, Mariah Carey and Sabrina Carpenter, having them sing, joke and sip eggnog with a long list of special guests. Most of them melt from memory as soon as the season ends. Others are entertaining enough to become holiday perennials. Here are 16 of the best.
