One of the stranger quirks of the holidays on television is the way networks and channels program. Movie marathons have become very common, especially TBS's tradition of 24-hours of A Christmas Story. Now, another network is following in TBS's tradition by scheduling a movie marathon of its own. The TV Guide Network will present a 12-hour marathon of Dirty Dancing. That's right, the Patrick Swayze-Jennifer Grey drama musical.

Look at this beautiful image from the movie. That's Johnny and Baby in the lake, practicing jumps for their big dance number. Doesn't it just scream "CHRISTMAS" to you?

Don't misunderstand me. I love Dirty Dancing. I was a fan long before it reached cult classic status. As a kid, I spent my summers in Monticello, New York, in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, so watching what happens at Kellerman's in 1963 is very nostalgic for me. Then there's also the terrific dancing and the music. I really, really enjoy Dirty Dancing.

It's just not what I would select for a Christmas Day marathon. TV Guide Network clearly is going for counter-programming him, choosing a summery film instead of a holly and Santa Claus confection. We'll see how well they do.

The 12-hour DD marathon commences Friday, December 25 at 12 p.m. (noon) and continues till midnight. By then, you should be able to do every lift and twirl just like the stars.