'A Christmas Story' Marathon (8PM, TBS)
Yes, yes, Flick is still going to get his tongue stuck to the flagpole, Mr. Parker is still gonna get way too excited about the leg lamp and Ralphie's still gonna wish for that "official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time." And, 'fess up, you're still going to catch at least one of two of the 12-consecutive airings TBS unspools in this 24-hour marathon of the holiday movie classic, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. Bonus fun: Check out the animated re-enacted of the movie - as performed by bunnies - at AngryAlien.com (http://www.angryalien.com/aa/xmas_storybuns.asp).

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Sunday, December 20, 8 pm, CBC

The moving story of one man who overcomes his disappointing Christmas bonus and finds the true meaning of Christmas - namely exploding septic tanks, flying rodents, extremely dry turkey and the talents of the young Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Who among us hasn't also experienced these bittersweet holiday delights?

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?

'A Christmas Story'
(8PM, TBS) 24-hour marathon
You know the drill by now -- every year since 2004, TBS has run this beloved holiday flick for 24 hours straight.

That means you have 12 chances to see Flick get his tongue stuck to the flagpole, Ralphie's dad to get excited about the leg lamp and, of course, Ralphie wish for a "an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time."

The movie, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has inspired everything from the TV show 'The Wonder Years' and the production of real leg lamps (seriously) to a 'Mythbusters' episode (which airs on Dec. 25 at 9AM on Discovery) and even 'A Christmas Story' Museum.

The folks at our sister site Cinematical are working hard to give you news and reviews of the best -- and worst -- the silver screen has to offer. Here are some of their latest musings on the latest blockbusters, indies, and everything in between:

• I don't have anything against Ali Larter as an actress, but I really hate her character(s) on Heroes,. It doesn't look like I'll like her character in Obsessed much more.
  
• Sure, there's 24 hours of A Christmas Story, but how about a fireside viewing of L.A. Confidential instead? Cinematical Seven takes a look at unconventional holiday movies.
• I really wanted the mysterious new Will Smith movie, Seven Pounds, to be good. Unfortunately, it does not look like I'll be getting my wish. Read Cinematical's review here.
• Want to be a part of the filming of Funny People, Judd Apatow's next movie? Cinematical tells you how to live the dream.
• Have you ever wondered what Star Wars would look like as a silent film? No? Well, some guy did. Check out a fan-made Star Wars silent movie.
  

Or, a better question would be: are you watching any television? Christmas Day can be a busy time, what with gifts being opened, dinners being cooked (and eaten) and annoying relatives to entertain (this does not pertain to Joel, who is coming down to visit today). For others, though, Christmas ends at the last present that's unwrapped, which can lead to a very long, boring day.

So, if you can't take the kids, the wife, or the annoying relatives (once again, not Joel, I swear) you can tune into the annual broadcast of the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade (filmed at the beginning of December) hosted by Regis Philbin, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest and featuring Beyonce, the cast of High School Musical and the Doodlebops. If that's too much Christmas then you may want to tune into CNN for a, ready, Larry King Live marathon. Other non-Christmas marathons are Crossing Jordan on A&E, My Super Sweet 16 on MTV (they played music videos once, didn't they?), In Living Color on BET, and Super Millionaire on GSN.

Of course, if you are still in the holiday spirit (or, in the holiday spirits, if you know what I mean) TBS airs their annual 24-hour marathon of the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story, while networks like Hallmark and Lifetime will air a variety of made-for-TV holiday movies. Then again, if none of this is of interest you can always pop in a DVD from the complete The West Wing set that you received.

Oh, and Joel, dinner is at 2:00 pm.