For most people, the holidays are a time for family rituals. Decorating the Christmas tree. Lighting the menorah. Solving a gruesome murder.

OK, maybe that's not part of most family holidays, but that's exactly what 'Bones' has in store for fans this year, as Fox has announced Zooey Deschanel will be a special guest star for this year's holiday episode. Zooey, who has appeared in numerous films such as '500 Days of Summer' and 'Elf', will team up with her sister, 'Bones' star Emily Deschanel, for the first time on screen.

When it comes to program scheduling the cable networks don't need no stinkin' badges to do what they normally do. That's why there are Law & Order marathons on TNT during every federal holiday and episodes of Dog, The Bounty Hunter on A&E. It is also the reason why we see new holiday episodes from shows like The Closer in December when their seasons end in September.

So, it should be no surprise that new holiday-themed episodes of Monk and Psych are airing this Friday on the USA Network. Actually, it should be no surprise that Monk is offering a holiday tale since it has done so for the last three years. This is Psych's first entry into the holiday episode universe. And, regardless if it is their first or third holiday entry, both shows look like interesting viewing.