Week of December 18: Best Holiday Specials

Remember when a holiday season of television viewing was made special by, well, holiday specials?

Rabbit Ears does, too. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it seemed like there was at least one special a year, with plenty of entertainment. Those with specials included:

*Bing Crosby: Probably the gold standard, given that he appeared with second wife Katherine and their children, Harry, Mary Frances and Nathaniel, not to mention plenty of guest stars. Crosby, who died in 1977, may have saved the best for his last special: A beautiful duet with David Bowie to "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace On Earth" that has become a classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMhSjDqvRs&feature=related

*Bob Hope: His biggest tradition was entertaining troops around the world during Christmas time. His holiday special had various traditions, too, including the singing of "Silver Bells," the Oscar-winning song Hope first sang in the film "The Lemon Drop Kid." In this clip, he sings it with an up-and-comer named Marie Osmond:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjikH93L_mo

Another Hope tradition was the introduction of the Associated Press All-American Football Team. Here's his introduction of the 1984 team, which included Doug Flutie (University of Miami fans, don't look.):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WydftYRVZto

*Andy Williams: Another Yuletide tradition. And there are a few of Marie's brothers, along with Andy's brothers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d87Ty2CldWc

Happy Holidays to you! And until next week, Happy Viewing!