Very merry TV holiday specials

Two singing 'Idols' and a partridge in a pear tree

By Rebecca Ford, Metromix

The holidays are a time for family and friends, and what better way to spend that time than watching TV specials? From the animated lions wearing Santa hats to the former Playboy model acting in a made-for-TV movie and the "American Idol" stars belting out the holiday hits, it's all quality programming perfectly packaged for quality time.

Take a gander at the holiday specials coming to a TV near you...