ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas: Day 7

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Tonight is one of my personal favorites. ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is narrated by the wonderful and talented Joel Grey, and features the song, Christmas Chimes Are Calling, which I look forward to every year. It’s one of those catchy tunes that stay with you after you’ve heard it once. This animated holiday special is adapted from the famous poem by Clement Moore. A kindly clockmaker, a friendly family of mice and a sensitive Santa Claus come together in a story where the citizens are afraid that Santa will pass them by because an unsigned letter to the editor of the local paper denounced him as a myth. (Animated) (7:00-7:30 PM ET/PT)

Following this delightful little holiday special is CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS. Based on the popular children’s book series, “Cranberry Christmas” tells the story of a New England stalwart, Mr. Whiskers, and his efforts to keep the local skating bog from the evil clutches of his notoriously mean neighbor Cyrus Grape. With the help of young Maggie and her Granny, it’s up to Mr. Whiskers to prove the bog is his own and save Christmas day for all the children of Cranberryport. Barry Manilow wrote two original songs for this holiday special. (Animated) (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT)

Then, get ready for the cable premiere of UNACCOMPANIED MINORS, starring Wilmer Valderrama. this holiday romp that finds a huge blizzard shutting down Hoover International Airport on Christmas Eve. En route to their father’s house for the holidays, Spencer (Dyllan Christopher) and his little sister, Katherine (Dominique Saldaña), are ushered to the airport’s Unaccompanied Minors Room, a holding cell for dozens of stranded, parent-free kids from all over the country. Desperate to escape, Spencer makes a run for freedom along with four other UMs. With every airport security guard hot on their trail, along with the attendant (Valderrama) responsible for their care, the very different kids learn to ditch their differences and help each other flee the clutches of airport authority. They turn Christmas at the airport into holiday pandemonium and, along the way, prove that the holidays aren’t about where you are, but who is there to share them with you. (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT)

Round off your evening viewing with the holiday special, JACK FROST. Jack Frost, the icy spirit of winter, wants to leave his North Pole existence and become human for the beautiful snowwoman-turned-human he’s fallen in love with. Father Winter grants his wish, but not until Jack fights an evil giant and finds a home with a pot of gold. Filmed with stop-motion animated puppets (animagic) and featuring the classic songs “Me and My Shadow,” “The Christmas Song,” and many more. (Animated) (10:00-11:00 PM ET/PT)