5 Throwback Christmas Specials That Will Fill You with Holiday Cheer

Photo: CRAIG SJODIN/ABC

Nothing gets us in the holiday spirit more than revisiting some of our favorite Christmas specials (looking at you, John Legend). What, you may ask, is a Christmas special? Well, it’s anything its stars want it to be. Think variety showpluscostume changes, special guest stars and evenSanta cameos.It’s a truly magical genre.

With the arrival of theholiday season, we can officially embrace our innerMariah Careyand rewatch these vintage Christmas specials on repeat.

Nick & Jessica’s Family Christmas Special(2004)

All we know is that we need to learn all of the special’s choreography before our office party.

A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!(2008)

Oh, how we missColbert Report-eraStephen Colbert. This campy variety show spoof episode from 2008 truly was the “greatest gift of all.”

The best part? Colbert can actually sing. He’s a man of the theater. So while he’s clearly sending up the campy Christmas specials of the past, he’s showing off his talent as he does it.

Lady Gaga and The Muppets Holiday Spectacular(2013)

We are devastated that this didn’t become an annual tradition.

The Osbourne Family Christmas Special(2003)

Oh, whoa,Britney Spearsmade an appearance too!

Tracy Morganalso popped up in the special,playing Santa Claus, of course.

Bob Hope Christmas Special(1974)

Above,Olivia Newton-Johnand Hope perform the Christmas song “Silver Bells,” which they would perform again in 1977.

source: people.com