Santa's little helper
"Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas" is an animated version of the Will Ferrell film, with Jim Parsons stepping into the floppy shoes of the overly enthusiastic hero. The big difference here are the witty songs, most notably a slapstick number performed by bitter department-store Santas. Mark Hamill, Jay Leno, Matt Lauer and Ed Asner are among those providing voices. 7 p.m. KARE, Ch. 11
And so it goes
Since 1992, "Nick News With Linda Ellerbee" has been a great forum for young people and adults to consider serious social issues. Ellerbee, who is still beloved for her witty work on "NBC News Overnight," continues her mission with a look at alternative schooling. 7 p.m. Nick
Sports replay
"Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel" continues its holiday tradition of gathering all the correspondents together to reflect on the most memorable stories they filed this past year. Let's hope grumpy Bernard Goldberg remembers it's his year to bring the cookies. 9 p.m. HBO
Neal Justin
