I've got you, babes

Sorry, Virginia. If Santa Claus really existed, he would have fulfilled my wish years ago and given us good boys and girls some fresh programming on the Nights Before Christmas, instead of a steady stream of reruns and tired holiday repeats that are about as welcome as Aunt Mabel's fruitcake. Fortunately, getTV is granting our wish with, if not original specials, than at least ones that date us. A 30-hour marathon of kitschy classics kicks off with 1973's "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" Christmas special, which includes a rendition of "O Holy Night" that's so corny Paul Shaffer made his tribute to it a staple during his late-night stints. Toss in "Cannon" star William Conrad and you don't need no stinkin' Santa. Other specials that follow spotlight the spirits of Danny Kaye, Andy Williams and the Carpenters. 11 p.m. Thursday, getTV

My favorite things

With all apologies to Carrie Underwood, the hills just don't come fully alive without Julie Andrews' twirl. See for yourself in 1965's "The Sound of Music," a longtime holiday classic that now includes on-screen lyrics so you can be reminded that your grandfather has a terrible singing voice, especially after five glasses of eggnog. 6 p.m. Sunday, KSTP, Ch. 5

Turning back the clock

Robin Roberts looks back at the memorable moments of "The Year: 2015" with her "Good Morning America" anchor team, which has almost as many members these days as the New England Patriots. Ashley Madison, Pope Francis and Ronda Rousey all made the list. 8 p.m. Tuesday, KSTP, Ch. 5

She's a rainbow

Lucille Ball seemed animated enough in black and white, but someone smarter than me thinks she'll be more appreciated in Technicolor, which explains the colorization of two 1950s episodes of her classic series, lumped together under the title "I Love Lucy Christmas Special." On the plus side, the latter offering features a sloshed Lucy pitching Vitameatavegamin, a bit that kills with or without color. 7 p.m. Wednesday, WCCO, Ch. 4

Neal Justin