TiVo Guide Week of December 21, 2009 *spoiler alert*

“I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown” Linus and Lucy's little brother, ReRun, tries to avoid the Van Pelt family's holiday nuttiness by hanging with Snoopy and his own sibling, the desert-dwelling Spike. Based on previously published comic strips from Charles S. Schulz. Voices...Corey Padnos, Hannah Leigh Dworkin, Jimmy Bennett, Ashley Rose Orr and Adam Taylor Gordon. Monday at 8 on ABC.

“Better Off Ted” Lem's mother (Khandi Alexander) visits the company, and begins an affair with Dr. Bhamba (Maz Jobrani). Elsewhere, Linda steals Ted's thunder by suggesting an improvement for his project...a light bulb that never burns out. Tuesday at 9:30 on ABC.

“A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill” The 11th annual event to raise awareness of adoption, hosted by Faith Hill. Performers include Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti, Reba McEntire, Shakira and Carrie Underwood. Also appearing: Jenna Elfman and Nia Vardalos. Wednesday at 8 on CBS.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Frank Capra's wondrous classic stars Oscar nominee James Stewart as a small-town banker who learns what life would have been like if he'd never been born. Donna Reed costars as his wife and Henry Travers is a treat as Clarence Oddbody, Angel Second Class. Thursday at 8 on NBC.

“A Christmas Story” A 9-year-old (Peter Billingsley) craves a BB gun for Christmas, but everyone around him is strongly opposed to the idea in Jean Shepherd's nostalgic charmer. Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon. Randy: Ian Petrella. Flick: Scott Schwartz. Miss Shields: Tedde Moore. Schwartz: R.D. Robb. Grover: Yano Anaya. Scut: Zack Ward. Shepherd narrates. Directed by Bob Clark (“Porky's”). Friday at 6 on TBS.

“U.S. Olympic Trials:Freestyle Skiing and Nordic Combined” Freestyle skiing and Nordic combined, taped Dec. 23-24 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Competitors are scheduled to include Ryan St. Onge; Jeret Peterson; Hannah Kearney; and Todd Lodwick. Saturday at 2:30 on NBC.

“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” Children and celebrities share stories about how they've helped pets that have become homeless because of bad economic times. Among the celebs interviewed: Lance Bass; Sophia Bush; Kellan Lutz; Maria Menounos; Tony Hawk; Kimora Lee Simmons; Tiffani Thiessen; and Bonnie Hunt. Sunday at 8 on Nickelodeon.