1) “CMA Country Christmas,” 9-11 p.m., ABC. Here’s country crossover, with music from Nashville and beyond. Tricia Yearwood sings and hosts, introducing country people (Chris Janson, Brett Young, Chris Young) and groups (Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June). She also has stars from gospel (shown here, CeCe Winans and King & Country), pop (Tori Kelly) and Broadway (Kristin Chenoweth).
2) “Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On” conclusion, 9 p.m., A&E. At the same time that Yearwood hosts on ABC, cable wraps up her husband’s two-night profile. The solution: Catch the first half of the Brooks special, from 7-9 p.m. … switch to ABC at 9 … then return to A&E, which reruns the second half of the Brooks special, at 11:04.
3) “Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special,” 8 p.m., ABC. Well he is special, actually. Like Brooks (and like the “Country Christmas” line-up), he’s a Nashville star with crossover appeal; he’s a strong guitarist and a witty songwriter. Adding to that crossover touch, Darius Rucker performs here in both modes – as a country solo act and with his pop group, Hootie & the Blowfish. Also performing: The Jonas Brothers, plus country’s Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw and Kelsea Ballerini,
4) “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” 8 p.m., NBC. Alongside the strong country night, we get one of TV’s all-time great specials. It’s followed by a “How To Train Your Dragon” rerun at 8:30, bumping “The Voice” to 9 and giving “This Is Us” a week off.
5) “Making It,” 10 p.m., NBC. Many homes, we’re told here, have a blank wall and a plain mailbox. Now the craftsfolks have three hours to make a wall both personal and attractive; they have six hours to make a mailbox kind of spectacular. Amiably hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, it’s a fun hour, despite two flaws: There are way too many plugs, delivered by one of the judges as conversation; and there’s a contrived bit in which the contestants – who barely got there – get letters from home.