TONIGHT'S CAN'T-AVOID

Christmas overload, 7 p.m. Three of the major networks collide with 7 p.m. specials. ABC throws in the movie version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000), with Ron Howard directing Jim Carrey. The CW (Oceanic Digital Channel 93) has cartoons; "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" (7 p.m.) is from 2001, "The Story of Santa Claus" (8 p.m.) is from 1996. And NBC has the first of three specials under the "Greatest Holiday Moments" banner. It focuses on TV and movies, from "Rudolph" and "It's a Wonderful Life" to "Home Alone" and "A Christmas Story."

TONIGHT'S MIGHT-SEE:

"Sanctuary," 8 p.m., Sci Fi. In a sharp change of pace, this series offers an episode with only two characters — or three, counting the parasite taking over Helen Magnus' soul. Magnus (Amanda Tapping), age 157, is aboard a submarine with Will Zimmerman. It's a strong story, with Tapping's eerily commanding performance.

OF LOCAL INTEREST

"Art Smarts with Peggy Chun," 7 p.m., Educational Channel 56. The late beloved Peggy Chun joins artist Page Chang to teach Hawai'i students about color through her watercolors. The show includes Chun and Chang creating a watercolor project in the studio.

OF NOTE

"Dog Whisperer," 3 and 6 p.m., National Geographic. Cesar Millan visits Las Vegas, finding that Cirque du Soleil performers have dog woes, too. One dog is afraid of the swimming pool; one refuses to go for a walk; and one refuses to shut up when company comes.

"Ghost Whisperer," 7 p.m., CBS. After a one-week break, the show is back in its new form: Melinda's late husband Jim is in a different body now; she's the only one who sees Jim's face on the guy. Meanwhile, she learns why a girl disappeared a dozen years ago.

"Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh," 6-8 p.m., Nickelodeon. Yes, another holiday special. This one reunites the original "Drake & Josh" gang, with Miranda Cosgrove (now the "iCarly" star) as a mischievous sister. In a mall-Santa job, the guys promise too much; they'll go to jail if they don't give a little girl the best Christmas ever.

"Lipstick Jungle," 8 p.m., NBC. Nico and Kirby try to adjust to life with a baby.

"Numb3rs," 8 and 9 p.m., CBS. First is a rerun in which someone seems to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Then, in a new hour, a charity's headquarters are bombed.