TONIGHT'S MUST-SEE

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 7 p.m., and "Madagascar" (2005), 8 p.m., ABC. Need to distract kids on Christmas Eve? Start with the great "Grinch," which puts Dr. Seuss' story in the hands of gifted people. Chuck Jones, the genius behind top Bugs Bunny and Road Runner cartoons, directed. Boris Karloff narrates, Thur Ravenscroft sings and June Foray is Cindy Lou Who. That means we're hearing the voices of Frankenstein's monster, Tony the Tiger and Rocky squirrel. Then comes "Madagascar," an animated tale that drew so-so reviews. It's about escaped zoo animals.

"Impact Your World: Rescuing Youssif," 5 p.m., CNN. Almost a year ago, three masked assailants inexplicably doused gas on an Iraqi boy and set him on fire. This documentary views the complex effort that brought him to the U.S. for plastic surgery. It's a story that is disturbing and (so far) incomplete; includes uplifting humanity.

OF NOTE

"Polar Express" (2004), 6 and 8:30 p.m., ABC Family. This flawed-but-lush animated film might stir up some daydreams on Christmas Eve. A boy takes a surprise train ride to the North Pole.

"It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), 7 p.m., NBC. Here's another run of the Frank Capra Christmas classic. James Stewart plays a decent, small-town guy who doubts his life has meant much.

More Christmas films. Take your pick. It's "The Santa Clause 2" (2002) 8 p.m. on the Disney Channel, George C. Scott's "A Christmas Carol" (1984) 6 p.m. on AMC, "The Nativity Story" (2006) 6 p.m. on HBO and the start of a 24-hour marathon for the darkly wonderful "A Christmas Story" (1983) on TBS.

"Cheaper By the Dozen" (2003), 7 p.m. Fox. On Wednesday, the Kennedy Center Honors will be telecast, properly noting that Steve Martin is a comic genius. Ironically, he also takes undemanding roles in blandly pleasant film. This gets mild laughs, in the story of a couple (Bonnie Hunt and Martin) with lots of photogenic kids (including Hilary Duff and Tom Welling).

"Big Bang Theory," 7:30 p.m., CBS. In a rerun, the guys are invited to Penny's Halloween party. This isn't one of the best episodes of this terrific new show, but it has some funny moments.

"Two and a Half Men," 8 p.m., CBS. In a rerun from last season, Charlie doubts Rose is serious about leaving. Meanwhile, Allison Janney ("The West Wing") plays Alan's love interest via the Internet.

"The Godfather" (1972), 7 p.m., Bravo. There's also "Goodfellas" (1990) at 8 p.m. on A&E. Some people may need a good Mob movie for Christmas Eve.

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