Spiked Punch by Nick Zaino

It's a tribute to Stephen Colbert's influence that he can convince Elvis Costello and Toby Keith to be in the same Christmas special. And get Costello to dress as a toy soldier. And I'm not entirely sure if I'm laughing with or at Keith's song to the enemies of Christmas, in which he sings of beheading lawyers who advocate separation of church and state and Santa dropping bombs from his sleigh, but I am laughing.

Of course, that's always been the joke -- Colbert introduces himself as "legendary broadcaster Stephen Colbert." And appropriately, the special is called "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All." And as our English friends say, it takes the piss out of Christmas, from every conceivable angle. (Warning: minor spoilers ahead).

The "storyline," as it were, has Colbert trapped in his mountain cabin by his fear of bears while he's supposed to be in his New York studio taping his Christmas special. The predictable series of guest stars come to him in bizarre ways. Keith arrives toting an M-16 to help out before inexplicably bursting into song, suddenly in different clothes with a guitar. Colbert hallucinates while staring at his nativity set, and sees Willie Nelson as a wise man bearing weed for his savior, in a musical tribute where donkeys smoke blunts, called "The Little Dealer Boy." Truly, in the words of Willie the Wise, "let not mankind bogart love."

("R&B Superstar!") John Legend is a ranger who happens upon the cabin ("Hmm... do I smell a piano?") and croons an off-color tune about nutmeg. Of course, Jon Stewart comes by to literally sing the praises of Hanukkah. Feist has a special Christmas message from a heavenly angel/tech support, answering what Colbert admits, amazingly, is his first prayer.
Stephen Colbert and Elvis Costello in
But the undeniable MVP is Costello, who appears as the aforementioned toy soldier, a jester, a 19th century English gentleman (not specifically identified as Scrooge, but...), and a final surprise that stands in for the "saving Christmas" moment, just before the shocking moment you thought you'd never see involving Santa, a bear, Costello, and Colbert.

Everything is played for laughs, but the motley crew of guest stars singing "(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love, and Understanding" is actually uplifting in a strange sort of way. And there's something absolutely perfect about the closing number, a duet between Costello and Colbert that is, of all things, a plea against holiday cynicism with the refrain, "there are much worse things to believe in." Warms the old cockles.

"A Colbert Christmas" debuts on Comedy Central November 23 at 10 p.m., and it will be available on DVD two days later (not one to miss a chance at self-promotion, Colbert actually holds a DVD jacket up to the camera during the special). There are a few interesting extra, including a "Video Yule Log of Burning Books," more than fifteen minutes of footage of a video fireplace, during which books, including sex ed text "Our Bodies, Ourselves" and kids book "Old Bear," are tossed on the hearth and burn slowly. The advent calendar is funny, but you have to open each date individually, like an actual advent calendar, which may be more work than most people want to spend for 25 short jokes.

Christmas Bonus: On November 23, "A Colbert Christmas" will be preceded by "Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special," which is already available on DVD (a CD of the soundtrack is also out). Ventriloquist Dunham goofs on the holidays with his creations - Peanut, Walter, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Jose Jalapeno, and Bubba J. The special also repeats on Comedy Central November 27 at 8 p.m. and November 28 at 5 p.m.

Can't wait until November 23 to see "A Colbert Christmas?" Let Holidash hook you up -- we're giving away THREE copies of the DVD!

  • To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what you would give Stephen Colbert for Christmas.
  • The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Monday, November 24.
  • You may enter only once.
  • One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
  • The winner will receive one copy of "A Colbert Christmas" (valued at $15.00).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or over.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!