The lighting for today's special episode was provided by Santa's Helpers Lighting.
The Muses
Mark, Cristina, and the entire family flip the switch to illuminate the "Home & Family" house with strands of bright Christmas lights. Then, we ring in the Christmas season with the angelic voices of carolers. From the John Burroughs High School Choir, The Muses perform Mariah Carey's holiday classic "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and return for an encore to sing "Carol of the Bells."
Please be sure to check out The Muses at
jbhsvma.com.
Naomi Judd
Star of the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Window Wonderland," Naomi Judd, tells us about her newfound respect for bathroom attendants after playing one in the film. She also shares the recipe for a Judd Family holiday tradition. And, Naomi cracks us up with a hilarious story of a food fight with Wynonna.
The Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Window Wonderland" airs during Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas throughout the holiday season. Get the complete Countdown to Christmas Schedule here>>
Visit naomijudd.com for more with Naomi.
Cristina Cooks Marinated Turkey with Chive Gravy
Cristina marinates a turkey for a few days to make it moist without brining. She fills this flavorful bird with thyme, sage, dill, rosemary, and parsley from the "Home & Family" garden. The turkey is cooked to perfection in just three hours. And, she pairs it with her chive gravy recipe to complete this delicious main course.
Il Volo
Italian teen sensations Piero Barone, Gianluca Ginoble, and Ignazio Boschetto, a.k.a. Il Volo, serenade us with a medley of favorite holiday songs from their Christmas album "Buon Natale." The trio talk about why they love returning home to celebrate Christmas with their families. Later, Il Volo returns for an encore with a showstopping performance of "O Holy Night."
Il Volo's Christmas album "Buon Natale" is available at
www.ilvolomusic.com.
Candace Cameron Bure
Candace Cameron Bure tells us how her brother Kirk Cameron prepared her to play the daughter of Alan Thicke, who had been his TV dad on "Growing Pains." Although she has known Alan most of her life, the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Let It Snow" was the first opportunity Candace has had to star alongside him. Get cozy by your fireside because it's storytime as Candace reads "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." She also explains how she and her family have selflessly started a new tradition of serving food at a shelter on Christmas morning.
The Hallmark Channel Original Movie "Let It Snow" premieres Saturday, November 30 at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. Check out the actress at
candacecameronbure.net.
Nicollette Sheridan
Nicollette Sheridan teases the plot of "The Christmas Spirit" that will leave you wanting more. The actress also reveals her fondest childhood memory. Then, the family members and guests play a Christmas edition of "Songburst" to benefit the
American Humane Association. "Home & Family" makes a generous $1,000 donation to the organization.
The Hallmark Channel Original Movie "The Christmas Spirit" premieres Saturday, December 1st at 8/7c on Hallmark Channel. To learn more about Hallmark Channel's Pet Project, visit www.hallmarkchannel.com/petproject.
The Los Angeles Ice Theater
The "Home & Family" driveway is frozen over with ice! Five-time U.S. Figure Skating National Champions The Los Angeles Ice Theater glide through a routine on our makeshift rink.
The skating surface is provided by
Willy Bietak Productions in Santa Monica, CA.
DIY Snowglobe Ornaments
From the Hallmark Channel Original Movie "The Christmas Ornament," actress Kellie Martin explains the significance of a butterfly ornament in the plotline. She also gushes about falling in love with co-star Cameron Mathison on screen. Inspired by the film, Jessie Jane gets the whole family crafting glittery and enchanting snowglobe ornaments to sprinkle magical fairy dust on their wintery scene. Plus, Jessie showcases a few other Christmas balls with bingo, New Year's, and iSpy game themes.
For more with Jessie Jane, visit lilyshop.com.
Matt Rogers & His Band Perform with Family Members
"American Idol" alum Matt Rogers and his band have enlisted the voices of family members and staffers Tanya Memme, talent producer Jen Proctor, producer Jessica Robertson, and Jill Simonian as backup singers today for their rendition of "Winter Wonderland." Get ready to hear those sleigh bells ring!
Check out TV host and country singer Matt Rogers at
mattrogersusa.com.
Tweet lifestyle expert Tanya Memme @Tanya_Memme. Also, visit her on Facebook and check out TanyaMemme.com.
For more with consumer reporter Jill Simonian, please visit thefabmom.com and follow her on Twitter @jillsimonian.
"Home & Family" Potluck
The entire clan brings family specialties as side dishes to contribute to the "Home & Family" feast. They each share personal background stories of these multi-cultural recipes originating from all corners of the world. Mark even attempts one of Alex Thomopoulos' recipes with his two sons at home. Before chowing down, the family clasps hands to say Grace in acknowledgement of their thankfulness for this plentiful meal.
Visit Ken Wingard at KennethWingard.com and follow him on Twitter @KennethWingard.
For more from eco health and beauty expert Sophie Uliano go to: Website:
www.gorgeouslygreen.com
Facebook:
Facebook.com/GorgeouslyGreen
Pinterest:
GorgeouslyGreen
Twitter:
@sophieuliano
Check out alextcooks.com for more of Alex Thomopoulos' gluten-free recipes.
For more with Shirley Bovshow, visit FoodieGardener.com and follow her on Twitter @FoodieGardeners.
Get additional tips from lifestyle and beauty expert Kym Douglas at KymDouglas.com. Follow her @KymDouglas and like her on Facebook.
Get more great recipes and crafts by visiting us on Pinterest at pinterest.com/hallmarkchannel.