December 22
Guestward Ho
The single season sitcom Guestward Ho was originally a vehicle for I Love Lucy stalwart Vivian Vance but by the time it made it to air it starred Joanne Dru as a burned out city dweller who moves out west, with her family, to run a dude ranch.
My Three Sons
Not an actual Christmas episode but a nifty publicity shot featuring a jolly old William Frawley.
December 23
In the late afternoon / early evening the stations across the country broadcast a Christmas message from President Dwight D. Eisenhower (his last) and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
The Twilight Zone - Night of the Meek
Shot on video, as a part of experimental cost cutting measures, this episode feels like a a throwback to the live TV of the fifties.
The Bell Telephone Hour - Twas the Night Before
Festive variety show hosted by Maureen O'Hara and featuring Rise Stevens and John Raitt
Couldn't find any clips from this episode but here's Rise Stevens with a recording released a couple of years later
The Law and Mr. Jones
Holiday episode of the James Whitmore led legal drama.
December 24
Lawrence Welk's hour of yuletide tunes marks the only Christmas episode in prime time this Christmas eve. Though, later in the evening, stations throughout the country would air a plethora of religious broadcasts both nationally and locally.
Christmas Day
Highlights on the big day include "The Christmas Horse " from Dennis the Menace and "The Christmas Story" from Lassie. Amahl and the Night Visitors got its eleventh annual airing, General Electric Theater presented "The Other Wise Man" and Shirley Temple presented a production of Babes in Toyland.
After Christmas
Hennessey aired a New Years Eve themed episode on the 26th and western drama Laramie presented the Christmas episode "The Sound of Bells" on the 27th.
