The holidays are a wonderfully hectic time of year, from the work overload and freezing cold to the retail craze and decorated homes.

In the midst of the season it’s easy to become overwhelmed with infectious cheer. Unfortunately, just as suddenly as the season springs upon us, our Christmas trees wilt in their stands and the snow melts.

So here’s a preview of some upcoming holiday fun from sales to specials that will keep you in the know.

St. Nick’s ride down Broadway to mark the finale of the 81st annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was only the beginning of holiday cheer in all facets of entertainment.

Your TV guide will undoubtedly be overwhelmed with Christmas classics and holiday-themed episodes of your favorite shows.

It’s those familiar classics that we’ve seen and heard innumerable times that will truly bring back the holiday nostalgia and the mood that comes with it.

Tune in to ABC Family on Saturday for an all day Holiday Classics Marathon. That same night, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will air on ABC at 8 p.m.

For a comical twist on the spirit, watch Sunday at 8 p.m. for TLC’s “Crazy Christmas Lights” showcase and Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. for the “Saturday Night Live” Christmas special.

Also tune in also to your regularly programmed TV favorites, as holiday themes have taken over the plotline of most upcoming episodes.

As well as provoking a change in entertainment, wardrobe, landscape and workload, the season also inspires a certain twist on cuisine.

Local eateries add seasonal specialties to their menus, and we tend to crave those home-cooked classics that remind us of the holidays.

Starbucks has brought back its seasonal additions, including the Gingerbread Latte and White Hot Chocolate.

Hope’s Cookies’ holiday spirit is in full swing with its gift wrap options and cookie sprinkle décor.

Dunkin’ Donuts has also added Vanilla Spice Coffee as well as the Gingerbread Latte and donut to the menu.

When shopping for gifts and holiday paraphernalia (aside from food), keep in mind certain sales and promotions that will lessen expenses and make shopping easier.

King of Prussia Mall accommodates a shopper’s busy schedule by extending holiday hours to 11 p.m. starting on Monday.

The mall is also hosting holiday shopping events for women today and men on the Dec. 20.

It’s an opportunity to come up with a wish list while enjoying holiday offers and specials taking place in the Plaza from 5 p.m. to closing time.

The mall also offers gift wrapping in the upper level of the Plaza, with proceeds going directly to charity.

Only 21.4 percent of shoppers wait until December to begin their holiday shopping, so if you’re one of the few in that group who have put off shopping like a long-term assignment, get a move on!

Whether it’s in a mall, from the comfort of your dorm room or in a corner café, the infectious holiday spirit is inevitably going to catch on.

So embrace it, tune in and get the carols playlist going … we’re only three weeks away!