Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Trimming the tree, Santa Claus, gift giving and festive parties are just a few of the traditions that go along with the season. Another great tradition is watching all the holiday specials that air on television. One such special this year includes Carrie Underwood’s All-Star Holiday Special on FOX Television. Starring special guests, such as David Cook, Dolly Parton, Sons of Sylvia, Brad Paisley (via satellite), Christina Applegate and Kristin Chenoweth, this two hour special was enjoyed by thousands of country music fans all across America, including myself.

Dressed in skin tight black leather pants and high heel platform boots, Carrie, accompanied by several male dancers, got her variety show underway with the song Cowboy Casanova.

After giving a warm welcome to her studio audience, she enlightened them on what it takes to make it to the top of American Idol. Carrie credits her fourth season win to hard work, believing and having faith, focusing on the goal and doing her best. Scenes from her American Idol win was a great touch in getting this Christmas special off to a great start.

Carrie’s performances of her number one hit songs, Before He Cheats and Jesus Take the Wheel, as well as several songs from her latest album, Play On, were a few of the highlights included in tonight’s special. Other highlights throughout the evening included several comedic acts, such as her mother’s performance of Stand By Your Man, a 1960s trio melody consisting of Underwood, Applegate and Chenoweth and an impersonation of Dolly Parton, complete with wig, costume and large breasts. Carrie’s duet with “The Queen of Country Music” herself was perhaps the greatest highlight of the evening, as the pair performed Dolly’s single I Will Always Love You.

Carrie’s Christmas special drew to an end with performances of several holiday songs followed by special thanks to everyone who made her show possible. Former American Idol producer and So You Think You Can Dance judge, Nigel Lythgoe, did an awesome job as the executive producer, as did each and every performer on the show. Carrie’s closing number, Change, accompanied by a touching video of needy children, summed up the true meaning of Christmas as she urged her fans to give generously to those that are less fortunate.