W. DEREK RUSSELL I don’t usually enjoy discussing Christmas until it’s, at least, Dec. 1. But given the advancement of the holidays with each passing year, it’s hard not to. But now that December is officially upon us, let us dispense with the cheer. I’m a child of the ’80s. I grew up on shows like “ALF,” “Growing Pains,” “Family Ties” and “Who’s the Boss?” Holiday specials were a big thing back then.