Ahead of the Curve: Weekly pop culture calendar

We don't know about you, but the weather outside where we are is definitely starting to turn frightful. Here’s your round-up of don't miss pop culture moments to bunker down with this week:

• The finale of “Amazing Race” starts tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS, and two of the three teams competing in the final leg have the chance to be the first all-female team to take the win (plus, you know, that $1 million prize). Who are you pulling for?
• Monday kicks off a week-long marathon of “Vampire Diaries.” If you missed the first 10 episodes of the second season, you can do a speedy catch-up by tuning in to the CW from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET/PT Monday through Friday.
• Tis the season for Christmas specials, and this one will feature the pop queen of the Christmas song, Mariah Carey. “Merry Christmas to You” premieres Monday on ABC at 9 p.m. ET, and will feature Mariah belting out holiday tunes, including some from her album, "Merry Christmas II You."

• "Michael," a posthumous release from the late King of Pop, hits stores Tuesday. You grabbing a copy?
• Also dropping this Tuesday are albums from “Idol” star Crystal Bowersox (“Farmer’s Daughter”); Ciara (“Basic Instinct”); and R. Kelly (“Love Letter").
• It’s a great week to be a “24” fan: Not only does the 8th season arrive on DVD on Tuesday, December 14, but you can also buy the complete series on DVD this week as well.
• And if you’re looking for a family-friendly stocking stuffer, this summer’s animated hit “Despicable Me” arrives on December 14 as well.
• “Real Housewives” fans, don’t miss some of your favorite New Jersey and Orange County “Housewives” when they make a special appearance on “The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection” on Tuesday at 10 p.m. We're guessing the claws are going to come out alongside the scissors for this one...
• Finally, after months of anticipation, “Tron: Legacy” arrives in theaters on December 17.
• Instead of braving the weather (or the mall) on Saturday, you could hang out with Ricky Gervais instead. The funnyman will do his second stateside comedy special, “Ricky Gervais: Out of England 2,” on HBO at 10 p.m. December 18.