WITH CHRISTMAS APPROACHING, SUE KEEPS A HOLIDAY SECRET FROM THE FAMILY, BRICK HIDES FROM THE NEIGHBOR'S KIDS, AND MIKE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO REACT WHEN BILL NORWOOD GIVES HIM A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, ON ABC'S 'THE MIDDLE'

"A Very Marry Christmas" - As Christmas approaches, Sue keeps a holiday secret from the family; after agreeing to watch the neighbor's three kids, Brick finds himself trying to hide from them as they had such a good time that they keep wanting to come over and play; and Mike doesn't know how to react when Bill Norwood gives him a Christmas gift for the first time ever, on "The Middle," TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue and Atticus Shaffer as Brick.

Guest starring are Emily Rutherfurd as Dierdre Peterson, Pat Finn as Bill Norwood, Greer Grammer as April, Beau Hart as Riley, Reagan Rundus as Gracie, O'Neill Monahan as Lucas, Ericka Kreutz as Sharron and Michael G. Coleman as David.

"A Very Marry Christmas" was written by Jana Hunter & Mitch Hunter and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.