NBC'S 'DEAL OR NO DEAL' IS MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE TO SEE IF THE CONTESTANTS AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN NAUGHTY OR NICE

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. � December 11, 2008 � In the spirit of the holidays, "Deal or No Deal" continues the tradition of becoming a winter wonderland on Thursday, December 25 (8-10 p.m. ET). For the third consecutive year, watch as host Howie Mandel tries to make someone's Christmas wish come true by winning the one million dollars.

The two-hour episode begins with a family from Long Beach, California. First to play is father to thirteen kids, James Calhoun who will be rotating rounds with his daughter Gina and son Joshua. James' dream is to give his family an extravagant Christmas, something he's never been able to do before. Next to play is Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient Matt Zedwick from Corrallis, Oregon. Newly married, Zedwick hopes to win enough money to take care of his new bride and buy a house. The Banker also includes an exciting side game for the contestants worth an extra $25,000. The challenge is to eliminate the nine lowest prize amounts with reindeer names hidden in the cases before they take a deal.

The giving does not end with the contestants -- the audience receives an abundance of presents too including: Slingbox Solo; Mattel Holiday Barbie plus $100 gift certificate to Barbie Collector; Timex watch accented with diamonds; Microsoft Zune; The Singing Machine; Seaworld - VIP Annual Pass; Budget Rent A Car - five free days; Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed 5000; Sony Mylo; "Marley & Me" Premiere Passes plus $100 cash for each audience member; Activision's Guitar Hero: World Tour; Xbox 360 from Buy.com and Dish Network HD with one year free service. Viewers at home can also watch and play the "Beat the Banker" game for a chance to win $50,000.

Based on the successful format from Endemol that has aired in over 50 countries, "Deal or No Deal" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Scott St. John.