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Music stars have a "Country Christmas"

Host Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and Lauren Alaina perform the 2011 Country Christmas on Nov. 10, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Getty Images

(CBS) Country stars helped usher in the holiday season Thursday night on CMA's "Country Christmas" TV special on ABC. The newly-married Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland hosted the annual event.

Pictures: 2011 CMA Award highlights
Pictures: 2011 CMA Awards arrivals

The evening saw performances by Keith Urban, Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, along with Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Kellie Pickler and Martina McBride, among others. American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery did a version of "The First Noel."

Nettles also joined in, wrapping things up with a performance of "Silent Night."

Throughout the show, which taped in Nashville on Nov. 10, music artists shared their favorite holiday traditions and memories. Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney and his wife recently started a new family tradition with their two children - wearing matching pajamas.

December country specials will continue with the American Country Awards, airing live on Monday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

Check back here for coverage.

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