This might be old news, so my apologies if I missed it.
Neil Gaiman, who has a rather delicious back catalogue of graphic novels and comics under his belt, ranging from the brilliant and dreamy Sandman to the high profile comic heroes such as Batman, has been confirmed as writing episode three, series 6 of BBC drama Doctor Who.
Episode three, rumored to be titled 'The House of Nothing' was described as being 'very spooky' and that fans 'are likely to be biting their nails off by the end' by Gaiman recently on BBC Breakfast News.
On another note, I have over heard that Amy Pond might not make it through to the end of the series. I am personally not convinced by this rumor - although I can't see the rather lovely Amy remaining in the TARDIS for another series after this, but you never know. Another rumor circulating is the series will be split into two, six episodes then a break, followed by seven episodes. We shall see...
No news regarding the Christmas special, although Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol' has been mentioned here and there. Maybe another encounter with Mr Dickens and events that would inspire him to write the book?