Netflix's streaming service went down about midday Christmas Eve, depriving thousands of their Christmas (or anything-but-Christmas) video fix for about 20 hours. Our Christmas gift to you: our latest video-streaming tips, tricks, and alternatives, so you'll be ready the next time this happens.

Create a digital Yule log with your Apple TV.

Grab some holiday atmosphere quickly by creating a digital Yule log with your Apple TV.

NBC

Many of your favorite holiday specials and Christmas episodes are available online.

You can watch your best-loved TV holiday specials and Christmas episodes over and over and over again from Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

Stream video to DVD (legally) with these tips.

Creating a DVD backup of a favorite movie or show (legally, of course) means you won't be caught out if your online service dies again. Here are some tips for streaming video to DVD. You can also upgrade your entertainment experience with third-party clients, system or software tweaks, and other handy streaming video tips for power users.

NimbleTV

NimbleTV is a Slingbox-like service with no box.

Was this the last straw for you and Netflix? Check out NimbleTV, a Slingbox-like service with no box, which just started trials.

Vimeo

Vimeo recently reviewed a pay-to-rent movie-streaming service.

Another Netflix competitor gearing up: Vimeo, which recently previewed a pay-to-rent movie-streaming service. (Hulu's been busy as well. This TV-streaming service launched a major makeover late in the summer.)

Roku

You can move media from your PC to your Roku box using Plex.

Here's a way to shake loose from your computer: Roku users can use Plex to get their media from their PC to their Roku box.

Microsoft

Amazon Prime users can stream media to an Xbox 360.

Amazon Prime users who also own a Xbox 360 can use the Amazon Instant Video App to stream media through this game consoles.

Streaming media is such a hot category, there's always a competitor waiting to catch your eye. If your service goes down, you should be able to find an alternative quickly. Even if you're not stuck, this could be a good time to review what's out there and improve the quality or variety of your choices.