You know it’s a holiday week when the most thrilling entertainment news involves a possible radio-station format change.

So there I was at midnight on Christmas, exhausted from 24 hours of Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash bliss, staying awake to hear what Variety Rock 105.1 FM would do.

All the signs had been there: limp-along ratings, online rumors and a sudden switch to Christmas music back in November (a common programming maneuver before the dawn of a new era).

The Santa music abruptly stopped around 12:01 a.m. Dec. 26. But Variety Rock didn’t flip formats. Instead, Journey’s melodramatic “Wheel in the Sky” began playing. (Ugh. Was it Steve Perry’s voice, or had I eaten a fruitcake?)

As I’d been told would happen a day or two before, Variety Rock simply reverted to its old self, making know-it-alls predicting a new station look a tad foolish. Oops.

Later in the morning, Marie McGlynn, vice president and general manager at Journal Broadcast Group of Boise, would not say specifically whether a format change ever had been in the works.

“There is no plan to flip,” she said.

Ostensibly, Variety Rock still could be around during holiday season 2013 — and switch to Christmas music once again. Seasonal tunes often appeal to advertisers.

“We saw it as a financial opportunity,” McGlynn explained, “as well as an interesting option when there wasn’t a lot of Christmas music competition in the marketplace.”

If you’re like me, you are disappointed that 105.1 FM didn’t reinvent itself, and not because of any reason that had to do with its song choices.

In a radio market as brutally competitive as Boise, I’m simply dying to know what possible new format a station might be crazy enough to try.

The most common suggestions from industry folks involve country or some form of contemporary hits. But it would take a unique spin — and a sizable marketing investment — to make either of those stick.

Even then, the chance of success would be modest at best.

We’ll just have to wait and see if any Treasure Valley station has the guts and creativity to roll the dice with a fresh format in 2013.

Actual radio excitement around here would feel revolutionary.

ENTERTAINMENT NOTES

• The Idaho Stampede, as Joe Namath might say, are “strugguhling.”

The Stampede, who are 1-11, do not appear to fully comprehend the words “teamwork” or “toughness.”

What I’m trying to say is: I highly recommend attending a game.

The Stampede — who play the Reno Bighorns on Dec. 28 and 29 at CenturyLink Arena — offer fantastic entertainment value for the buck.

If you’re seeking a packed, energetic atmosphere, look elsewhere — like a Boise State vs. LSU basketball game (in a Taco Bell Arena full of Wendy’s-crazed hoops fans.)

But if you crave giant, fast, pro-level athletes clashing directly in front of you, you can’t beat the Stampede in the Treasure Valley.

You’ll have a great seat. It feels like there’s hardly anyone in CenturyLink Arena. Go ahead and sneak down to one of those empty spots. (Where the view of the Stampede dancers also is commendable.)

Secondly, you won’t hear any boos — even when the Stampede get throttled. Losing is expected. (More important, no D-League team is nuts enough to offer a free burger if it scores 90 points. As BSU discovered, scoring 89 in victory has the potential to pry a boo or two from carnivorous Idahoans. It was Wendy’s, people, not Five Guys. The Broncos did you a favor.)

Lastly, it’s vastly enjoyable to watch ex-Boise State player Coby Karl, son of Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl. His past NBA and overseas experience show in his crisp play. You have to believe that Karl’s pained on-court expression has nothing to do with physical discomfort and everything to do with his current status as a member of the sad-sack ’Pede.

• After the November departure of J Bates, KBOI Channel 2 recently overhauled its “2News this Morning” team. Former Eugene, Ore., anchor Rick Douglas joins Alana Brophy and meteorologist Bob Anthony.

• It had to be potato vodka. Sen. Mike Crapo was simply supporting Idaho business and buying local.

Whatever the case, be smart on New Year’s Eve. Don’t drive.

(And go with tequila shots.)

Michael Deeds’ column runs Fridays in Scene and Sundays in Life. He also appears Thursdays on Channel 6 News.