AXL FORCES FRANKIE INTO A NEGOTIATION WHEN HE ANNOUNCES THAT HE WOULD RATHER SPEND HIS CHRISTMAS VACATION WITH HIS FRIENDS OVER FAMILY, AND SUE'S SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE CHRISTMAS TREE THREATENS TO RUIN HER HOLIDAY, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"The Christmas Tree" - When Axl comes home from college for Christmas vacation but would rather spend time with his friends over family, he and Frankie must come up with a time management agreement that will satisfy both of them, Meanwhile, Sue's severe allergic reaction to the Christmas tree threatens to ruin her holiday, and after it's discovered that Brick lied to the school about his Christmas wrapping paper sales, he finds himself running a mini Ponzi scheme in an attempt to pay back the debt, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue and Atticus Shaffer as Brick.

Guest starring are Brittany Ross as Courtney, Natalie Lander as Debbie, Eddie Perino as Joe and Valorie Hubbard as Joe's mom.

"The Christmas Tree" was written by Tim Hobert and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.

For more information on "The Middle," visit ABC.com/TheMiddle