The drama on “Pretty Little Liars” is about to get even more dramatic. ABC Family aired the show’s first ever Christmas special Tuesday night, and it set the Liars up for some tough times ahead.

The holiday special, titled “How the ‘A’ Stole Christmas,” picked up after Spencer’s (Troian Bellisario) arrest and Mona’s (Janel Parrish) death in the summer finale. With Spencer set up to go away for the murder of Bethany Young, the girls were desperate to find any information that could clear her name. And fortunately that came in the form of a letter from Mona. The teen had prepared a note for Hanna (Ashley Benson) in case she died, and it was delivered by her lawyer 30 days after her death. Mona encouraged Hanna to continue the fight against Alison (Sasha Pieterse) and gave her a good lead to take the battle to the next level: a map of all of Alison’s hiding places.

The Liars used the map to find a handful of suspicious items. Hanna discovered a passport of Alison with the name Holly Varjak on it, while Spencer unearthed some newspaper clippings that revealed Alison had been using the personal ads to communicate with someone. But what was hidden in the attic has the potential to change everything – letters confirming that Alison knew Bethany and that she invited the girl to Rosewood for Labor Day.

Why is an invitation to come over on Labor Day such a big deal? Because that’s the same day that Alison “died” and that Bethany ended up in her grave.

A few weeks remain until the Season 5 winter premiere of “Pretty Little Liars,” but ABC Family has released the first promo video for the new episode. Check out the breakdown:

Mrs. Grunwald Returns

Remember Mrs. Grunwald (Meg Foster)? The supernatural woman first appeared on “Pretty Little Liars” in Season 4 before moving to the spinoff series “Ravenswood.” She revealed to the Liars that Alison had been scared and contacting her for months prior to her disappearance, and that it was she who pulled Alison from her grave – alive.

Mrs. Grunwald will reappear in the Season 5 winter finale with a warning about Alison and Mona. “Each one hated the other, because each one feared the other,” she says in the promo video.

It’s unclear why she’ll show up. Alison could be contacting her again for help … or Mona could be reaching out from beyond the grave.

Mona’s Funeral … And Body?

The winter premiere promo video shows that Rosewood will hold a funeral for Mona – but does that mean they found her body? Viewers will remember from the summer finale that “A” had shoved Mona’s body in the trunk of a car after killing her. The Christmas special touched on the mystery surrounding her body, with Emily (Shay Mitchell) telling the other girls she’s still hopeful Mona will turn up alive. However, if a funeral is happening, it seems likely that Mona’s body will turn up. To add to our suspicion, a clip in the trailer shows Spencer looking on horrified at a barrel … perhaps Mona’s new resting place?

The funeral for Mona is bound to be an emotional one. And to make matters worse, Alison shows up to pay her respects.

“Showing up to your own victim's funeral,” Spencer says in the promo when she spots Alison.

The Liars aren’t the only ones unhappy to see the troubled teen. When Alison approaches Mona’s mother, Leona Vanderwaal (Sydney Penny) snaps and slaps the girl across the face.

Why is Alison showing up to Mona’s funeral? While no one is naming names, many who know Alison think she is responsible for Mona's death. Alison could be showing up to try to maintain her innocence or to enjoy seeing the pain she created. Another option could be guilt. The ghost of Mona from the Christmas special may have struck a chord of remorse with Alison.

An Alison Showdown

The Liars and their significant others aren’t the only ones who think Alison is “A.” Jenna (Tammin Sursok) and Sydney (Chloe Bridges) revealed to Emily at the ice ball that they befriended Alison in order to stay “safe.” The Liars don’t seem interested in playing it cool, though. Aria (Lucy Hale) brutally confronts Alison in the winter premiere promo.

“You’re ‘A,’” Aria yells at Alison, getting in her face.

“Stop saying that,” Alison fires back at her former friend.

Does Mrs. Grunwald Know The Truth?

Is Ali “A”? Did she kill Mona? Mrs. Grunwald might have the answers. The promo video shows her looking intently at Alison and grabbing her arm. Since Mrs. Grunwald can “see” things, she could potentially be the only one who knows what’s really going on with Alison.

The Real ‘A’

Is Alison threatening the Liars or warning them in the winter premiere trailer? Aria can be seen getting tossed up against a wall by a hooded figure (presumably “A”) holding a power tool.

“They’re next,” Alison warns. “Unless ‘A’ kills them first.”

It’s unclear if Alison has the girls on her “hit” list, or if she’s explaining to someone the danger that Aria, Emily, Spencer and Hanna are in. Whatever the case may be, will “A” actually hurt Aria or one of the other girls? Hanna came face-to-face with the hooded culprit, who was wielding a knife, in the Christmas special – yet she made it out unscathed.

The "Pretty Little Liars" Season 5 winter premiere airs Tuesday, Jan. 6, at 8 p.m. EST. What are your predictions? Tweet your thoughts to @AmandaTVScoop.

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