February 22, 2012

Remembering Those Wonderful Christmas Specials

Television set with a Santa hatWhatever happened to those great Christmas specials of years-gone-by?  You know the ones I mean.  We had Bob Hope with the troops, the Osmond Family, Andy Williams, Red Skelton and so many others.  They were such wonderful shows.

I especially liked the “family” Christmas shows like the ones the Osmonds did.  They made it look as though you were invited into their home for Christmas. (Continued below video)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m63qkJKlIUE

While it’s true that many of the stars I’ve mentioned have passed on, it’s sad that no one has really stepped in to fill the void.  It seems as though the networks don’t feel that we would want to see wonderful holiday specials like these anymore.  Personally, I believe that this type of thinking is wrong.  Thankfully, many of these wonderful classic specials are still available on DVD so we can continue to enjoy them year after year.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKR8S6XkAww

7 Must See Holiday Shows for Kids

Television set with a Santa hatThe holidays are upon us. Everyone is getting ready to put up decorations and get into the holiday mood. Entertain your kids this holiday season with television programs geared towards getting them (and us) into the Christmas spirit.

Who says that there is nothing valuable on television anymore? During the holidays some of the best programs air on regular stations and cable. Consult your local guide for show days and times. Here are the programs to highlight for viewing by your kids.

  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Poor old Chuck. He’s feeling left out again. No one has invited him to any Christmas parties. But, his luck seems to be changing when he is chosen director of the Christmas play. That is, until Lucy decides to offer him her expert advice.
  2. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – This is the story of the Who’s down in Whoville and their nemesis high above them, the Grinch. For some reason he hates Christmas and dislikes anyone who enjoys it, namely the Who’s! The story is narrated by Boris Karloff, a legendary horror movie icon in Hollywood’s heyday.
  3. ‘Twas the Night before Christmas (1974) – The cartoon is based on the poem by Clement C. Moore. In this story, the children in a small town end up on Santa’s naughty list when someone begins sending hate mail to Santa. It is up to the town’s clockmaker, Joshua Trundle to fix the situation with a rousing Christmas song.
  4. Mickey’s Once upon a Christmas (1999) – The Disney gang is all accounted for in a program that encompasses several small vignettes about the Christmas holiday. See Mickey and Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and their three pesky nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and Goofy.
  5. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) –The classic Christmas favorite by Charles Dickens is animated and acted by the Disney characters. Mickey plays Bob Cratchit to Scrooge McDuck’s Ebenezer Scrooge. The characters bring the story of greed and redemption to a kid’s level of understanding.
  6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – Our favorite reindeer is back again with his friends Yukon Cornelius and Hermie, the elf. Rudolph proves that being different is not a curse, but a blessing. Along the way they sing a lot of great songs and everyone learns acceptance.
  7. Frosty the Snowman (1969) – Who is the fastest belly flopper in the world? It’s Frosty of course. A group of school children bring their snowman to life with the help of a magician’s hat.

So, pull up a chair and a bowl of popcorn to watch these fun family favorites with your kids. Many air more than once during the month of December so if you miss it the first go round there will be other chances.

Movie Review: Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart • Mario Lopez • Markie Post • Tim Bottoms


A few years ago, when ABC Family started airing the trailer for this movie, I remember thinking, “Who in their right mind would ever watch this strange film?” Well, over the years, I’ve answered that question by saying, “Me. I’ll watch it.”

At first blush, the premise of this movie seems bizarre at best and downright silly to boot, but first looks can sometimes be deceiving.

In this movie, Melissa Joan Hart plays Trudy, a young lady who wants to march to the beat of her own drum, but who feels pressured by her parents to meet their high expectations. Trudy’s mom plans a family Christmas in a rented cabin out in the middle of nowhere and reminds Trudy to bring her boyfriend, Nick, along. Unfortunately, Nick breaks up with Trudy at the last moment and that’s where the story takes off.

I won’t ruin the whole plot for you, but I will tell you that it’s a nice family story.

Sure, the ending is predictable, but, hey, it’s a Christmas film. You need a happy ending in a Christmas film.

This was a movie that I never thought I would like, but it has become a regular part of our Christmas TV viewing schedule. Thankfully, the DVD is available as a backup in case ABC Family decides not to air it one year. :-)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ly4shNt4k&p=D1B61A8CFD819453

Tim’s Grade:  B

Editor’s Note:  Due to the subject matter, this movie may not be appropriate for the younger members of the family.