The Children’s Literature Series Vol. 7 December 31, 2020 A Muppet Family Christmas Jim Henson (1959–1990) Nationality: American Film Selection: A Muppet Family Christmas Originally aired December 16, 1987 Runtime : 47 minutes 50 seconds Hosted on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi9qSKZuvC4 Note from the Editor: Good Evening and welcome to Seventh volume of The Children’s Literature Series. Tonight’s selection will wrap up this year’s Christmas articles with my personal favourite A Muppet Family Christmas. With everything that has happened this year, I thought that it would be nice to reflect on what makes this season so special, being with our friends and family! Unfortunately, most of us were unable to do so, but hopefully next year will see us in better standings. So, for now, I guess we will have to live out our Christmas celebrations vicariously though Jim Henson’s extended family gathering. Please join me down at the old farmhouse for some laughter, songs and good cheer! Just make sure that you watch out for that icy patch! Sincerely, Mr. Sillers You can’t help but feel a little sentimental, as the Muppets pile into the old pickup truck to visit Fozzie Bear’s mother for Christmas. Putting aside the trivial aspects of their everyday lives to take a moment to be with loved ones. There is a sense of warmth and tradition that I think many of us have taken for granted in our own constantly “connected” lives. That being said, Fozzie’s Mother and Doc weren’t quite expecting the company, but after a truck full of weirdoes, her words not mine… spread some holiday cheer, even old Doc takes a shine to them. Which is a good thing, since there’s more in coming with the gang from Sesame Street and a whole bunch of Fraggles. I wonder what it must have been like for Gerard Parkes to perform with an entire ensemble of Muppets? I believe the only other “person” on set was Jim Henson himself. Speaking of Muppets, I love the fact that the Muppets and their TV cousins from Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock remain in character. We see this with Bert and Ernie when they meet Doc, they begin naming the letters of the various words they used in a sentence. Bert explains to Doc, “Where we come from this is small talk” (Henson 18:31-33). We also see this with the Fraggles, as they are inquisitive, yet slightly naïve little creatures. When Kermit and his nephew Robin encounter the Fraggles, explaining to them that they are frogs, Gobo asks, “Well, what’s a frog?” to which Mokey replies “They’re frogs” with Wembley adding, “well I’ll say”(31:38- 31:42). The Muppets have no constraints, so they basically do and say whatever they want… Considering The Muppet Show is a variety show, it’s no surprise that this special is jam-packed with various comedic elements. It’s got everything from one-liners, puns, situational setups and playful banter, not to mention slapstick with that icy patch on the porch that I pointed out earlier. Careful you don’t sprain your funny bone! Do you remember when I mentioned the whole incident where the turkey thought that he was invited to Christmas dinner in the last article? Well, they definitely played with the idea in this special and between a crafty bird and the kooky Swedish chef, it definitely made for some funny moments. Finally, it wouldn’t be a Muppet Christmas special without music. Thankfully, the show is peppered with a bunch of wonderful ditties, which really lift your spirits. Go ahead, sing along with them, I know you want to! Heck, even I was joining in after rewatching some of the scenes! No matter what your age is A Muppets Family Christmas has you covered, with plenty of catchy songs, comedic relief and touching moments. Jim Henson was definitely a showman with his puppets. Thanks for taking the time to read this article and I hope that the Christmas season brings you happiness and joy to last the whole year round! Merry Christmas! Works Cited Jim Henson. A Muppet Family Christmas. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi9qSKZuvC4 . Directed by Eric Till, Peter Harris with performances by Jim Henson, Gerard Parkes, Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire, Richard Hunt, Caroll Spinney, David Rudman, Kathryn Mullen and Karen Prell. Jim Henson and the Muppets Celebrate Christmas 1987. image. Jim Henson’s Red Book. https://www.henson.com/jimsredbook/wp- content/uploads/2010/12/MFC_14959_Promo_01.jpg . Accessed December 31, 2020 .