About Christmas TV History

Monday, June 9, 2014

Christmas TV Party 2014




The annual Christmas in July party I host each year on this blog is coming up fast.  If you've been around awhile, you may remember that each year the summer party is a little different.  I try to do something special in July each year because each of us gets very busy in December and it's a fun to have a get-together when we aren't in the midst of the holiday season.

This year I'd like to introduce a mini-questionnaire as a way to spark a dialogue and to have everyone get to know each other  better.  I was inspired to try this approach from what I saw (and participated in) two years ago on the website Kindertrauma.  With their blessing, I've adapted the questionnaire to fit our needs.  Answer as fully or as briefly as you like.  Everyone is invited to take part--long-time readers, other bloggers, casual TV fans, or just the curious passer-by.  Everyone should feel free to join in the Christmas TV Party.

Copy + Paste the questions below in an email, answer them, and email it back to me.  Send your responses in immediately and I'll begin posting them starting on July 1st--and roll them out in the order received.  (DON'T put your responses to the questions in the comments below--email them in).  Here ya go:

Christmas TV Party 2014: (insert your name--your website/optional)

1) What is the first Christmas special you remember watching?

2) Name one Christmas program/movie you enjoy watching all year round.

3) Name one overlooked, or under-appreciated Christmas program.

4) Send us to 3 places on the internet (please include URLs).

5) What are your 3 favorite Christmas episodes of a TV sitcom or drama?



Since I'm hosting this party, I'll be glad to be the first one to join the party.

Christmas TV Party 2014:  Joanna Wilson from ChristmasTVHistory.com

1. What is the first Christmas special you remember watching?
I think watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is my earliest Christmas TV memory.  I distinctly remember not being old enough to stay awake past my bedtime during prime time but struggling to see the end.  I was so young I was terrorized by the dentist elf Hermey pulling out the Bumble's teeth! Early favorite Christmas TV movies include The House Without a Christmas Tree (1972) and The Homecoming (1971).

2) Name one Christmas program/movie you enjoy watching all year round.
I enjoy seeing the 1963 Christmas episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show any time I catch it on TV--I can't help but always sing along.

3) Name one overlooked, or under-appreciated Christmas program.
This could be a very long list but today I'll go with John Denver and the Muppets: Christmas Together from 1979--only because it desperately needs to be released on DVD.  I know I'm not the only one who wants to see this get officially released on DVD and maybe even seen in prime time again.  Younger generations should get a chance to see this this classic Muppets Christmas TV special.


4) Send us to 3 places on the internet.
TV Confidential--(radio/podcast)
Classic TV Blog Association
Name That Christmas Special


5) What are your 3 favorite Christmas episodes of a TV sitcom or drama?
I like a little music with my Christmas stories so I like 1971's The Partridge Family Christmas episode and The Brady Bunch Christmas episode from 1969.  Another favorite is the 2 hour tear-jerker from Eight is Enough (1977's "Yes, Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus")--Will Geer plays such a loveable crook and Tommy's gift from his mother always makes me cry like a baby.

Send in your responses today!  Merry Christmas in July.



Please feel free to use the above image to share your participation in the Christmas TV Party this July where ever you social network.


16 comments:

  1. Awesome! Great idea, I will definite send you something! :)

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  2. i think this is great also....and maybe it will get more people to participate. shared on twitter, google, and facebook! make some good appetizers for the christmas in july party joanna. LOL

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    1. That was my goal this year--to welcome more people/readers to participate. I can't wait to see your response too ;) Thanks for commenting.

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  3. Love this idea and love your answers! Going to send mine in, too!

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  4. Great idea,shared this on Twitter, still working on the questionnaire.

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  5. Your responses keep rolling in--you're going to love reading these! Thanks to everybody who has already sent there's in--and I look forward to receiving the rest!

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    1. *their's* they're's, there's, pick one! Hahahaha sorry.

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  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Tom--I removed your reply here and put it in an upcoming post along with the others to begin rolling out July 1st.

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  7. Remember folks--email me your answers at Joanna@1701press.com

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  8. Can't wait until this starts tomorrow! (and hoping you got my e-mail!!!)

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  9. Hello Joanna! I sent you an e-mail. Just want to know... is it too late now to send in my favorites? Please let me know. I would love to join the Party! Net : )

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