Christmas TV Party 2014: Caffeinated Joe

from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

 Christmas TV Party 2014: Caffeinated Joe at Caffeinated Joe  and My Third Parent

1) What is the first Christmas special you remember watching?
Has to be Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.  I remember eagerly waiting for it each year and being frightened by the Bumble and unnerved by King Moonracer.  Still love it, even if Santa is a bit of a tool in the special.

2) Name one Christmas program/movie you enjoy watching all year round.
I usually save Christmas movies and specials from the day after Halloween till around New Year's, but one that I can watch whenever it is on is the Holiday Armadillo episode of Friends.  I just think it is hilarious and hits on not only Christmas, but Hanukkah, as well. I still want to get a toy armadillo and put a Santa hat on it for a decoration at Christmastime.

Dolly Parton in A Smoky Mountain Christmas

3) Name one overlooked, or under-appreciated Christmas program.
Since these are MY answers, I am going to choose one others might scoff at: A Smoky Mountain Christmas, starring Dolly Parton and Lee Majors.  This is a TV Movie from 1986 and I freaking love it.  Simple, but with heart and fine performances from all, I believe.  We also get some great music from Dolly herself.  I watch it every year, it is a staple for me. I wish the music would be released on a CD.

4) Send us to 3 places on the internet.
Well, you are already here, so I don't have to send you to Joanna's great page. Let's see...

The JoBeth Williams Recollection - Don't let the name fool you, this blog covers all kinds of stuff, mostly retro goodness.

Broadcasting Archives - A great, informative site for classic television information and photos.

Heck Yeah Classic TV - Name pretty much sums it up!

I'm Remembering - I know you said three, but I couldn't leave this one out.  Love the glimpses into the past that are posted here, whether it be ads, TV shows, movies or just 80s goodness.

Lenny and the Squigtones performing the song "The Jolliest Fat Man."

5) What are your 3 favorite Christmas episodes of a TV sitcom or drama?
The X-Files - "How The Ghosts Stole Christmas". Not your typical Christmas episode, but perfect for this show. And we get some great guest stars in Ed Asner and Lily Tomlin!

Murder, She Wrote - "A Christmas Secret". A Cabot Cove-set Christmas episode, we get a simple plot set around family and a party. But the major draw for me here are the scenes with Jessica and Seth. Some great insight into Seth and into their friendship together.

Laverne & Shirley - "Christmas Eve at the Booby Hatch (aka Oh, Hear the Angel Voices)". We get the whole gang performing a talent show for a local mental hospital, so there is a lot of great stuff here. My favorite moment though is Lenny and Squiggy's perfomance of "The Jolliest Fat Man."  So great.