About Christmas TV History

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Christmas in July 2016: John


Christmas in July 2016: John

1) What Christmas episode/special/or movie always puts you in the holiday spirit?

Oh, there are a quite a few! A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott, because I am a HUGE fan of A Christmas Carol, and that is far and away my favorite. I could probably recite the whole book from memory!

And then there is Garfield's Christmas special. I love Garfield and have been a big fan of his since he first came out!

And probably also all of the early Rankin/Bass Christmas specials up to Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. They just make me feel like a kid all over again!!



2) What Christmas program or scene brings you to tears?

In Garfield's Christmas special, the scene where Garfield is sitting on Jon's Grandma's lap on Christmas eve, while she tells him how much she misses her husband, who has passed away. When she sadly says "This is the night I miss him the most", it gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. No matter how many times I've seen it. Everyone I know who has seen it has been brought to tears by this scene as well. I challenge anyone to watch this and not be moved!


3) What's your favorite quote of dialogue, song lyric, or sentiment from a Christmas program?

Probably any quote from A Christmas Carol, with George C. Scott. Mostly because they used huge blocks of dialogue straight from the book. Dickens' writing was incredible in that story, and I love hearing it brought to life!!

And my favorite song lyric from a show is from "Christmas Time Is Here" from Charlie Brown: "Oh if we, could only see, such spirit through the year." I absolutely LOVE that sentiment!



4) Is there a Christmas program that unintentionally frightens you--or turns you off?

There are a couple. First, there is the Star Wars Holiday Special which is frightening just because it is so BAD!!! And then also there is the Fat Albert Christmas special. Not the whole thing, just the bad guy in it. I do realize that he's supposed to look a little creepy since he's the antagonist, but they took it WAY over the top here!



5) Name one character from Christmas entertainment with whom you closely identify? and explain why.

Probably the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge. I try to follow his example of being kind, charitable and giving. His promise to the ghost of Christmas Future, which was "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year," is something I try to live by!

7 comments:

  1. Hooray! Someone brought up Garfield's Christmas, one of the best specials out there. It's a shame it doesn't get more airtime and publicity like Rudolph and Frosty...

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  2. A Garfield fan!!! I had the pleasure of writing a Blog about A Garfield Christmas special for Joanna a few years ago. it is one of my absolute favorites and I agree it should be one of the most cherished Christmas specials like Rudolph or Frosty

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  3. A Garfield fan!!! I had the pleasure of writing a Blog about A Garfield Christmas special for Joanna a few years ago. it is one of my absolute favorites and I agree it should be one of the most cherished Christmas specials like Rudolph or Frosty

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  4. I love the Garfield Christmas special. I remember its original premiere as a kid -- we were SOOOO excited -- and rematching it with my own kids, it's actually a really touching, classic special that embodies the spirit of Christmas very well and truly does hold up. I've introduced/reintroduced quite a few parent friends over the years and the reaction I get again and again, is, 'Wow, that's really good.' And kids like it, too. (The Garfield Halloween special also holds up very well.)

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  5. The Garfield Christmas Special is such a heartwarming story! It's so nice to see that it has touched so many others as well. Thanks for the reminder--and thanks for participating :D

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  6. I think you tugged at everyone's heart strings, John, with all of your favorites... Especially Garfield! That special is just that - so special! It's unfortunate it doesn't get an honorable showing every year like all the other greats! That scene with the grandmother always gets me, too! Beautiful!

    Love that you try to be like the reformed Ebeneezer Scrooge! I feel the same! If only we all tried to honor Christmas in our hearts, everyday, what a wonderful world it would be!

    Blessings!!! Net

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