December 24 - White Christmas, The Santa Clause, and A Christmas Story

One of my all time favorite movies, not just a favorite Christmas movie, is White Christmas. I could watch it any day. So cool, funny and entertaining. bing at his zenith!

The Santa Clause is a more modern favorite although it is hard to believe it has been almost 20 years! Who doesn't wish they could be Santa? This film shows the pros and the cons of the Santa experience.

Finally, what is Christmas without an official Red Ryder 200 shot carbine action range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and is thing that tells time? A miniature of the leg lamp is on my tree right this moment!

Merry Christmas Eve!

December 23 - Holiday time in Disneyland, Mickeys Christmas Carol, and Christmas Vacation

Exactly 50 years ago, Dec 23, 1962, Walt Disney hosted a fun, travelogue version of his "Wonderful World of Color" show. While TV and Disneyland had a symbiotic relationship from the start, this was a neat look at the park 7 years into operation and was a commercial of sorts that no one seemed to mind. It sure makes you long to visit the park! Walt is at his zenith of Charm and magic throughout and was hard at work not only pulsing Disneyland, but at preparing for the 1964 Wolds Fair in New York. This episode is one of my favorites that he produced during the run of the show.

Another seasonal favorite is "Mickeys Christmas Carol" starring Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer, Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchet and the whole Disney gang in roles throughout. It was a producttion of the 1980s based on a record from the 1960s which in turn was based on the Dickens classic from the 1840s. It marked Mickeys return to the big screen and a new beginning for Scrooge McDuck as he went on to star in Ducktales on TV just a few years later. John Lassiter in his pre-Pixar days worked on this project at Disney.

Finally, Christmas with the Griswold family is always fun. I must confess, I have a bit too much of this movie in my soul and not only quote the film throughout, but have lived quite a few of the moments.

December 22 - Christmas with the Clampetts

I've always loved the Beverly Hillbillies and the Christmas episodes are a lot of fun! The first was 50 years ago in their first season as they packed up the truck to head back home for the celebration with Pearl and Jethrine. Whenever I fly, I always remember the Clampetts first experience on an airplane and have a little laugh. Most of this episode is not really about Christmas, but about travel and Pearl trying to get Mr. Brewster to marry her, but at the end we get a nice carol and Christmas Wish.

The next year, Jed and the gang stayed home and received lavish gifts from the Drysdales. A boat, TV, Skipper the monkey and more! They also gave a lavish gift in a full length mink (as long as they come) to Mrs. Drysdale. Payed for of course, because she did want a mink stole! ( hahaha)

I always love the simple humor and joy of this show.

December 21 - Christmas with the Doctor

Since 2005, Christmas has ushered in a new Doctor Who special on the BBC and BBC America. The first introduced the 10th Doctor in a pretty neat story called "the Christmas Invasion" with deadly Fathers Christmas and swirling Christmas trees of death!

Each year since there has been a new special. Some classic, others not so much. All have been interesting. This year we will get an episode called The "Snowmen" on the 25th which will introduce the new companion. Interesting once again!

December 20 - 'twas the blight before Christmas - Home Improvement

Hard to believe its been almost 20 years since this episode first aired. It's also hard to believe that 1993 fashions looked so 1980s. Big shoulders everywhere!

Fun episode with Tim creating a mega display for the season on his roof competing with his neighbor "Doc".

December 19 - I want a dog for Christmas Charlie Brown

Another Peanuts holiday episode, although this is much more about Linus and Lucy's little brother Re-run wanting a dog rather than a commentary on the Christmas season. Very cute moments and it had Woodstock who was not conceptualized at the time of the first Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965. As a one hour entry it feels a little padded, but overall not unenjoyable. Happiness is a warm puppy indeed!

Watch it with your favorite dog!

December 18 - White Lie Christmas - My Name Is Earl

I really enjoyed this show during the four seasons that it aired and this episode was one of the first to put Earl's ex-wife Joy in a better light. It certainly calls to mind an exaggerated version of Christmas tension that families feel when gathered for the holidays. Pretty adult content as much prime time TV is these days, so there are some parts not for kids.