5 Old School Christmas TV Specials

A long time ago, even before I was born, there was such a thing as a TV holiday special. This was the glorious age of the variety show, TV programs that boasted comedy, music, story, and dance. hosted by some of the greatest entertainers of the time. Christmas holiday specials were either special episodes of TV shows or hour-long programs hosted by musicians or comedians. Even though I wasn't able to experience any of these amazing specials live, I grew up watching some on DVD during the Christmas season. I wanted to share with you five of the funniest, silliest, and all-around entertaining Christmas TV specials.

A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)

One of the most underrated Muppet programs ever is A Muppet Family Christmas. It aired on ABC in 1987. Kermit and the gang are off to the country to surprise Fozzie's mother on Christmas. This short TV special was one of the most ambitious Muppet productions ever because it was one of the few shows to feature four Muppet franchises: the Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and Muppet Babies (as live-action Muppets). It also includes a guest appearance from Gerry Parkes playing his "Doc" character from Fraggle Rock and a small, cute cameo from Jim Henson himself. A Muppet Family Christmas is great because it literally has every Muppet you can imagine. It also includes some great renditions of classic Christmas songs, such as "Jingle Bell Rock" sung by the Electric Mayhem and a hilarious Big Bird and Swedish Chef duet singing "The Christmas Song." If you love classic Muppets, you need to watch A Muppet Family Christmas this year.

The Donny and Marie Christmas Show (1978)

If this picture doesn't make you want to watch the Donny and Marie Christmas Special, then you are crazy. The Osmonds were a successful, multi-talented family band, the Mormon equivalent of the Jackson Five. In the mid-seventies, two of the siblings, Donny and Marie, starred in their own variety show. Their 1978 Christmas special had the siblings join their family in a cabin in Utah for a country Christmas. Interspersed with clips from Donny and Marie concerts, the entire family gets ready for Christmas Eve with plenty of singing and dancing. This was the first Osmond Christmas specials that had the Osmond wives perform and had rare guest appearances from the Osmond grandmothers. Goofy and silly surely describe this TV special, but it's also heartwarming and nostalgic, making it a perfect watch for the holiday season.

A Special Sesame Street Christmas (1978)

The same year the Donny and Marie Christmas Special premiered, another Christmas show was aired on CBS. A Special Sesame Street Christmas had the Sesame Street gang and a slew of guest stars including Leslie Uggams, Ethel Merman, and Dick Smothers try to get Oscar the Grouch into the holiday spirit. This Christmas special screams the 1970's, from the outfits to the camera work. It includes a nice variety of Christmas songs as well as a parody of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. One fun cameo is that of a young, be-froed Michael Jackson, hanging garland and reading a book on ghosts. A Special Sesame Street Christmas is a cute and enjoyable holiday watch, and it's all brought to a close by Oscar finally getting some Christmas cheer from the real star of the show: the fluffiest kitten ever named Tiny Tim. 

Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988)

I have a weird appreciation for Pee-Wee Herman. His 1980's show was kitschy, bizarre, and creative. His 1988 Christmas special was just as kitschy, bizarre, and creative. It's Christmas at the Playhouse and Pee-Wee and his friends are getting ready for Santa's arrival. We get to see holiday twists on regular segments from the show, such as King of Cartoons, the magic screen, and a Penny Cartoon. The guest appearances are incredible. Dinah Shore sings a never-ending rendition of "12 Days of Christmas." Cher learns the magic word of the day. Frankie Avalon makes Christmas crafts. Little Richard learns how to ice skate. This is just the tip of the iceberg of strange guest star performances. Pee-Wee's Christmas special is one of the weirder things you might watch this Christmas, but that's what makes it amazing.

John Denver: Montana Christmas Skies (1991)

One of my family traditions is watching the John Denver Montana Christmas Skies on Christmas day. John Denver is one of the greatest singers that blessed this world. He spanned genres, made great collaborations, and produced lots of TV specials. Montana Christmas Skies stars John Denver and his guests Clint Black, Kathy Mattea, and Patty Loveless. Most of the special takes place in a barn, reminiscent of the first Christmas. It also includes clips of John Denver performing some of his most beloved songs in concert. This program includes a good mix of both spiritual and fun Christmas songs. If you want a good old-fashioned American Christmas special to watch, this is the one. Plus, you get to hear George Burns talk to John Denver on a horse. What's better than that?