The Andy Griffith Show Christmas Story remains endearing 6 decades later
This classic holiday episode never gets old for loyal fans.
The Andy Griffith Christmas special is a classic
The Andy Griffith Show only broadcast one Christmas episode during its eight seasons on CBS (1960-1968). They must have decided you don't need the rest when you have the best because this episode has been beloved for six decades. Loyal fans continue to enjoy it 63 years later." "Christmas Story" first aired on December 19, 1960, during the first season and has been warming the hearts and bringing back fond memories of fans every year since.
Christmas Story was the 11th episode of season one and revolved around Ben Weaver (Will Wright), a grumpy store owner who disliked the holiday. His mantra at the beginning of the episode was "Christmas Baa," an obvious nod to Ebeneezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol," who said "Baa Humbug." Old Ben demanded that Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) arrest bootlegger Sam Muggins (Sam Edwards) and place him in jail on Christmas Eve.
Barney causes Ben to fall
Sam’s wife, son, and daughter join him in jail, which infuriates Ben who storms out. The Muggins family enjoys a delicious holiday meal with all the trimmings right in the jail.
Along with Andy, Barney (Don Knotts), Ellie (Elanor Donahue), Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier), and Opie (Ron Howard). They have a big Christmas tree a table full of food and lots of love and holiday spirit.
Ben is standing on a box outside the jail and looking through a window at the festivities. Andy gets out his guitar, and the group begins singing Away in a Manger. Weaver, looking wistful as if remembering Christmas past, begins singing along, and this moment will bring tears. When he sees Barney come in dressed as Santa and saying, "Ho ho ho," the grumpy Grinch loses his footing and falls.
Andy arrests him and takes him home to get a few things. His Scrooge attitude disappears, and returns to the jail bearing gifts for everyone. The Grinch who tried to steal the holiday from Sam and his family has a change of heart in the spirit of the season.
Black and White or colorized version?
You can watch Christmas Story any time of the year on Paramount+, but there is something special about seeing the episode on television in December. Check your local listings, and be sure you watch the holiday The Andy Griffith Show classic on MeTV and TVLand. This episode never gets old for fans because it reminds them of the reason for the season, just like A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Watching this holiday episode can be bittersweet because so many who enjoyed it with you may have passed on, but you can keep them in mind and recall fond memories. There id a colorized version of Christmas Story but most people I spoke with said they prefer the Black and White original for sentimental reasons.
Fond memories of Christmas past
Christmas Story reminds us of a time when life was different and there was reverence for the December 25 holiday that is not present today. We cannot go back in time but we can relive Christmas past through The Andy Griffith Show Christmas special and others like it.
If you are not a fan of The Andy Griffith Show you may still want to watch this episode to see why it is so beloved. I hope everyone who enjoys this classic television episode will be able to watch it as many times as they choose. Now that I am a widow it helps ease my grief to enjoy Andy and Barney and the gang and their antics and remember fun holidays long ago. Merry Christmas everyone!
About the Creator
Cheryl E Preston
Cheryl enjoys writing about current events, soap spoilers and baby boomer nostalgia. Tips are greatly appreciated.
Keep reading
More stories from Cheryl E Preston and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Lost in Space actor Mark Goddard was on the soap operas General Hospital and One Life to Live
Soap vet and Lost in Space actor has passed away US Entertainment and other news outlets have reported that actor Mark Goddard passed away on Tuesday, October 10, after a lengthy illness. He will be fondly remembered as Major Don West in the original Lost in Space television series which ran on CBS from 1965-1968.
By Cheryl E Preston2 years ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters6 days ago in Geeks
Kartik Aaryan suffers first major setback after minor dating controversy
Kartik Aaryan recently suffered first major setback after getting caught in a controversy of dating a minor. It all started when the 35-year-old actor’s newly released film, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, became a box office bomb.
By Dena Falken Esq3 days ago in Geeks
Comments (3)
Thanks for sharing this valuable content. Now I want yo seeing 😻. Congrats on top of
Back when TV was wholesome. I was a huge afan and I enjoyed the Christmas episode immensely. Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you for sharing this cheryl. I have long been a fan of The Andy Griffith Show and of Andy Griffith, Don Knotts, and Ron Howard. The show has a special place and my life because of its heart and it's sincerity. The Christmas special was one of their very best episodes and I do enjoy it time after time. I have always admired the fact that Andy Griffith has championed programs that benefit the middle class and the everyday person. He was always a good role model and so many ways.