Two Classic TV Shows and Their Christmas Specials
By Ricky Goupille
In a world where wholesome entertainment is sparse, let us step back in time to classic TV shows that gave quality entertainment that an entire family could watch together. The two TV shows each aired on networks that are still running strong on a national level: “The Andy Griffith Show” on CBS and “The Little House on the Prairie” on NBC. The Christmas special for “The Andy Griffith Show” aired on December 19, 1960, on CBS.
Andy Taylor, played by the show’s namesake, was the sheriff of the town of Mayberry. In the final days leading up to Christmas, a local store owner, Ben, brings in Sam, a family man who made his own liquor for Christmas. This was against the law. Ben, lacking any ounce of mercy, demands Sherrif Taylor hold Sam in jail over Christmas day.
Andy and his loyal deputy Barney were looking forward to spending a Christmas party together with their families. Instead, they must now stay at the courthouse since they now have a prisoner.
Instead of letting both their own and Sam’s families down, Sheriff Taylor craftily plans the party be brought to the courthouse. He charges Sam’s wife and two kids with accessory to his crime and brings his family to him in jail as well. The party begins, much to Ben’s chagrin.
Like Ebeneezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ famous novel, Ben deals with his own inner turmoil. But he quickly feels as though he is missing out. Instead of sticking around for the party, he attempts to break the law in a variety of ways so he can be incarcerated, too. The other characters thwart his plan at first by showing him mercy multiple times by letting him go and even paying a fine for him.
The party goes on with a full Christmas meal, lighting a Christmas tree and a special musical selection of the famous Christmas carol “Away in a Manger.” Ben secretly watches and sings along from an outside window as he is caught up in the spirit of Christmas, though never admitting it.
Sheriff Taylor finally picks up on Ben’s attempts to get himself locked up so that he can join the party. Finally, they bring Ben in. He comes carrying a suitcase with various items. He gives the children and everyone else at the party a gift from his store, an amazing gesture. The characters continually showed Ben love despite his merciless demand to imprison Sam during Christmas. They affected him and caused him to want to love back.
This episode is a great reminder to show other people mercy and kindness. You never know what people battle with and never know how far a little display of love can go to helping someone else. It is a powerful episode that shows the spirit of Christmas.
On Christmas Day, 14 years later, NBC aired “Christmas at Plum Creek.” “Little House on the Prairie” took place in 1870s Minnesota. We follow the Ingalls family, newer to the town of Walnut Grove, struggle with funds around Christmas. The entire family is caught up in the giving aspect of Christmas.
Laura, the middle Ingalls daughter, learns that Christmas is the only time keeping secrets from one another is acceptable. Mary, the oldest, takes a job helping an elderly lady with her sewing business. Charles, the family’s patriarch, accepts a job for the local store owner refurbishing his wagon wheels in exchange for a major gift for his wife, Caroline. Unbeknownst to Charles, Laura has already struck a deal with the store owner to buy that very same gift.
Everybody works hard and their biggest desire is to buy gifts for one another. No one thinks about themselves, only about the others in the family. Eventually, when Charles goes to buy that major gift, he learns from the store owner that it has already been sold.
Laura has traded her beloved pony to the store owner’s daughter in exchange for a brand-new stove for her mother. Charles eventually finds out and helps the store owner deliver it to their house. Caroline is overwhelmed by her daughter’s act of self-sacrifice.
Perhaps we can all learn from this emotional episode of “Little House on the Prairie.” The Ingalls family showed us a valuable lesson.
Christmas is not about ourselves. It is about a love for others, sometimes a sacrificial love.
Charles helps Carrie put up the star on Little House on the Prairie.
Sam gives gifts to all the party goers on The Andy Griffith Show.
