Filmed in Toronto and originally screening on ABC in 1987, A Muppet Family Christmas brought together all of Jim Henson’s most beloved characters from The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock for a festively fun-filled Christmas TV special. Heck, Uncle Jim himself even has a cameo towards the end, washing the dishes after the great Muppet feast.
The premise of A Muppet Family Christmas was simple enough. Fozzy invites his friends for a good old-fashioned family Christmas at his mother’s cabin, completely unaware that she’d booked herself a dream trip to Malibu. Spoiling any chance she had of sun, sea, and sand, Mrs. Bear – known as Emily – reluctantly agrees to have everyone stay over, much to the chagrin of Doc and Sprocket, who were renting the cabin from her in her absence.
Slowly, more and more Muppets arrive, including a gang of carol singers from Sesame Street. But, when a blizzard hits, they are forced to seek refuge in the cabin, further disrupting the peaceful retreat Doc had planned for himself and his dog.
Combining the various Muppet franchises makes for some unforgettable moments, from Fozzy and Elmo lighting the tree to Bert and Ernie irritating Doc with the Sesame version of small talk. There are also sheer slapstick moments, like when Swedish Chef tries to cook Big Bird for Christmas dinner, mixing the zany Muppet Show humor with the sweetness of the more kiddy-centric Sesame Street. We were even introduced to new characters, such as Fozzy’s wisecracking new buddy, the Snowman, and a Christmas Turkey that takes a shine to Gonzo’s girlfriend, who’s a chicken. Because, well, Muppets.
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The chaos soon turns around when everyone fears Miss Piggy may be lost in the snow. She’s spent much of the special being her typical Diva self, but as she finally tries to make it to her beloved frog, all looks lost. In typical Muppet fashion, though, everyone pulls together, lending a shoulder for Kermit to lean on. Just as all seems lost, they reunite him with his one true love.
Looking back, I think that’s exactly why I love A Muppet Family Christmas so much. Not just because it’s a Muppet film, but because it proves deep down it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. The only thing that matters at Christmas is family, however may you define it. And this crazy lot is all just that, one big Muppet family.
