Originally a special for HBO, this Jim Henson production (he also directed) was one of the first real forays into the more realistic, less vaudevillian direction for the Muppets. It also included Frank Oz (Muppeteer), Paul Williams (songs), and Jerry Juhl (script), some of the Muppet Show's usual suspects. Emmet Otter and his jug band are trying out in the local talent show, but they face fierce competition from a gang of toughs, the Riverbottom Gang and their rock band. Perhaps the most notable thing is the creation of a sense of poverty and want that suffuses the little production. Even Emmet's mother, who sacrifices her washtub to further Emmet's cause, gets in the act. Fine Christmas viewing for all ages.

A warm Yuletide special, A Muppet Family Christmas pairs the Muppet gang with the perennial favorite Sesame Street cast for a holiday celebration. With a blizzard brewing outside, Fozzie's childhood farmhouse on Christmas Eve becomes the backdrop for a medley of holiday tunes--eight in all--ranging from the Muppet band's rousing "Jingle Bell Rock" to Big Bird's sweet rendition of "The Christmas Song." The 42-minute program shines as a musical revue, seasoned with quick-witted interludes by the culinary comedic Swedish Chef, slapstick odd couple Ernie and Bert, and the diva-like escapades of Miss Piggy. The show's finale, which includes Kermit and Piggy under the mistletoe and a cameo appearance by Jim Henson, proves that nothing can dim the Muppets' appeal.

Miss Piggy is having a tree trimming party and everyone's invited. There's only one problem--the decorations are missing! And Miss Piggy has run out to do a last minute errand, so the rest of the Muppets are on their own. They find decorations for an assortment of other holidays, but the Christmas things are nowhere to be found. Lift the flaps and join Kermit and his friends as they search for the missing holiday trimmings. This bright, colorful book is packed with Christmas cheer and good ol' fashioned Muppet silliness.

Brian Henson directs his late father's creations in the Charles Dickens classic, the best known (and most oft-filmed) Christmas story of all time. Michael Caine plays the old miser Scrooge with Kermit as his long-suffering but ever-hopeful employee Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Cratchit's wife, and a host of Muppets (including the Great Gonzo as an unlikely Charles Dickens) taking other primary roles in this bright, playful adaptation of the somber tale. Or at least it starts brightly enough--the anarchic humor soon settles into mirthful memories and a sense of melancholy as the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future take Scrooge on a journey of his lonely, wasted life. Michael Caine makes a wonderful Scrooge, delightfully rediscovering the meaning of life as fantastic creations from Henson's Creature Shop (developed specially for this film) take the reins as the three ghosts. While the odd mix of offbeat humor and somber drama undercuts the power of Dickens's drama, this kid-friendly retelling makes an excellent family drama that adults and children alike can enjoy.

Kermit the Frog as Santa Claus narrates this delightful holiday tale. Rugby the Tiger is Jaime's favorite Christmas toy from last year. Rugby is convinced that he will be wrapped up and placed under the tree again this year. When it's Christmas Eve and all the other toys try to explain to him that that is not going to happen, Rugby decides to take matters into his own paws and place himself under the tree. He makes the dangerous trip from the playroom to the living room trying not to be seen, for if a toy's secret of being able to move when humans aren't around is discovered, it becomes frozen forever. Now all his friends from the toy room must get him back before it's too late. This sweet story about friendship and loyalty is delightful. The songs, including "Try the Impossible" and "Old Friends," are darling. This 50-minute video is great family viewing and an excellent addition to your Christmas collection. (Ages 3 and older)

Oscar the Grouch disturbs Big Bird with the question of how Santa Claus can fit down the chimneys. While he and the rest of the cast try to solve the riddle, Big Bird discovers the true meaning of Christmas - loving and sharing.

The show opens on a Christmas scene, featuring Maya Angelou explaining to Muppet characters how Elmo once got his wish that every day could be Christmas--and soon regretted it. Charles Durning and Harvey Fierstein are also on board, and there's a new friend in Lightning the reindeer, plus lots of songs. The whooshing Christmas-season feel to the story is infectious.

After you've spent the evening watching our great movies, you can always curl up in bed with a book. Even better, one with me on the cover! What more can you want?