The best of Family Christmas Media

I'm a bit of a junkie when it comes to Christmas music, movies, books, etc.  I keep them handy all year long and have been known to snuggle up with my kiddos and watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" or sing along to my "Carpenter Christmas Collection" in the dead-heat of July.  Most of us are familiar with the popular Christmas media favorites, but today I want to introduce to you a few unsung heros that have won my holiday heart.

First up, in the Christmas music department there's the beautifully orchestrated yet never dull soundtrack to "A Muppet Christmas Carol". 

This show is a must for family movie watching in December (or anytime, really), and the soundtrack is the cherry on the top of the banana split.  I dare you not to snicker during the rousing "Marley & Marley", performed by Statler and Waldorf (aka the two grumpy hecklers in the Muppet Show audience).  I dare you not to get little-kid-giddy when Kermit sings "...after all there's only one more sleep til Christmas".  And I double-dog-dare you not to tear up at the sweet lyrics to "Bless us all".  Here are my favorite passages:

Bless us all, who gather here
The loving family i hold dear
No place on earth, compares with home
And every path will bring me back from where I roam

Bless us all, that as we live
We always comfort and forgive
We have so much, that we can share
With those in need we see around us everywhere

Bless us all with playful years
With noisy games and joyful tears
We reach for you and we stand tall
And in our prayers and dreams
We ask you bless us all

Sniff, sniff, right mums and dads?  Seriously, your family will love this soundtrack.

Next, every family needs great Christmas books to read each night, cuddled up by the fireplace.  Again, I'm bypassing the famous stories you probably already know and passing along my two favorites from off-the-beaten-path...

A Wish To Be A Christmas Tree, by Colleen Monroe

What's a tree to do when he's grown too big to fit in someone's home for the holidays?  The fir in this story turns to his friends with his disappointment at not being chosen and is cheered by their desire to make his wish come true, right where he stands.  My children adore the sweet woodland creatures that give of themselves to help their friend, as well as the beautiful pictures in this nature-loving books (just turn a blind eye to the fact that no tree really wishes to be cut down in the first place, right earthy mamas?).   I adore the "true meaning of Christmas" message behind being generous, thoughtful and unselfish during this wonderful time of year.

The Little Shepherd Girl, by Juliann Henry

I know, I know, I'm a huge sucker for books about plucky young girls boldly breaking gender stereotypes.  But this story about a girl who is told she can't be a shepherd (and then ends up being a really good one and visiting the Christ child in the process) is never preachy, but sweet and subtle in its message about God's love being universal to all.  The charming tale and lovely artistry appeals to both genders and a wide age range - my 3 yo and 6 yo (both boys) beg for it almost nightly.  I also feel it really personalizes the story of Jesus's birth for small children, who are able to imagine themselves as small shepherds on that magnificent night.

Lastly, let's talk awesome Christmas movies.  I could go on for days about my favorite Christmas shows, but instead, I want to post one that many of us enjoyed at one time but has been long-forgotten by most.  Normally I would link you to a place to buy this show rather than put all 5 youtube segments of it here but sadly, it cannot be bought in its entirety.  When the rights to distribute it in video form were bought, the company didn't want to shell out the money for complete permission to make money off of the Christmas carols.  So instead, they cut out huge chunks of the show (some seriously great parts!).  Thankfully, I found the whole uncut version on Youtube! 
It's charming, it's quirky, it's nostalgic, it's classic, it's HILARIOUS...

it's "The Muppet Family Christmas"!!!
 

Complete with Fozzy's corny jokes, the Swedish Chef's attempts to cook the Christmas turkey, the Sesame Street re-enactment of "Twas the Night Before Christmas", a quick jaunt into a Fraggle cave, a carol sing-along sure to put you in the holiday spirit, and much, much more.  Enjoy! (and watch out for the icy patch.)

What are your favorite Christmas books, movies or music?