Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

As the holidays roll closer, it’s a great time for anyone who ever enjoyed an episode of Sesame Street to check out one of the cutest Christmas specials around, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. This film was shown regularly on television starting in 1978, and I used to watch it every year as a child. Sadly it isn’t generally shown any more but you can still purchase it on video, like I did.

Plot Information
This Sesame Street adventure takes place on Christmas Eve. The movie kicks off with the whole gang going ice skating. There’s nothing quite like watching Bert, Ernie, the Count, and Oscar playing crack the whip. Big Bird and his friend Patty (Debbie Chen) take over as the stars of the show after Oscar warns them that unless they figure out how Santa Clause can fit down the skinny chimney, there will be no presents for anyone. The rest of the show follows Big Bird and Patty on their quest to discover how Santa will be able to get in the house. In the midst of this, there are lots of fun scenes of the folks on Sesame Street getting ready for Christmas (or Hanukkah, in Mr. Hooper’s case) and writing letters to Santa (or eating the writing utensils, in Cookie Monster’s case.)

The Good
I like almost everything about this movie. Almost all of my favorite Sesame Street characters make an appearance. There are many so adorable parts, I can’t even pick a favorite. Snuffy tries to help Big Bird out by climbing into a makeshift “chimney”. Of course, this isn’t very productive but it sure is cute. Children are interviewed for their suggestions as to how Santa gets in the chimney, and they give hilarious candid responses.

This little film really manages to capture the spirit of Christmas and is full of great messages for children. Ernie and Bert play out their own version of “The Gift of the Magi” when they both selflessly give up their prize possessions in order to buy each other Christmas gifts. Fortunately, Mr. Hooper saves the day and helps make their Christmas special even though he doesn’t personally celebrate the holiday. Linda (Linda Bove), who is deaf, teaches a group of children to sign a Christmas song to surprise Bob (Bob McGrath). When Big Bird goes missing on Christmas Eve, everyone on Sesame Street goes out to look for him. This is just a very sweet movie.

I also love the songs from this film. Some of the songs are popular carols. The gang ice skates to “Feliz Navidad” and the Bert and Ernie sing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” There are also some original tunes, such as Oscar’s rendition of “I Hate Christmas” which always makes me laugh. Bob and the children sing and sign to “Keep Christmas With You”, and the whole gang sings “A True Blue Miracle”.

The Bad
If you are very cynical, you may find this group of talking, singing Muppets to be a little too cheesy. Just a warning! The video also has a distinctively late 70's, early 80's feel (all the men are wearing flared pants) but despite that I think it has aged pretty darn well.

Overall…
If you were a fan of Sesame Street yourself or are looking for a video to purchase for your family, Christmas Eve on Sesame Street is a great choice!

*Check out my Top Ten Favorite Christmas Movies!

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS