brusty1 This film has a special place in my heart. Long ago, when I was a little boy and in love with the Muppets, I saw this movie on HBO and was enchanted. Considered a trial run for Jim Henson in order to see if making a feature length Muppets was possible, it has become much more than that to the many fans of this wonderful holiday film. Wonderful songs and equally great puppetry meet up with a sugary sweet story that will warm your heart on the most important holiday of the year. Songs like "Our World" and "Barbecue" will ring in your head long after you've seen this. Message of love and giving are sure to have people of all ages happy during Christmas time. I cannot recommend this movie enough!

crow1701 In all of his work, Jim Henson seemed to always concentrate on the quality of the story, and not the frills and thrills that so many movie goers are now addicted to. To me, Jim was a hippie in many ways, and I mean that with the sincerest praise. He seemed to grow up in a time when imagination was blooming and people were breaking the bonds of tradition. In his short life, he allowed himself to explore his imagination as far as he could take it. It is a shame he left us so early.In this short film, he uses the simple premise of a mother and son's love. It is feelings that most of us can identify with. Emmett and his mother are poor and the things they work for are sometimes only used as a means of getting something else they need to work with. This film touches how those who have been stripped of most of their possessions still find it in themselves to laugh, love, and care for others around them.I recently bought this for my daughter and was so familiar with the lines that even after 20+ years ago, I could tell what was cut out from the DVD version. There is a simple scene in this film that makes your heart ache, and as I watched it, I was feeling like I was 12 again, having tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. Emmett and his mom are thinking about how they are going to get a Christmas present for each other, and both are thinking about the only two truly valuable things left in the home: a washtub and a tool chest. Each are willing to sacrifice these things to get the other a present. It is such a powerful scene, even in a children's movie, you will see the heart of the film shining through.Jim Henson's spirit lives on and as long as there are great storytellers in the world, his vision for humanity will be seen by those lucky enough to find it.

Tommy Nelson Muppeteers: Jerry Nelson, Marylin Sokol, Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz, Frank Oz and Eren Ozker.This is a great TV Christmas Special! It's about poor Emmett and his mother who are poor and whose husband/father just died. Emmett and his mother decide to do a talent show to get money for Christmas presents, but they need to sell/ruin each other's most prized possessions. Excellent music by Paul Williams including Ain't No Hole in the Washboard and Bar-b-que. Based on a book but made personal by Jim, considering he directs it and all the Muppet show stars are in it. Has a short opening with Kermit the frog also. I highly recommend it! Not rated. 52 mins.

pack_man99 So what if you can see wires on all the characters, this classic will remain a must view every year for my family and myself. Emmitt Otter's story is one that teaches us all, young and old, that the best things in life are the things that we take for granted. I am glad that my family can say after watching this gem, that "We're closer now than ever before".