Erik’s Advent Calendar 18 Days til Christmas!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s coming fast! A favorite of mine as a kid was the Advent Calendar. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, Advent Calendars counted down the days until Christmas with fun little calendars. Usually hidden behind the numbers of the calendar were little toys or candy. Little gifts to have fun with before Christmas Day. With that in mind I present to you my calendar full of Christmas Joy. Every day we will knock another down the peg and share a bit of Christmas joy either in the form of a film, a theme park celebration or a special event or show. We will showcase something new and fun every day until Christmas! So get ready to unwrap and share some  holiday cheer!


18 Days til Christmas-Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas
Based on Russell Hoban’s 1971 book by the same name, this Christmas special was directed and produced by Jim Henson. Emmet Otter tells the story of Emmet and his Ma who are dirt poor. Emmet’s father died several years earlier, and left the two penniless. They both keep their heads up, and despite being dirt poor, are very much grateful for what they have. As Christmas approaches, Emmet’s Ma wants to get him a new guitar. Emmet wants to get Ma a new piano. They both love music so much, and it’s about all they have left that’s free. So deciding to enter a talent contest to get a down payment for each other’s gifts they each take something from each other that is needed for the two to continue to make money. Ma pawns Emmet’s tool chest, while Emmet puts a hole in Ma’s washtub.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6trGocstHI
The special is a decidedly Henson take on the Gift of the Magi. It touches a special place in my heart because of the Muppets, and the fact that for a while my mom and I struggled after her divorce from my father. It also comes around and brings together the lesson that it doesn’t matter what you can buy, as long as you have your family you’ve got all you need.
The special features loads music, which is a highlight of the entire show. Several new songs, in a variety of styles, from bluegrass to gospel and even rock.
The film no longer plays much on television, but you can buy the DVD version for your collection.