The Carpenters At Christmas originally aired Friday, December 9th 1977.

This was the second television special by the singing group The Carpenters for ABC. It starred The Carpenters and also had special guest stars Harvey Korman, Burr Tillstrom's Kukla and Ollie and Kristy McNichol. As this was The Carpenters tv special the main emphasis is obviously on them and their incredible music but this episode also had a little "drama" and some short comic skits too. The music for the special (arranged by Richard) is an interesting mix of both classic Christmas tunes as well as new pop inspired arrangements and they are quite good. Each of the guests also had at least one musical number (several by Kukla & Ollie) and all of them are for the most part enjoyable if only in a hammy 1970s kind of way.

Richard and Karen are preparing for their special, Richard is down and not really in a Christmas mood, he isn't even sure he's going to Karen's party that night. As he walks the streets thinking about it he goes into a bowling alley for a cup of coffee only to run into Harvey Korman, who immediately proceeds into a musical number. When he finishes the two of them continue on their journey still wondering if they'll ever know the true meaning of Christmas. As our two philosophers wander about they come upon Kristy McNichol, who is very sad because her parents have gone on a trip and she is all alone for Christmas, but Richard invites her to Karen's party which makes her happy again! Our two vagabonds continue on in their journey seeking the truth of Christmas while Kristy takes off for the party in her stretch limo! Finally they arrive at the park where they come upon Kukla and Ollie in the middle of a show. The insightful puppets are able to teach Richard the true meaning of Christmas and convince him that he must go to the party if only for his sister's sake. Having learned his lesson, Richard and all of his new friends go to the Christmas party. The whole gang meets up at Karen's house, there will be great songs of course and guaranteed holiday fun for everyone!

Besides the short comic skit that introduced her Kristy also has a very cute little musical number with Karen titled "The Christmas Alphabet", a number so cute that it is completely off the cuteness scale! Along with the entire cast Kristy also sang the tune "My New Years Resolution" and even had a verse of her own where she resolves to stop being a tomboy, have Donny Osmond worshipping at her feet and to borrow Farrah's hair!

This show is still very enjoyable all of these years later. Unfortunately though as you watch this you can't help be reminded of all the tragic events that were occurring behind the scenes as this saccharin sweet Christmas special was being made. But even so this show is quite entertaining and stands as a testament to the wonderful music of The Carpenters and especially to Karen Carpenter, whose voice remains one of the most powerful and memorable in the history of pop music.

Buying note: This show has never been available on commercial home video. But there are other sources for this as well as many other Kristy McNichol appearances that you might be looking for.

5-22-2006