Random Christmas Notes

By Mitchell

• As most of you know, I'm a big fan of TVParty, and not just because I've written for it. Billy Ingram's site is one of the most entertaining around, with an exceptional collection of TV clips, facts, and other features. Be sure to check out its wonderful collection of stories on Christmas TV shows (here, here, here and here, just for starters) and see if they don't bring back some fun memories.
  
• So what was wrong with Tiny Tim anyway? LiveScience provides some interesting possibilities. (Thanks to Jonah at NRO.)
  
• Speaking of A Christmas Carol, is this one of the greatest Christmas stories around, or what? And one of the most-often made. Mr. Magoo stars in a wonderful animated version that's actually pretty faithful to the story, with a musical score that would put some Broadway shows to shame. (Not surprising, since vets Bob Merrill and Jule Styne were responsible for it.) Naturally, TV Party has a rundown on many of the TV versions. But if you want the complete story of A Christmas Carol and its adaptations, check out the book of the same name, which I guarantee will delight you with its detail.
  
• Boomers like us have a continuing affection for the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Perhaps it's the Animagic animation, or the songs, or even the General Electric commercials featuring the Rudolph characters. It's definitely of an age, and it's impossible for anyone of that age to watch it without being swept back in time. (Speaking of books, Rick Goldschmidt has a terrific book about it, as well as more info on his blog.) Good thing it has all that going for it because, let's admit, the story is a little weak. Do Santa's reindeer really have families? (No. Everyone knows there are only eight flying reindeer.) Would Santa disparage Rudolph's nose? (Of course not. Santa would never do such a cruel thing.) And what's with that misfit toy bit? I thought I'd covered all the bases over the years, but Likeks provides the definitive version.