Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Alice "Ma" Otter

Today's featured article was written by our frequent contributor Abigail Maughan.

ALICE OTTER

Performed by...
Marilyn Sokol (voice)
Frank Oz (puppetry)

First and only appearance...
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

Best known role...
Talented, wise matriarch of the Otter family in Frogtown Hollow

Song of choice...
"Our World"

WHO IS ALICE OTTER?
Alice “Ma” Otter is one of two main characters in Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, a 1977 TV holiday special. Alice and her young son Emmet have been low on money since the recent death of Alice’s husband, known simply as Pa, and are making ends meet by performing odd jobs for the animal neighbors of Frogtown Hollow. Alice does laundry, knits socks and the like, while Emmet repairs houses and fences. Although they are down on their luck and forced to comply with difficult clients, they do their work every day with a smile and a song, rowing up and down the river. These scenes highlight Alice’s deep optimism and determination to be a source of strength and cheer for her son.

A few days before Christmas, Alice’s friend Hetty Muskrat informs her of an upcoming talent contest, of which the grand prize is $50. Alice decides to enter, in hopes of winning to buy Emmet a guitar for Christmas. She is fairly confident in her singing ability and chances of winning: the only thing holding her back is the lack of a proper costume.

Little does she know, Emmet and his friends have organized a jug band for the very same contest. Emmet also hopes to win and use his share of the money to buy his mother a piano. The Otters’ intentions are noble, but to complete their acts, enter the show, and possibly win the contest, they must put each other’s already unstable businesses in jeopardy: Alice must sell Emmet’s toolbox for costume fabric, and Emmet must turn his mother’s washtub into a bass for his jug band. They are both reluctant to do so, but after singing “When the River Meets the Sea,” Pa’s favorite song, Alice and her son decide to take the risk and carry out their plans, convinced that Pa would have done the same thing.

Come Christmas Eve and the talent show, Alice, though terribly nervous, gets up on stage and wonderfully sings the ballad “Our World,” followed immediately by Emmet and his friends’ equally impressive rendition of “Brothers.” Alice is certain her son will win, and vice versa, but as it turns out, neither performance is a match for the Riverbottom Nightmare Band and their rock and roll number.

The dejected Alice, Emmet, and the jug band head home, aware that they are now in even more financial trouble than before. Strangely, Alice and Emmet are not too concerned at the moment, satisfied with themselves for having done “what Pa would have done,” and touched that the other wanted to win the contest for them. While walking, Alice comes up with the idea to combine their two talent show songs, which blend together beautifully. Doc Bullfrog overhears the group singing and offers them a steady job performing at his popular restaurant, the Riverside Rest. The job pays well and supplies free food, so Alice, Emmet and the others are all too happy to accept. Content with their new employment, Alice thanks Pa for the inspiration by leading the boys in another round of “When the River Meets the Sea.” The group presumably lives happily ever after.

On the set, Frank Oz did the puppetry for Alice and actress Marilyn Sokol, who Muppet fans will recognize from various episodes of Sesame Street, provided the voice, the songs beforehand and the dialogue after.

WHY DOES FROGTOWN HOLLOW NEED ALICE OTTER?
Aside from the jobs she does for her neighbors, Alice is useful to the community in that she and her son carry a pleasant atmosphere with them wherever they go. Their story is one of love and self-sacrifice, and isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

In addition, Alice Otter is the ultimate Muppet mother, the epitome of grace, optimism and selfless love. She sets the example for all Muppet mothers after her, light-hearted and loving, witty and wise, strong and caring, all characteristics that Emily Bear, Ma Gorg, Granny Bird, and many others have embraced and embodied.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 7

Ryan Dosier - Can you believe there's only 30 songs left on our list of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs to get through? For the past six weeks we've been spotlighting songs, so it seems crazy that next week will be the end. But enough about that, let's dive right in to Part 7 of our countdown! But don't miss out on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6 for all of the Awesome Muppet Songs!

91.   “Rubber Duckie” from Sesame Street
I can't think of a better way to start the list this week. A true, undeniable classic and the first true big-time Muppet hit song, "Rubber Duckie" was and is huge for Sesame Street. Most of us obviously know this song by heart and have been singing it since we were kids. It's joyful and fun as Ernie sings about how much he loves his Duckie. I really don't know what more I can say about this one... other than, "You're the one!" Favorite lyrics: "Rubber Duckie, joy of joys/When I squeeze you, you make noise/Rubber Duckie, you're my very best friend it's true!"
92.   “Cabin Fever” from Muppet Treasure Island
Another fantastic song from Muppet Treasure Island and one of the craziest numbers the Muppets have ever done. The amount of wacky things going on here is great. The lyrics are equally manic and goofy. My favorite part about this song is how many different voices Jerry Nelson does. So many different, one-off characters sing in the song and Jerry sings for most of them in different voices. It's amazing. Favorite lyrics: "Grab your partner by the ear/Latch him to the wheel/Do-si-do, step on his toe/Listen to him squeal!"
93.   “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from The Muppet Show
This list has been chock full of great Floyd Pepper songs, which is no surprise since Floyd was Jerry Nelson's most musically talented character. This marks the second time on this list that we've picked a Beatles cover of Floyd's. Again, I think Floyd's version is superior to the original, but that's just me. I love how soulful and purposeful Floyd is while he performs. It's true magic watching this character play his guitar, so the song about how much he loves it is perfect for him. Favorite lyrics: "I look at you all, see the love there that's sleeping/While my guitar gently weeps/I look at the floor, and I see it needs sweeping/While my guitar gently weeps."
94.   “The Batty Bat” from Sesame Street
I'll have to add it all up when the list is done, but I think Jerry Nelson sings the most songs on this list. It wouldn't surprise me in the least, given the wide array of characters and songs he sung. "The Batty Bat" is my favorite Count von Count song, one whose music and lyrics make for a true, under-appreciated Sesame Street classic. The Count and Jerry are having a great time singing this and it shows. Favorite lyrics: "One, two, three spread out the cape/One, two, three twirl round the floor/One, two, three left foot you swing/One, two, three then start to sing/One, two, three loud as you please/One, two, three counting with ease!"
95.   “Yes, We Can” from Fraggle Rock
Well what do you know, another Jerry Nelson song! (This will happen four more times before the end of today's list.) This is a fantastic Doozer song led by Architect Doozer with harmonies by Cotterpin and two other young Doozers. The lyrics spell out the entire Doozer way of life in one convenient, catchy song. It's a spectacular display of Doozer greatness. Favorite lyrics: "Do you know the Doozer lord/Love it as your own?/Do you dream of Doozer chores/Sleeping in your home?/Yes we do, yes we do/Yes we really, really do/Yes we do, yes we do/Yes we really do."
96.   “Feelings” from The Muppet Show
Yup. Beaker sings lead in two songs on this list. He really is talented, you know. Or... I guess you don't know, since none of us know what he's saying. Anyway, this classic from The Muppet Show is the first example of Beaker's desire to be a performer. The audience hates him, of course, but Animal is on Beaker's side and controls the situation. It's a hilarious number that makes great use of a great character. Favorite lyrics: "Meeeee me! Me me mee me meeeeee me!"
97.   “I Seen Troubles” from Fraggle Rock
Ah, my favorite Marjory the Trash Heap song. Who knew that a heap of garbage would be the most soulful, enticing singer on Fraggle Rock? Obviously the producers did when the cast Jerry Nelson in the part. Marjory performed some fantastic numbers throughout the course of the show, but none of them quite reach the heights of this soaring, introductory song for the character. It's fun, lively, and 100% Marjory. Favorite lyrics: "Everybody that I meet/Just seems to make my life complete/Bring me troubles/Bring me pain/They bring me woe!"
98.   “Brothers in Our World” from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas
Ooh, it's my favorite mash-up! The revelation at the end of the special when Ma Otter's "Our World" and Emmet and the Jug-Band's "Brothers" mix to make the perfect song is fantastic. The song really is perfect. In fact, I don't even think of it as two songs coming together, I usually only think of it as one song. The lyrics weave together so brilliantly that it's hard to separate them. Favorite lyrics: "Our world says welcome stranger/Everybody's a friend/(We could always use a friend)/Favorite stories don't end/In our world."
99.   “Halfway Down the Stairs” from The Muppet Show
The only song from The Muppet Show to reach top 10 (in the UK) is performed by the wonderfully sweet Robin the Frog. His only real appearance in Season 1 is this magnificent number. Jerry Nelson always brought such wonder to Robin's songs when he performed and "Halfway Down the Stairs" is Robin's greatest. It's because of this song that I count stairs when I walk up them, just in case I need to know where halfway is. Favorite lyrics: "Halfway up the stairs isn't up and isn't down/It isn't in the nursery, it isn't in the town/And all sorts of funny thoughts run 'round my head/It isn't really anywhere, it's somewhere else instead."
100. “Just One Person” from The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
It honestly came as a shock to me when I first found out that the Muppets didn't originate this song. It just fits everything they stand for so perfectly. Yes, the Muppets first sang it on The Muppet Show, but it wasn't until 1990 when it took real, deep meaning after Jim Henson passed away. The choice to perform it in the special that honored him was a perfect one. Robin leads the song and the other Muppets (loads of them) join in when appropriate. It's one of the greatest Muppet moments of all-time. Favorite lyrics: "If just one person believes in you/Deep enough, and strong enough believes in you/Hard enough, and long enough, before you knew it/Someone else would think... if he can do it, I can do it."
101. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
I had an impossible time choosing which Muppet version of this song to choose for this list. There's John Denver and Rowlf's amazing version from A Christmas Together, or Kermit and Miss Piggy's duet in A Muppet Family Christmas, and Kermit's perfect rendition from Green and Red Christmas, but I finally decided that Bert and Ernie's performance in Christmas Eve on Sesame Street is the greatest one. The duet between Jim Henson and Frank Oz was impossible to resist and it's one of the best moments that Bert and Ernie have shared. Favorite lyrics: "Have yourself a merry little Christmas/Let your heart be light/From now on, our troubles will be out of sight."
102. “This Frog” from Sesame Street
I love this Kermit song way too much. Not only is it some of Kermit's finest vocal work, but it speaks volumes to his character and his plight as a character. He sings about how he chooses his own path and makes his own choices. He sings about how he knows that he's worthwhile and important even though he's just a frog. It's powerful and inspiring. Favorite lyrics: "This frog has a song to be sung/This frog isn't gonna spend his life in a swamp/Catching flies with his tongue/This frog may slip and stumble/But this frog has to try/This frog is gonna make it/Or know the reasons why!"

103. “Right Where I Belong” from The Muppets Take Manhattan
Another magnificent Kermit song and another that speaks volumes about him. This song also leads into the medley that both opens and (apparently) closes "Manhattan Melodies." But it works as so much more than that. What I love about this song is that it works out of context from the movie as well. It's just an uplifting, heartfelt song from our favorite frog. Favorite lyrics: "Look at me, here I am/Right where I belong/I see that face comin' back to me/Like an old familiar song/What better place could anyone be?/'Cause you're here with me."

104. “Gone Fishin’” from Rocky Mountain Holiday
One of the very few moments from Rocky Mountain Holiday that I legitimately enjoy is this amazing duet between John Denver and Floyd. Zoot accompanies on saxophone, but the stars are Mr. John and Mr. Floyd. A real friendship is hinted at between these two in this song. Did you know that Floyd and John also performed this song at the Grammy Awards? They did! Favorite lyrics: "Gone fishin' by a shady wady pool/Gone fishin', man you really play it cool/We don't wish to be annoyed/Mr. John and Mr. Floyd/We're fishin' instead of just a'wishin'."
105. “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” from The Muppet Show
Ah yes, Lydia the Tattooed Lady. Not only is the puppet wonderful, with tattoos drawn by Jim Henson, but the song was one of Jim's favorites. Kevin Clash sang the song as Elmo at Jim's memorial service and it's hilarious and wonderful. But Kermit's rendition remains the consummate classic. It's just a fun, bouncy song with a fun, bouncy tattooed pig. Favorite lyrics: "She can give you a view/Of the world in tattoo/If you step up and tell her where/For a dime you can see/Kankakee or Paris/Or Washington crossing the Delaware."

Mother always said never try to follow a dancing tattooed pig. So... with that, we bring this week's list to a close! Check back with us next week for the final installment of 120 Awesome Muppet Songs!





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

120 Awesome Muppet Songs, Part 5

Ryan Dosier - 60 songs in, and I'm still loving doing these installments every Tuesday. I hope you're still loving it too, Muppet fans. If you need to play catch up, don't miss out on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of our 120 Awesome Muppet Songs series. Tune up the instruments and get ready to jam!

61.   "When the River Meets the Sea" from Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas 
How have we never noticed that Paul Williams writes the most beautiful, profound, and perfect Muppet songs? What's that? We have? Oh, good. Well anyway... the greatest song from Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is one of the greatest Muppet songs ever. It is poignant, it is powerful, and it is the perfect song for Jerry Nelson. Jerry performed the song as Emmet Otter, Robin the Frog, and himself with Louise Gold at Jim Henson's Memorial Service, adding to the beauty of the song. Thank you Jerry, and thank you Paul Williams, for this perfect piece of music. Favorite lyrics: "Though our minds be filled with questions/In our hearts, we'll understand/When the river meets the sea."
62.   "Steppin' Out With a Star" from The Great Muppet Caper 
One of the few songs to feature the awesome trio of Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo, "Steppin' Out With a Star" is the most fun anyone ever had getting ready for a date with a pig. I love the interplay between the three guys in this song. I adore Kermit when he is peppy and fun and dancing in a tuxedo (okay, sure, I love Kermit all the time, but still). It's such a great moment in The Great Muppet Caper that lets us escape from the caper plot with a bouncy number. It's fantastic. Favorite lyrics: "Have I got style?/Have I got taste?/On someone else/I swear, this savoir faire/Would be such a waste!"
63.   "Couldn't We Ride" from The Great Muppet Caper 
Another song from The Great Muppet Caper! Gotta love that iTunes shuffle. Thank goodness it's another brilliant, beautiful number. (Aren't they all?) One of the most technically amazing feats in Muppet history... I honestly still have no idea how some of the bike stunts were done--and I don't want to know. It is a true example of pure Muppet magic. Kermit standing on one leg on his bike is a moment I'll always see as perfectly Jim Henson. The song features some wonderful imagery and beautiful music. It never fails to make me want to go ride a bike. Favorite lyrics: "It all seems so right/It all feels so rare/Summer soft, sudden breeze/Watch the wind play tag in the trees/The world is so bright/So perfectly fair."
64.   "Easy is the Only Way to Go" from Fraggle Rock 
Perhaps an obscure choice, but I adore this song. This is one of the few songs on this list that is performed by a one-off character, Phil Fraggle, who was voiced by Fraggle Rock songwriter Phil Balsam. In the show, the song comes after the Fraggles make Mokey their new oracle so they don't have to risk visiting the Trash Heap. The song features a magnificent guitar instrumental that pairs perfectly with Balsam's vocals. It's rollicking and joyful and makes for a great anthem anytime good things happen. It may be repetitive, but it's repeating great lyrics. Favorite lyrics: "We found a way/To live on easy street/No more troubles/No more cares and woe/Oh happy day/It's made our lives complete/'Cause easy is the only way to go."
65.   "It Feels Like Christmas" from The Muppet Christmas Carol 
How can you not positively adore this song? Jerry Nelson and the Ghost of Christmas Present make this a truly show-stopping, major production number for The Muppet Christmas Carol when it definitely needed one. This song is a stand-out in an otherwise somber film, that celebrates the joy of the Christmas season with amazing music and lyrics. I have no idea why this isn't a timeless classic on the radio every Christmas season... it's a crying shame. Thank goodness we Muppet fans know it and love it all year round. Favorite lyrics: "It is the season of the heart/A special time of caring/The ways of love made clear/And it is, this season of the spirit/The message if we hear it/Is make it last all year!"
66.   "Doin' the Pigeon" from Sesame Street 
Oh, Bert. The nerdiest of the nerds, the dweebiest of the dweebs. Bert so weird but so reserved and delightfully boring. Who else would develop an entire song and dance around the way pigeons move? Thank goodness he did, though, because "Doin' the Pigeon" is the defining song for Bert--his "Rubber Duckie," if you will. I believe this song says everything you need to know about Bert as a character: he's passionate about odd things and he's one "coo" cat. (Get it?!) Favorite lyrics: "Every time I feel alone and slightly blue/That's when I begin to think it's what I'd like to start to do/So though it may not be the kind of thing that's quite your cup of tea/I recommend you pay attention to the little dance you're gonna see."
67.   "Eye to Eye" from Fraggle Rock 
So far this is the only song on the list that wasn't available in some fashion on YouTube. So if you have Fraggle Rock Season 3 on DVD, pop in "The Cavern of Lost Dreams" to hear this great song. Led by Cotterpin Doozer with back up from ancient Doozers Yeaster and Crusty, it's one of my favorite Doozer songs. The trio sing about how coming together and connecting makes things so much better. It is a great message that should be adopted all over. Favorite lyrics: "I felt so helpless, yes, I felt so blue/I never dreamed that I'd see eye to eye with you/But hallelujah, we've made the whole thing new/I'm gonna see eye to eye to eye with you."
68.   "Happy Feet" from The Muppet Show 
Besides "Rainbow Connection," this is probably my favorite Kermit song. He is just so happy when he's singing "Happy Feet" (fitting, I know). The idea behind this sketch on The Muppet Show, that we never see Kermit's feet, is brilliant, but it's Jim Henson's vocal performance that really stands out here. I love seeing Kermit cut loose and have fun performing--which he was born to do. "Happy Feet" is one of the best examples of that. Favorite lyrics: "Weary blues can't get into my shoes/Because my shoes refuse/To ever grow weary/I keep cheerful on an earful of music sweet/'Cause I've got hap-hap-happy feet!"
69.   "Bless Us All" from The Muppet Christmas Carol 
Boy, Paul Williams is all over this week's list. Thank goodness, because he rocks, of course. "Bless Us All" might just be Paul's most beautiful song. Coming at a time when the world had just lost Jim Henson and Richard Hunt, this beautiful and thankful song is really powerful. This song is another great vehicle for Robin, who never sounded better. Jerry Nelson gets to harmonize here with Steve Whitmire and Frank Oz, and it's truly wonderful. It's touching, it's uplifting, and it's magic. Favorite lyrics: "Life is full of sweet surprises/Everyday's a gift/The sun comes up/And I can feel it lift my spirit/Fills me up with laughter/Fills me up with song/I look into the eyes of love/And know that I belong."
70.   "Bohemian Rhapsody" from YouTube 
One of my favorite Muppet moments ever is this truly amazing 2009 video parodying the Queen classic starring... everyone. Opening with Gonzo and the chickens, then Animal, the song spotlights nearly every single major, secondary, and minor Muppet character. There are so many moments that make this song so great, but my favorite is when the Electric Mayhem comes in and brings down the house. It was a triumphant return for my favorite band. Also of note: silhouetted Pepe, Big Mean Carl eating Rizzo, Mahna Mahna, Lew Zealand, and literally every moment of this video. Favorite lyrics: "So they told us this video was going to fly/All I know is we're not getting paid tonight/Oh, baby, can't do this to me baby/Just gotta get out/Just gotta get right outta here!"

71.   "Love Led Us Here" from Muppet Treasure Island 
You know what's amazing? How few Kermit and Miss Piggy duets there are. Yes, there's "The First Time It Happens," but there really aren't many others. Thankfully, there's "Love Led Us Here," the beautiful romantic duet from Muppet Treasure Island. It's crazy that Kermit and Piggy performed this song entirely upside down. But really... Steve Whitmire very much hit his stride as Kermit by this point and the blending of Kermit and Piggy's voices is perfect here. Thank goodness they have this great duet that spells out their love since there are so few out there. Favorite lyrics: "Was I dumb?/Or was I blind?/Or did my heart just lose its mind?/Why'd I go and throw/Our perfect dream away?"
72.   "Friendship Song" from Fraggle Rock 
It seems like every time someone talks about Fraggle Rock and notable episodes of the show, "Marooned" always comes up. It absolutely should, because "Marooned" is the pinnacle of the show's power to connect emotionally to the viewers. By pitting Red and Boober in such a dire situation, we also got the beautiful "Friendship Song." This wonderful duet between the two polar-opposite Fraggles warms the heart completely. It's soft and lilting and completely beautiful. The definition of a tear jerker should be this song. Favorite lyrics: "You work all night/You work all day/You still can't keep/Those worried blues away/Try a little longer/For your friends/Try a little stronger/For your friends."
73.   "Pukka, Pukka, Pukka Sqeetily Boink" from Fraggle Rock 
Yay! More Fraggles! And it's a song by my favorite Fraggle! Wembley can do no wrong in my eyes, and his nonsense song is no exception. It's so delightfully goofy and abstract. The song also showcases Steve Whitmire's weird, wonderful noises he squeaks and squawks as Wembley. Steve is such a great singer on deep, powerful songs, but I just love moments like this when he gets to be goofy and wacky. Favorite lyrics: "I believe in magic words/I believe in love/I believe in buried treasure falling from above/One more time the world goes round/One more magic day/Now I've learned the magic sounds/That speed it on its way!"
74.   "I'm Going to Go Back There Someday" from The Muppet Movie 
I'm going to be honest right up front here... this is my favorite song of all time. Not just Muppet song... song, period. The hauntingly beautiful lyrics, the emotionally gripping music, Gonzo's soul-searching movements and emotions... every single thing about this song is perfect. Paul Williams has scribed so many masterpieces for the Muppets (four of them in this week's list alone), but I don't think I could ever love a song more. Gonzo's words speak to me, and I'm sure they speak to all Muppet fans. Favorite lyrics: "There's not a word yet/For old friends who've just met/Part heaven, part space/Or have I found my place?/You can just visit, but I plan to stay/I'm going to go back there someday."
75.   "Turn the World Around" from The Muppet Show
The perfect closing number for The Muppet Show becomes the perfect closing number for the list this week. Harry Belafonte was one of the Muppets' great collaborators and a good friend of Jim Henson, and this song he scribed specifically for the show is truly amazing. Harry sings so powerfully and the African mask puppets built for the song are incredible. I love the message of this song, showing how the world is all connected. Favorite lyrics: "Do you know who I am?/Do I know who you are?/See we one another clearly/Do we know who we are?"






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com 

Other Christmas Productions Muppet Fans Love

Yesterday we showcased how much Muppet fans adore the 1987 special A Muppet Family Christmas. And of course they have every reason to love it, because it's awesome. But today we'll show off the other responses we got to the question "What is your favorite Muppet Christmas production?"

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
"My favorite Muppet Christmas special is definitely Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Rather than a bunch of lights and tinsel, it takes place in a tiny little country town. It's so un-Christmasy, but the message of warmth and heart is still present. It truly is a reminder of what Christmas is really all about, and done so through a bunch of wonderful songs, a colorful cast of characters, and an all around awesome storyline." ~ Hubert A.

"Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas times infinity." ~ Brian Heck

"Emmet Otter. Why? It's Emmet Otter! And also Christmas Branch! Paul Williams songs! Barbeque! Jumping ferrets! Riverbottom Nightmare Band! And it has a singing frog in it who is not Kermit!" ~ Craig C.

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

"My all-time favorite is definitely Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. As funny and entertaining as the special is, it's the lessons of selflessness, trust, and peace that resonate most with me. I think I've cried each and every time I've watched it. This is Sesame Street at it's zenith. When I first heard the cast sing 'Keep Christmas with You All Through the Year' I took it to heart. To this day, I still sign all my Christmas cards with that sentiment. This song is like a prayer of peace for the world. When I think of the reason for my undying love of Muppets and Jim Henson's work, it's this special that comes to mind first. A truly remarkable show." ~ Bruce Aguilar

"My favorite is Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. I grew up with a copy my parents taped off of PBS and nearly wore it out--I'd even watch it in the middle of summer, keeping true to the message of 'Keep Christmas with you all through the year.' I also love that the mystery of Santa Claus is left a mystery. I think this is probably Carroll's best work as Big Bird, aside from Mr. Hooper's death." ~ Beth Kondrick

"My favorite is Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. It is such a classic that everybody loves (and if they don't, they're crazy). My favorite parts are the ice skating bit at the beginning, specifically when Oscar gets thrown down those stairs. I also love Kermit's brief part. Ahh... classic Jim Henson moment. My favorite songs from that are 'Keep Christmas with You,' 'True Blue Miracle,' and 'I Hate Christmas.' Oh, but I can't forget 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' with Bert and Ernie. So SWEET!! I watch this movie every single Christmas." ~ Anonymous

It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

"It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is a great made-for-TV movie. It came out at a time when it looked like the Muppets were losing popularity aside from nostalgiac value. I like all the pop culture references and more adult jokes. 'Everyone Matters' is a really good number. And best of all I like the fact that this is the first Muppet movie to take place at the Muppet theater." ~ Michael Wermuth, Jr.

The Christmas Toy

"My favorite would have to be The Christmas Toy. I've seen the movie every year since I can remember. My copy for the longest time was recorded off the TV and still had all the old 80's commercials on it, which made it even better. I did have to upgrade eventually when it came out on DVD and now I don't have to find a working VHS player to watch it. It's really not Christmas for me without a little Rugby Tiger." ~ Jennifer

John Denver & The Muppes: A Christmas Together (album and special)

"I'd say the John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together special/album combo. It truly is the best of both worlds... the special shows how good John Denver is as an all-around entertainer, and also how touching the Muppets can be without overdoing the schmaltz. The album is carefully crafted, musically and... well, just listen to 'Deck the Halls,' and you can tell that the writers spent time matching each Muppet to a line that represented them. It's no accident that Gonzo sings, 'TROLL the ancient Yule tide carol!'" ~ Bryan Snyder

The Muppet Christmas Carol 

"Honestly, I don't have a favorite Muppet Christmas production. Christmas is my favorite time with the Muppets and I lose myself in every one of their magical productions every December. However, this December one production really stood out to me, and that is The Muppet Christmas Carol. Perhaps it was the Blu-ray release that renewed my appreciation for the film, but I've never loved it more than this year. It is such a beautiful movie with so much in it. It represents not just what the Muppets can do, but it shows that they would continue to thrive after the loss of Jim Henson and Richard Hunt. Jerry Juhl's brilliant melding of Dickensian prose and Muppet lunacy makes for a perfect Christmas movie, in my opinion. Plus, this year it takes on added beauty as we remember Jerry Nelson, who plays both Tiny Tim (Robin) and the Ghost of Christmas Present so incredibly wonderfully. However... it will always be Gonzo and Rizzo that define brilliantly why I love this movie. 'Hoity-toity, mister god-like smarty pants!'" ~ Ryan Dosier

Finally, we close with some fun Christmas artwork from our friend Nickyle Edwards!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com