Favorite Christmas Shows: #5 The Andy Griffith Show

#5 The Andy Griffith Show: The Christmas Story

I’ve written about the genius and my fondness for the Andy Griffith Show before, so it’s really no surprise that an episode should appear here. But what is odd, is that in spite of the show running for eight years, only one Christmas episode was made. It was in the first season.

Many people most likely didn’t even know that The Andy Griffith Show had a Christmas episode. When aired in syndication, this episode is usually excluded because you never know when it will air, so airing it in the middle of July wouldn’t make sense. Still though, it’s a pity because the episode is really good, and an example as to why this show is so timeless, even all these years later.

This episode features many of the Andy Griffith Show favorites. Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts), Andy’s son Opie (Ron Howard) and Aunt Bee (Francis Bavier). Additionally, appearances by Ellie Walker (Elinor Donahue), and Ben Weaver (Will Wright).

The main focus of the story in this episode is how the grouchy old owner of Weavers Department Store, Ben Weaver, wants the Sheriff to arrest Sam Muggins for making bootlegged whisky. Muggins only made it for himself at Christmas, but still, Weaver carries a lot of weight in town and demands that the sheriff follow the rule of law. Sheriff Taylor doesn’t want to keep Muggins away from his family at Christmas so he decides to “arrest” all the other members of the Muggins “gang” and brings them all together at Christmas.

Additionally, Taylor appoints more “deputies” to keep watch on the Muggins family while they are in jail. (Ellie, Aunt Bee, and Opie). While there, they decide to have a Christmas party. When Weaver see’s this, he realizes he is alone at Christmas too and doesn’t want to be left out, but because he is too proud to ask, he devises ways to get arrested so he can join in. Eventually, Sheriff Taylor arrests him, and when he is brought to jail, he brings presents for all in attendance.

It’s a simple story, and really gets to the heart of the season, in a way that the Andy Griffith Show was always famous for. One scene in particular was always a favorite of mine. It happens later when the family is almost ready to start their party, and Andy begins to play “Away in a Manger” and Ellie starts to sing it. It’s a great scene.

As I’ve written before, The Andy Griffith Show was one of my all-time favorites, and this episode is a clear example as to why it was so popular. Simple, elegant, not over the top and a lot of heart.