If you play Adventure Snack regularly, you might know I love The Muppets and have ever since I was old enough to monopolize the VCR. The Muppet Christmas Carol is considered by many to be the best film adaptation of Dickens’ novel, but my must-watch Christmas programming is A Muppet Family Christmas. Less people seem to have heard of it, probably because the special hasn’t been properly distributed or re-aired in many years.
A Muppet Family Christmas (1987) is an ABC TV special where the entire Muppet family – including The Muppet Show cast, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock – all descend on Fozzie’s mom’s house, ruining her plans for a Malibu getaway. For legal reasons, this crossover will likely never happen again.
The special has a TON of heart, as the story finds funny and unexpected ways to bring characters together, from Swedish Chef attempting to cook Big Bird, to Kermit and Robin receiving a special gift from the Fraggles. The special ends in an epic carol sing with all the characters. I can’t recommend it highly enough. This year, I’m watching a version uploaded to YouTube with original commercials!
I never heard of A Muppet Family Christmas! The only other slightly obscure Jim Henson Christmas movie I knew about was Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
I used Santa's power for good, as it should be. Then I played around with other outcomes to free some animals. My family always goes for a real Christmas tree.
Nothing too unique this year present wise, but my siblings and I are teaming up to get one of those expensive Lego sets for our dad. Even when splitting the cost between three people, some of those sets are still too expensive.
Apparently when the Nintendo Wii was coming out, I told my parents that they shouldn't worry about the shortages because I was going to ask Santa for it in order to bypass those issues. My mother then had to enlist the extended family to acquire a Wii. Kid me was just trying to be thoughtful. Santa has a magic workshop of elves, availability in stores isn't an issue for him.
As for favorite Christmas special, hmm, not sure. Spongebob or Phineas and Ferb I guess. There's also Community's Christmas specials. For full on Christmas movies, White Christmas and the old Rankin-Bass stop motion specials get pulled out every year. And Love Actually shows up frequently too. There's also Elf but the style of comedy doesn't always work with me.
You're going on the "Nice List," William. Since you've been good this year, maybe Santa will give you that Nintendo Wii! 😉
Oh, that's cool. I love those sophisticated Lego sets, though obviously I wish they were more affordable. Earlier this year, my partner and I put together a bouquet of Lego flowers and we have them on display in the dining room. Is your dad a good enough builder to go on Lego Masters?
Those are great Christmas movie / TV picks. The Spongebob special where the live action pirate is featured is one I've rewatched a few times. It's so nutty.
Speaking of White Christmas: So, I was one of the worst singers in choir. But one year for a recital, I asked the teacher to give me the scat solo for "Blue Skies." Nobody else wanted to do it. He had pretty low expectations for my performance, but I got a standing ovation from the crowd. So that song and movie always have a place in my heart. Take that, Mr. I-Forget-His-Name!
We don't do Lego sets enough to go on a show like Lego Masters. I'd love to get that Sonic the Hedgehog Lego set, but the price point is too high. That Lego bouquet sounds like a nice decoration, one that needs less maintenance than the real thing.
Damn you, Sonic. Always trying to get our gold rings.
Yeah, the Lego flowers turned out to be weirdly practical in that way. Now I'm wondering if there are any other perishables in my house I can replace with Legos. It's probably not a good idea to eat Legos, right?
First off, fake trees are better. They don't make a mess. Second of all, I love Home Alone. So funny!! Finally, I'm already loving Adventure snacks. And I don't have any cats.
And a unique gist is one I gave to my cousin. He's only two years old. He loves constrution so I gave him a noisey construction board book. He loves it!!
I'm with you. If it comes down to which smells nicer vs. which is easier to clean, I'm going with easier to clean.
Home Alone is a stone cold classic. And now that I think about it, booby-trapping a house would be an amazing Adventure Snack game. Gotta remember that for next Christmas.
Oooh, that sounds like a great gift. Hopefully it's not so "noisy" it drives his parents crazy, lol!
🎅 How did you use Santa’s powers – for yourself or for others?
Both. I said, screw the kids. I'm not normally such a grinch, but that part about how the kids won't even believe in me after a few years really hit home. Ouch. I tried to help the animals with my powers, but that one went sideways, so for this Christmas, it's the thought that counts?
🎁 What’s a fun or unique gift you’re giving someone this year?
I'm giving a few Substack subscriptions.
🎄 Which are better: real Christmas trees or fake ones?
I didn't grow up with trees, but my wife did. We put up the tree if we're going to be in town. We've had a real tree, which I like better, but we have a fake tree that lasts longer. It's not my holiday, though, and feel weird saying this, but the tree thing freaks me out. My choices are: cut down a real tree, or buy a fake plastic tree? For the first few weeks of the new year, I walk around looking at all the dead trees, and I just kinda worry that the ghost of Christmas future will not be kind to us. But I like decorating the tree and eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate, and we do have these really cool star wars ornaments, so there's that...
You did YOU this Christmas and I admire that. Even if it didn’t entirely work out, you did it yooooooour way! 🎶
Thanks for help keeping the Substack ecosystem thriving this Christmas!
It’s not completely my holiday either, but I also really like the aesthetics of a decorated Christmas tree in the house. Feels good! But while I get that real trees have their upsides, the environmental impact is hard to overlook. The fake tree we’ve had for years is good enough for me.
This year I have been asked to write a story as a gift for my brother-in-law. That's probably the most interesting gift I'll give. I know he'll enjoy it -- it's based on a character he invented that provides some solid laughs. A few years ago, in previous artistic endeavors, I used to create sketch cards on some official sets. I was on Steven Universe and drew an artist proof for my sister on an official card. Someday it will be worth meeeeeellions.
I can! I kept two sketch cards for myself, sold two, gave the one to my sister and the rest are out in the world somewhere, either still in boxes or collector's items for whoever opened a pack of trading cards and got one of my sketches. I'll send you a couple pictures.
Looks like I kept three. Of all the sets I've done, this was by far my favorite. I've done Rick and Morty Season 2, DC Bombshells III, Ultraman 1/2... in a previous life 😁
These are so good, Brian! Congrats on all the success working on these big shows. In another life, I had a trading card podcast and would’ve wanted you to guest on it.
Thanks! That's so funny about the podcast. In a different multiverse where I continued to pursue art and you continued to pursue the podcast, we would have met outside Substack! Creeeeeeeepy.
When et snows et storms. Ya glint? Faced the challenge of the saint Nickolosi. Wasn't the tumble I 'spected. Easy sailin' gonna be right as rain when the next winter's blight is on us with me donning the cap 'n beard.
I was reindeer whisperer and a good Santa :-) We all made a pact to de-stress the holidays by not exchanging gifts, but I did make a bunch of little candles out of beeswax from my hives that I was going to give. Not sure that qualifies as "fun" but it's all I've got. And real trees are great, but I have a fake tree with the lights already on it because I'm a lazy holiday grinch. I don't even dismantle it. It just goes in the basement with a giant garbage bag over it at the end of the season. Can't think of a memorable Xmas TV special or episode at the moment... I blame the Hallmark channel. I think I've repressed the memories as a defense mechanism.
You're officially on the "Nice List." We have a lot of nice 'n moral adventurers. I like that!
I'd say homemade beeswax candles are very fun and certainly unique! Do you get stung a lot working with bees? Is that just part of the hobby and you get used to it?
So we have the fake tree thing in common. We have ours in a storage space and it's in a big box we unpack in December. There's no beating the convenience.
Thanks! I have the full-on bee suit, but I rarely wear the whole thing. I've only been stung once, but I got my ass stung A LOT on that occasion. I made the mistake of wearing black yoga pants to go check the hives. Being new to beekeeping at the time, I was unaware that bees associate dark colors like black and brown with their top predators, like bears, and will sting the crap out of anything that color that gets too close to the hive (you'll notice bee suits are white.) It's a mistake you don't make twice!
🎅 Initially, for others... but the allure of the jet proved too much for me 🛩️😶💸
🎁 Still thinking on that one. Ask me again in two weeks ⏳
🎄 Real, 100%. The fake ones don’t have that wonderful balsam smell, and it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without it 😅
📺 South Park’s Christmas specials always nail it. My favorites are the first one with Mr. Hankey, and the one with the satanic woodland critters. For movies, it’s not even a contest: Gremlins, all the way (hey!)
Yeah, ride that jet. Live your damn life. I'm glad you followed your bliss!
I've never had a real tree, but I can imagine the smell is lovely. So you don't mind the shedding needles?
I feel like the Satanic Woodland Critters episode and Gremlins would go together pretty well as a double feature. Gremlins is terrific, though I'm partial to Gremlins 2. When it comes to Gremlins, I say sexier is better.
I attempted to use my power for good by setting the bunnies free but that was a no-go so I went home to spend Christmas with my family. I am trying to think of an unusual gift that I received but I can’t think of any, lots of good ones. A black cowboy hat, an air gun, a paint booth. All really good practical gifts that I get to appreciate for years and years.
If you play Adventure Snack regularly, you might know I love The Muppets and have ever since I was old enough to monopolize the VCR. The Muppet Christmas Carol is considered by many to be the best film adaptation of Dickens’ novel, but my must-watch Christmas programming is A Muppet Family Christmas. Less people seem to have heard of it, probably because the special hasn’t been properly distributed or re-aired in many years.
A Muppet Family Christmas (1987) is an ABC TV special where the entire Muppet family – including The Muppet Show cast, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock – all descend on Fozzie’s mom’s house, ruining her plans for a Malibu getaway. For legal reasons, this crossover will likely never happen again.
The special has a TON of heart, as the story finds funny and unexpected ways to bring characters together, from Swedish Chef attempting to cook Big Bird, to Kermit and Robin receiving a special gift from the Fraggles. The special ends in an epic carol sing with all the characters. I can’t recommend it highly enough. This year, I’m watching a version uploaded to YouTube with original commercials!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWYndh3GmVM&list=PLABdOR3n3VWi2jv8Xhkf5pTkGyd39F2Sc&index=54
I never heard of A Muppet Family Christmas! The only other slightly obscure Jim Henson Christmas movie I knew about was Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
Happy to share!
Emmet Otter is a classic. ICYMI - Here’s a famous outtake from Emmet Otter, which gives a glimpse at what it’s like to work on Muppet shows...
https://youtu.be/GduZhqftUn8
I used Santa's power for good, as it should be. Then I played around with other outcomes to free some animals. My family always goes for a real Christmas tree.
Nothing too unique this year present wise, but my siblings and I are teaming up to get one of those expensive Lego sets for our dad. Even when splitting the cost between three people, some of those sets are still too expensive.
Apparently when the Nintendo Wii was coming out, I told my parents that they shouldn't worry about the shortages because I was going to ask Santa for it in order to bypass those issues. My mother then had to enlist the extended family to acquire a Wii. Kid me was just trying to be thoughtful. Santa has a magic workshop of elves, availability in stores isn't an issue for him.
As for favorite Christmas special, hmm, not sure. Spongebob or Phineas and Ferb I guess. There's also Community's Christmas specials. For full on Christmas movies, White Christmas and the old Rankin-Bass stop motion specials get pulled out every year. And Love Actually shows up frequently too. There's also Elf but the style of comedy doesn't always work with me.
You're going on the "Nice List," William. Since you've been good this year, maybe Santa will give you that Nintendo Wii! 😉
Oh, that's cool. I love those sophisticated Lego sets, though obviously I wish they were more affordable. Earlier this year, my partner and I put together a bouquet of Lego flowers and we have them on display in the dining room. Is your dad a good enough builder to go on Lego Masters?
Those are great Christmas movie / TV picks. The Spongebob special where the live action pirate is featured is one I've rewatched a few times. It's so nutty.
Speaking of White Christmas: So, I was one of the worst singers in choir. But one year for a recital, I asked the teacher to give me the scat solo for "Blue Skies." Nobody else wanted to do it. He had pretty low expectations for my performance, but I got a standing ovation from the crowd. So that song and movie always have a place in my heart. Take that, Mr. I-Forget-His-Name!
We don't do Lego sets enough to go on a show like Lego Masters. I'd love to get that Sonic the Hedgehog Lego set, but the price point is too high. That Lego bouquet sounds like a nice decoration, one that needs less maintenance than the real thing.
Damn you, Sonic. Always trying to get our gold rings.
Yeah, the Lego flowers turned out to be weirdly practical in that way. Now I'm wondering if there are any other perishables in my house I can replace with Legos. It's probably not a good idea to eat Legos, right?
First off, fake trees are better. They don't make a mess. Second of all, I love Home Alone. So funny!! Finally, I'm already loving Adventure snacks. And I don't have any cats.
And a unique gist is one I gave to my cousin. He's only two years old. He loves constrution so I gave him a noisey construction board book. He loves it!!
So glad you're enjoying your quests, Arianna!
I'm with you. If it comes down to which smells nicer vs. which is easier to clean, I'm going with easier to clean.
Home Alone is a stone cold classic. And now that I think about it, booby-trapping a house would be an amazing Adventure Snack game. Gotta remember that for next Christmas.
Oooh, that sounds like a great gift. Hopefully it's not so "noisy" it drives his parents crazy, lol!
Fun game, as always!
🎅 How did you use Santa’s powers – for yourself or for others?
Both. I said, screw the kids. I'm not normally such a grinch, but that part about how the kids won't even believe in me after a few years really hit home. Ouch. I tried to help the animals with my powers, but that one went sideways, so for this Christmas, it's the thought that counts?
🎁 What’s a fun or unique gift you’re giving someone this year?
I'm giving a few Substack subscriptions.
🎄 Which are better: real Christmas trees or fake ones?
I didn't grow up with trees, but my wife did. We put up the tree if we're going to be in town. We've had a real tree, which I like better, but we have a fake tree that lasts longer. It's not my holiday, though, and feel weird saying this, but the tree thing freaks me out. My choices are: cut down a real tree, or buy a fake plastic tree? For the first few weeks of the new year, I walk around looking at all the dead trees, and I just kinda worry that the ghost of Christmas future will not be kind to us. But I like decorating the tree and eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate, and we do have these really cool star wars ornaments, so there's that...
You did YOU this Christmas and I admire that. Even if it didn’t entirely work out, you did it yooooooour way! 🎶
Thanks for help keeping the Substack ecosystem thriving this Christmas!
It’s not completely my holiday either, but I also really like the aesthetics of a decorated Christmas tree in the house. Feels good! But while I get that real trees have their upsides, the environmental impact is hard to overlook. The fake tree we’ve had for years is good enough for me.
I saved Christmas and I can talk to Reindeer!
This year I have been asked to write a story as a gift for my brother-in-law. That's probably the most interesting gift I'll give. I know he'll enjoy it -- it's based on a character he invented that provides some solid laughs. A few years ago, in previous artistic endeavors, I used to create sketch cards on some official sets. I was on Steven Universe and drew an artist proof for my sister on an official card. Someday it will be worth meeeeeellions.
Well done! You’ve got a handle on this whole Santa thing.
A story is a lovely gift. I hope he enjoys it.
Wait, you made Steven Universe art? So cool! That’s one of my favorite shows ever. Can you share what you made?
I can! I kept two sketch cards for myself, sold two, gave the one to my sister and the rest are out in the world somewhere, either still in boxes or collector's items for whoever opened a pack of trading cards and got one of my sketches. I'll send you a couple pictures.
https://media.tenor.com/nw56Ty3IDCkAAAAC/steven-universe-excited.gif
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlufm0yiif0fg6f/IMG_20221210_140558402.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u8uvn9f38semoky/IMG_20221210_140613474.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/home?preview=IMG_20221210_140625165.jpg
Looks like I kept three. Of all the sets I've done, this was by far my favorite. I've done Rick and Morty Season 2, DC Bombshells III, Ultraman 1/2... in a previous life 😁
These are so good, Brian! Congrats on all the success working on these big shows. In another life, I had a trading card podcast and would’ve wanted you to guest on it.
Thanks! That's so funny about the podcast. In a different multiverse where I continued to pursue art and you continued to pursue the podcast, we would have met outside Substack! Creeeeeeeepy.
When et snows et storms. Ya glint? Faced the challenge of the saint Nickolosi. Wasn't the tumble I 'spected. Easy sailin' gonna be right as rain when the next winter's blight is on us with me donning the cap 'n beard.
Well met, Vivi! But, a warning. The cap ‘n beard will only take a man so far with more brutal storms than mere snow on their way.
I was reindeer whisperer and a good Santa :-) We all made a pact to de-stress the holidays by not exchanging gifts, but I did make a bunch of little candles out of beeswax from my hives that I was going to give. Not sure that qualifies as "fun" but it's all I've got. And real trees are great, but I have a fake tree with the lights already on it because I'm a lazy holiday grinch. I don't even dismantle it. It just goes in the basement with a giant garbage bag over it at the end of the season. Can't think of a memorable Xmas TV special or episode at the moment... I blame the Hallmark channel. I think I've repressed the memories as a defense mechanism.
You're officially on the "Nice List." We have a lot of nice 'n moral adventurers. I like that!
I'd say homemade beeswax candles are very fun and certainly unique! Do you get stung a lot working with bees? Is that just part of the hobby and you get used to it?
So we have the fake tree thing in common. We have ours in a storage space and it's in a big box we unpack in December. There's no beating the convenience.
Thanks! I have the full-on bee suit, but I rarely wear the whole thing. I've only been stung once, but I got my ass stung A LOT on that occasion. I made the mistake of wearing black yoga pants to go check the hives. Being new to beekeeping at the time, I was unaware that bees associate dark colors like black and brown with their top predators, like bears, and will sting the crap out of anything that color that gets too close to the hive (you'll notice bee suits are white.) It's a mistake you don't make twice!
Oh geez, how horrible! I never thought about why bee suits are white before, but that makes a lot of sense.
Note to Self: Never, ever, EVER wear black near a beehive!
🎅 Initially, for others... but the allure of the jet proved too much for me 🛩️😶💸
🎁 Still thinking on that one. Ask me again in two weeks ⏳
🎄 Real, 100%. The fake ones don’t have that wonderful balsam smell, and it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without it 😅
📺 South Park’s Christmas specials always nail it. My favorites are the first one with Mr. Hankey, and the one with the satanic woodland critters. For movies, it’s not even a contest: Gremlins, all the way (hey!)
Yeah, ride that jet. Live your damn life. I'm glad you followed your bliss!
I've never had a real tree, but I can imagine the smell is lovely. So you don't mind the shedding needles?
I feel like the Satanic Woodland Critters episode and Gremlins would go together pretty well as a double feature. Gremlins is terrific, though I'm partial to Gremlins 2. When it comes to Gremlins, I say sexier is better.
I attempted to use my power for good by setting the bunnies free but that was a no-go so I went home to spend Christmas with my family. I am trying to think of an unusual gift that I received but I can’t think of any, lots of good ones. A black cowboy hat, an air gun, a paint booth. All really good practical gifts that I get to appreciate for years and years.
I like that you stayed on the righteous path. I'll put you on the "Nice List" of adventurers.
I had to lookup what a paint booth was, but that is a great practical gift for an artist. Are you an artist or have a hobby where you paint stuff?
I build scale models and dioramas that require airbrush painting and thus a paint booth to contain the paint through an elaborate ventilation scheme.
Super cool!