How is it that a record featuring a folk singer caroling with puppets became my favorite Christmas album, and one that seems to have special resonance this year?

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together album and TV special debuted in 1979,  during the previous era of  rampant inflation in the U.S.. It was a year of “little” Christmases. John Denver’s beautiful voice along with the Muppet characters singing a mix of classic and new Christmas songs composed by Denver, the superbly talented Paul Williams, and Beauty and the Beast’s own Lee Holdridge, among others, was lively and heartfelt, and I think that’s why I love it the way I do. Jim Henson and crew created a totally sincere holiday album that eschews materialism for goodwill. There are a few jokes, but no cynicism. You always feel like this group of artists, whether in or out of character, cherishes the love of family and friends that is the heart of the holiday season. Wherever I have been in the last 40 years, this album brings me home to our small apartment, with our three foot, table-topper tree, surrounded by my mom, and dad on a snowy, Pittsburgh Christmas. Its songs evoke longing for peace and comfort for family, and friends, and all of humanity.

I think Catherine and Vincent would appreciate that sentiment too.

Happy Holidays my friends.

I’m taking a week’s break for Christmas and New Years, so I will see you back here on the 6th of January.

Now, without further ado, Home: Chapter 30