GeneralPeters004

This is not a great episode, definitely feels like two episodes in one. I believe the writers of Back to the Future Part III borrowed from the second half of this with the idea of the physicist being in the 1800s and meeting a schoolteacher, and having to decide if he belongs in that time or not. It's very similar to Doc Brown meeting Clara in 1885, a romance budding, and then Doc deciding he has to go back to the future with Marty.

This has become a yearly tradition for me to view this gem after discovering it about three years ago. Griffith is the tough but fair father, while Brett Palmer delivers as the introspective young son. There are hints that this is set in the Depression, which gives it a somewhat bleak feel. However, the characters are thankful and resourceful. Tav has faith that things will turn around and that special things can happen anywhere, "even in a barn," he adds after reading from Luke 2 on Christmas Eve with his family. The film captures the coldness of the season and that bite in the air at 5 AM. It also puts you in the mood for ham and eggs, with a glass of fresh, whole milk. A must watch every Christmas season.