The Spirit of Christmas (TV program)

Christmas TV special

The Spirit of Christmas is a Christmas television special performed by marionettes. It was produced by Mabel and Les Beaton through their company, Stringtime Productions. Sources conflict regarding the special's debut date (1950 and 1953 are commonly cited), but advertisements and television listings for the special appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer from December 21-23 of 1951.

[edit] Its half-hour showing time is divided into two marionette segments, one dramatizing Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and one telling the story of the Nativity. The live-action part of the film features Alexander Scourby, who narrates and also plays Clement Moore in the Visit from St. Nicholas segment. The jacket of the DVD version calls it "The Philadelphia Holiday Classic," referring to the region of the United States where it was originally broadcast. The jacket also describes it as a "50s TV Christmas classic, which has led it to being misdated as first being shown in 1950.

[edit] Into the 1960s, the special was aired multiple times per Christmas season, without commercial interruptions except for opening and closing remarks by "your telephone company" (Bell Telephone). It was also available as a 16mm film licensed to schools for showings to students. It disappeared from the airwaves for several decades but began airing on public television again in 1998. It was unusual in that it was made in color, despite all television broadcasting at the time being in black-and-white. RiffTrax spoofed the film on December 22, 2025.

Stringtime Productions tapped into the tactile charm of marionette theatre, a medium that feels cosy and handcrafted – qualities that sit perfectly alongside Christmas’s do‑it‑yourself spirit. The tiny wooden figures, glittering costumes and tiny sets echo the festive tradition of making your own decorations, giving families a visual reminder that holiday magic can be made by hand. That tactile quality also made the special stand out in an era dominated by live‑action TV, offering a gentle, slightly nostalgic escape that still feels fresh today.

If you discover a copy of The Spirit of Christmas on a retro DVD or a streaming archive, set the scene before you hit play. Dim the lights, brew a pot of tea, and keep a tin of biscuits within reach – the simple, almost theatrical pacing of the marionette routines lends itself to relaxed viewing. Pause between scenes to admire the craftsmanship of the puppets; many are still on display in museum collections, and a quick online search can reveal the details of their costumes and construction, turning a TV night into a mini‑history lesson.

Beyond its wintry visuals, the programme hides a gentle ribbing of 1950s consumer culture. The characters’ over‑the‑top gift‑giving and exaggerated Christmas feasts poke fun at the post‑war boom, reminding audiences that even the most heartfelt celebrations can veer into excess. Modern viewers sometimes overlook this nuance, focusing only on the cute puppets. Spotting the satire adds a layer of adult appreciation to the viewing experience, making it a treat for both children and nostalgic parents alike.