A Christmas tradition, Muppet-style
In my family, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Muppet Christmas Carol. Sure, there are plenty of holiday traditions we hold dear, but none are quite as cherished as the annual screening of my favorite retelling of this Dickens classic.
It’s hard to say exactly when The Muppet Christmas Carol became a non-negotiable part of our holiday season, but at some point, it earned a permanent spot on our family’s “must-watch” list. And we don’t just watch it; we live it. After countless viewings, we can quote nearly every line and sing every lyric with gusto.
For those unfamiliar with this cinematic masterpiece (and if that’s you, consider this your invitation to join the club), the film is a joyful retelling of A Christmas Carol, but with Muppets. Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge with Shakespearean seriousness, while Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy step in as Bob and Emily Cratchit. Gonzo takes on the role of Dickens himself, narrating the story with the help of a skeptical Rizzo the Rat.
The movie walks a brilliant line between heartwarming and hilarious, and in our home, we savor every moment. Certain lines have become family favorites. Someone inevitably shouts “Light the lamp, not the rat!” — and truthfully, I’ve been known to quote the film throughout the year, especially that line. The songs have become part of our Christmas vocabulary—“It Feels Like Christmas” plays on repeat in our house long after the credits roll.
But it’s not just the laughs that keep us coming back year after year. Beneath the Muppets’ antics lies the story’s timeless message of generosity, redemption and the joy of being together. Somehow, the Muppets bring those themes to life in a way that feels both profound and relatable. By the time Tiny Tim (played, of course, by Robin the Frog) says, “God bless us, everyone,” we’re all wiping away tears and holding each other a little tighter.
Watching The Muppet Christmas Carol together has become a touchstone of connection for our family. It’s a tradition that reminds us to slow down, be present and find joy in the simplest things—like singing along to “Marley and Marley” or marveling at Michael Caine’s ability to take a room full of felt puppets completely seriously.
This year, as we gather around the TV for yet another viewing, I know we’ll laugh, sing and cry just like always. And in doing so, we’ll create another memory to add to the growing tapestry of Christmases past—one that’s wrapped in love and laughter with a little help from the Muppets.
Because if there’s one thing The Muppet Christmas Carol teaches us, it’s this: the true meaning of Christmas is found in the time we spend together. And, of course, in the occasional rat on fire.
