This 1978 Emmy-award winning film revolves around Big Bird worrying about how Santa Claus can fit down the chimney. Oscar doesn’t help matters any by placing doubts in Big Bird’s mind. So Big Bird does what any self-respecting bird would do when trying to find out the truth: have Kermit and Grover interview various children about how Santa does it.

Also in this film Bert and Ernie play out their own version of “The Gift of the Magi” when they want to exchange gifts but have no money to do so. So Bert exchanges his paper clip collection at Hooper’s store for a soap dish for Rubbie Duckie. Ernie exchanges his Rubber Duckie at Hooper’s for a cigar box for Bert’s paper clip collection. Being the kind soul that he is, Mr. Hooper later returns the paper clip collection and Rubber Duckie back to their respective owners.

In another side note during the film, Cookie Monster is trying to get in touch with Santa and in the process, ends up eating a pencil, a typewriter and a landline telephone. This is a hilarious bit and has always been one of my favorite parts of the movie.

In the end the entire neighborhood is frantically searching for Big Bird when he decides to sit atop the brownstone to wait for Santa so he can see exactly how he gets down the chimney. Of course when Santa arrives, Big Bird is asleep. Bird eventually wakes and goes down to Gordon and Susan’s apartment where he learns that Santa has already come and gone.