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.
If you’re ever looking for an inexpensive trip down memory lane, visit the Barker Character, Comic & Cartoon Museum in Cheshire, CT.
Here you will find nostalgic toys and cartoon items dating back to 1873. Even if the younger set gets sick of hearing you exclaim “ooh, I remember that when I was a kid!”, they will still get a kick out of seeing characters who are still familiar today.
Aside from all the great memorabilia, the price of admission can’t be beat:
Kids under 3 are free
3-18 – $3.00
Students with ID – $4.00
adults 19-64- $5.00
seniors 65 and up – $4.00
Start your visit in the Barker Animation Art Gallery (which is where you pay admission) and admire the many works of cartoon and character art for sale. Be sure to get your picture taken with one of the many life-sized character cut-outs found on the outside grounds of the museum. Then enjoy the interior of the museum itself and get ready for flashbacks of a lifetime. There will be many. Even the TV theme songs that are playing as you browse the many bits of your childhood will make you feel nostalgic.
My husband and I reminisced about school lunches when we saw the collection of lunchboxes hanging overhead. Just so you know, they are hanging alphabetically from the end of the alphabet to the beginning of the alphabet (those are upstairs). So I didn’t get to see my “Little House on the Prairie” lunchbox. And I failed to get a pic of the Donnie Osmond doll that I used to have when I was a kid. Oh well!
This collection is so extensive, there is an upstairs section as well. On our visit, we didn’t get a chance to get upstairs due to being so overwhelmed by the downstairs.
NOTE: the main museum and even the art gallery are very tight quarters. It is unknown if there are any handicapped ramps on the premises. I did not visibly see any, nor do I believe there is an elevator to the second level of the museum. If you wish to visit and have a question about accessibility, it may be best to call ahead.
This museum does have something for everyone, even the younger generation. It’s great especially if they appreciate older-style cartoons and characters, such as my teen-age daughter does. She was ecstatic to see Fraggles there, along with many other Jim Henson characters, as they are her favorites.
Enjoy the pics!
One of the many cartoon/character cut-outs you’ll encounter on the outside of the museum. Yay! Scooby-Doo!Who remembers this TV show? Such a young John Travolta! I had this very coloring book when I was a kid and I freaked out when I saw it!A huge M & M with Ernie from “Sesame Street” lurking in the backgroundA “Wizard of Oz” collectionGarfieldHere’s Ernie with some Wheaties boxes behind himMore “Wizard of Ox” stuffOf course they have Disney stuff there! Woody!A bigger than life HulkMuppet stuffMy daughter felt bad for Boober Fraggle being crammed into this case!Miss Piggy in the tub while a Cabbage Patch doll watches. Wembley Fraggle stuffed in the case. With a reflection of my husband’s face. LOL!Even the Beatles are hereMore “Sesame Street” and Muppet stuff
Of all the adult cast members from “Sesame Street”, Bob McGrath’s character “Bob” will always remain fondly in my memory as probably the first person who made me love music.
I’m so glad my own child was able to witness the greatness that was Bob and all he brought to “the Street”. He will be missed.
Today marked the start of the 40th season for “Sesame Street” and with it finally came the squashing of the forever-lived rumor of Bert and Ernie being gay. Well, now I can sleep!
How unrealistic can some people be to actually believe that two muppets can have a sexuality of any kind? Anyone who thinks this must be a moron! Bert and Ernie are there on “Sesame Street” to teach children about letters, numbers, getting along and life in general. If adults read further into that, then they just have too much time on their hands and need to get lives.
Wednesday marked the 40th anniversary of “Sesame Street”. Now I feel really old!
Here’s hoping this classic kids show stays around for at least another 40 years, continuing to help youngsters in learning this ABCs and 123’s, preparing them for school, preparing them for life. It’s no surprise it has won so many Emmy awards. Even after all these years, I’m still watching it and I’m still being entertained (of course, having a preschool-age child does help!).
michellemchatton.com 
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