Get to Know Your Geeks: Christmas Specials

It's that time of year again! I love the holiday season and have been shamelessly listening to Christmas music whenever I need it since before Halloween (because sometimes my mental health trumps social convention). Last year I wanted our Geeks team to share about our Christ-centered Christmas traditions, so this year I thought I'd be a little more whimsical. Instead of getting super serious or spiritual, a few of us are just going to share about some of our favorite Christmas specials. Movies. TV. Anything we love at this time of year. That being said, by the nature of it being Christmas, I'm sure there'll still be some religious/spiritual significance in what we picked.

--Spencer

Spencer: Olaf's Frozen Adventure

I can't say that Olaf's Frozen Adventure is my favorite Christmas special (TJ and I discussed most of our favorite favorites last year on the Podcast) but it's grown on me in recent years. We all by this point that Frozen has been overdone. That being said, my two little girls are still enamored by Disney Princesses and Frozen (they almost dressed as Elsa and Anna for Halloween this year). So sometimes I'll end up putting on Olaf's Frozen Adventure at this time of year. I'm happy that it's short and my girls are happy that it's Elsa and Anna. 

All that being said, a couple years ago I was watching this Arendelle version of a Hallmark Christmas movie and the last song in particular resonated with me. It's not like my wife and I have plans for an extravagant holiday season this year or any year in the near future, so focusing on being together and experiencing the holidays together is everything to me at this time of year. So while I love the gift giving process and Christmas traditions, having those experiences as a family matter more. "'Cause when we're together it's a holiday every night." I've still got some growing up to do for sure, but "I have everything on my list" when I'm with my family--even when my kids drive me up the wall. "'Cause when we're together I'll forever feel at home" and when I'm at my most depressed "home" is all I want. 

T.J.: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Picking one favorite Christmas special isn't easy. But as it pertains to movies, my all-time favorite Christmas movie has been The Muppet Christmas Carol. As a kid, I absolutely loved the Muppets. This combination of wacky puppets always could bring a smile to my face. And pair them with one of my favorite actors (Michael Caine in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge)....it's just gold for me. I've always had a special place in my heart for Kermit, Fozzie, Ms. Piggy, and Gonzo. 

For a few years, I would even put this movie on to fall asleep to. The music is so fun and enjoyable (minus Love is Gone since I had a VHS copy with that song in the movie unlike the last time I watched it on Disney+) I use Kermit's "Only One More Sleep 'Til Christmas" to explain to my kids how many days until Christmas. "Scrooge" (an ensemble song) and "Marley and Marley" (by Waldorf and Statler) are such fun songs, topped by "It Feels Like Christmas" (Ghost of Christmas Present.) And then we get "Bless Us All" (Tiny Tim) and "Thankful Heart" (Scrooge) to help remind us of the reason for Christmas. The Muppets properly use Dickens' classic to remind us that Christmas is best when it's gratitude-filled with some fun.

Michael Davenport: The Nutcracker: A Fantasy on Ice

Have you ever had a movie your parents had to hide from you as a kid? As the youngest, my family hid three movies from me: Star Wars, Power Rangers: The Movie, and—you guessed it—The Nutcracker. I don’t know why I loved this movie so much, but I do remember watching it a lot as a kid. So, as a responsible adult, of course, I’m going to be watching this classic again this season.

The story follows Clara, a young girl who, on Christmas Eve, receives a nutcracker doll that magically transforms into a prince. As the adventure unfolds, Clara is whisked away into a dreamlike world of battling the Mouse King and exploring the dazzling Land of Sweets. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music guides the journey, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a snow globe of Christmas wonder.

What makes this version so special is how it combines the magic of the holidays with the artistry of ice skating. Watching Hamill glide effortlessly as Clara and Cousins bring charm and energy as the Nutcracker Prince feels like experiencing a Christmas fairy tale in motion. The choreography, vibrant costumes, and heartfelt performances capture the spirit of the season, making it a cozy and nostalgic watch for families. It’s not just a holiday movie; it’s a celebration of beauty, joy, and the power of imagination—a perfect way to make Christmas memories together.