Let It Be Known Across the Land From Sea to Sea...

Let's face it. Come December, the most popular guy on the planet is Santa Claus (no matter what you call him--St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Pere Noel, etc). And there are many movies out there that star the jolly merrymaker facing many different scenarios. Yet, what are Santa's origins?

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town seeks to answer that question. It tells the young story of Kris Kringle, the adopted son of a family of toymakers. He grows up learning how to make toys, be generous and little tricks that he would later apply to his trade. Upon reaching adulthood, he decides to go hand out his family's toys in a nearby town. Unfortunately, the Burgermeister--the ruler--has just declared toys illegal after suffering an injury. Kris has to sneak in the toys with the help of local schoolteacher Jessica, the Winter Warlock, and a penguin named Topper. In time, Kris adopts the name Santa Claus and limits his visits to Christmas Eve, but is still the generous soul he ever was.

Narrated by Fred Astaire, the store is told in the claymation style that was popular in TV's early days. Like Rudolph and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, the songs in this special are particularly memorable as well. There is the title song that everyone knows by heart crooned masterfully by Astaire. My family's favorite is "No More Toymakers to the King!"--regarding the Burgermeister Meisterburger's decision to outlaw toys. And I know I've hummed to myself "One Foot in Front of the Other" in difficult or nerve-wracking times.

Another thing I love about this special is how strong-willed and independent Jessica is in it. She stands up for the children, helps Kris bring joy and finds a way to break him and his friends out of prison. In some ways, she is his greatest ally and it is no surprise that she becomes Mrs. Claus. One most hope the women who have played (or will play) Santa's wife take a few lessons from Jessica. She is how I imagine Mrs. Claus to be--Santa's equal partner.

For Jessica Claus and a rallying anthem, I award Santa Claus is Comin' to Town five candy canes out of five.

And I leave you with one quote: "A yo-yo? I love yo-yos!"
"Sire, you are breaking your own law!"

Never underestimate the power of a yo-yo.