Introduction
1978 American TV series or program Benji's Very Own Christmas StoryDVD coverWritten byJoe CampDan WittDirected byJoe CampStarringBenjeanRon MoodyPatsy GarrettCynthia SmithMusic byEuel BoxCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducerJoe CampCinematographyDon ReddyEditorLeon SeithRunning time25 minutesProduction companyMulberry Square ProductionsOriginal releaseNetworkABCReleaseDecember 7, 1978 (1978-12-07) Benji's Very Own Christmas Story is a 1978 American Christmas television special featuring Benji and is one of two such Benji specials to have been nominated for an Emmy Award. Patsy Garrett and Cynthia Smith reprise their respective roles as Mary and Cindy. The special was broadcast on ABC on December 7, 1978.
Plot
[edit] Mary and Cindy from the Benji films are on a promotional tour in Switzerland and are asked to be grand marshalls of a Christmas parade in Zermatt. Due to a broken leg, Kris Kringle is sending his elves out to deliver presents, and, as this will force them to miss the parade, he wants them to meet Benji first. With help from Mary and Cindy, Kringle realizes the true meaning of Christmas and performs a musical number showing how Saint Nicholas appears all over the world.
Cast
[edit] Benjean as Benji (daughter of original Benji, Higgins) Patsy Garrett as Mary Cynthia Smith as Cindy Chapman Ron Moody as Kris Kringle
Nominations and awards
[edit] Benji's Very Own Christmas Story was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1979 for Outstanding Children's Program along with A Special Sesame Street Christmas and Once Upon A Classic with Christmas Eve on Sesame Street being the eventual winner. Actress Cynthia Smith was nominated for a Youth in Film Award (now known as the Young Artist Award) in 1979 for her performance. The other nominations in her category were Patsy Kensit for Hanover Street, Brooke Shields for Just You and Me, Kid, Mariel Hemingway for Manhattan and Trini Alvarado for Rich Kids. The winner was Diane Lane for A Little Romance. The film was also nominated in the category of Best TV Series or Special Featuring Youth. Also nominated in the same category were The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, Diff'rent Strokes with the eventual winner being Eight is Enough.
Why Benji Still Charms Holiday Audiences
Benji’s small‑scale adventure taps into a nostalgic, family‑friendly formula that has endured since the 1970s. Unlike grandiose holiday epics, this 25‑minute special leans on the universal appeal of a lovable stray turning chaos into Christmas miracles. The inclusion of familiar faces like Patsy Garrett as Mary gives a comforting continuity for viewers who grew up with the original films. Its modest runtime makes it perfect for a cosy evening after the main dinner, fitting neatly between the turkey leftovers and dessert. The blend of gentle humour, a touch of slapstick and a heartfelt message about compassion for animals resonates especially with today’s audiences who value pet adoption stories during the festive season.
Buying Guide: Best Way to Watch Benji’s Christmas Tale Today
The original ABC broadcast is long out of reach, but the special is readily available on DVD and several streaming platforms that specialise in classic TV. Look for editions that include the original 1978 picture quality rather than remastered cuts that sometimes alter the colour palette. If you have a Blu‑ray player, a DVD will still run smoothly, and many British retailers bundle it with other family‑friendly holiday titles for extra value. For families with young children, check that the version you choose carries the appropriate age rating – the content is gentle, but some mild peril scenes may warrant a quick preview. A portable DVD player makes it easy to slip the film into the post‑dinner lull on the sofa or in a cosy corner of the living‑room.
What Viewers Often Miss: The Subtle Animal‑Rights Message
Beyond the charming antics, Benji’s Very Own Christmas Story quietly champions animal welfare – a theme that aligns with the festive spirit of giving. The plot’s focus on rescuing a stray dog mirrors the seasonal surge in shelter adoptions, yet many viewers skim past this nuance. The special subtly encourages kindness to animals by showing Benji’s loyalty and bravery earning him a place at the Christmas table, reinforcing the idea that every creature deserves love and care. This message can spark a family conversation about adopting pets or donating to local rescues, turning a simple viewing into a purposeful holiday tradition.