Elmo Saves Christmas

1996 American TV series or program Elmo Saves ChristmasGenreChristmas specialWritten by Christine Ferraro Tony Geiss Directed byEmily SquiresStarring Maya Angelou Charles Durning Harvey Fierstein 14 Karat Soul Bob McGrath Roscoe Orman Sonia Manzano Emilio Delgado David Smyrl Carlo Alban Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly Desiree Casado Voices of Kevin Clash Joey Mazzarino Fran Brill Caroll Spinney Steve Whitmire Frank Oz Jerry Nelson Carmen Osbahr Martin P. Robinson David Rudman Bryant Young Pam Arciero Peter Linz Noel MacNeal Jim Martin John Tartaglia Alice Dinnean Matt Vogel Narrated byMaya AngelouOpening themeIt's Christmas AgainEnding themeKeep Christmas with You (All Through the Year)Country of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionExecutive producerNancy KanterRunning time60 minutesProduction companyChildren's Television WorkshopOriginal releaseNetworkPBSReleaseDecember 2, 1996 (1996-12-02) Elmo Saves Christmas is a Sesame Street Christmas musical fantasy comedy drama television special which was released on PBS on December 2, 1996. It was released to VHS that same year. Inspired by the 1892 short story "Christmas Every Day" by William Dean Howells, Elmo wishes for Christmas to occur every day, only to be taken to the future to learn the adverse consequences of his wish. The program was filmed in Sesame Street's usual home, the Kaufman Astoria Studios in New York City. Footage from the film It's a Wonderful Life also appears in the program and after the credits.

[edit] Elmo stays up on Christmas Eve to meet Santa Claus. He falls asleep, but is awakened by Santa stuck in the chimney. Elmo pulls him out, and Santa thanks him by offering either a teddy bear or a magical snow globe as a gift. Elmo chooses the globe and is granted three wishes, wasting the first on a glass of water. On Christmas Day, Elmo wishes for Christmas to be every day, but Santa warns him that Christmas would no longer be special. Lightning, a reindeer-in-training, takes Elmo to the future to see the effects of his wish. Big Bird is sad that Snuffy does not return from visiting his grandmother in Cincinnati, the businesses remain closed, It's a Wonderful Life plays continuously on every TV channel, Santa's overworked elves make flawed toys, and other holidays are overshadowed. Meanwhile, Oscar the Grouch enjoys the increasing misery. By next year's Christmas, everybody is tired of celebrating, Christmas trees are endangered, all the businesses are bankrupt, and Santa is retiring to Florida. Elmo uses his last wish to make Christmas be once a year again, but breaks his snow globe before the wish is granted. Fortunately, Lightning takes him back to the Christmas Eve when he rescued Santa, and Elmo chooses a plush "Moo-Bunny" as his new gift. Snuffy returns, telling Big Bird that his grandmother came to Sesame Street instead. Elmo learns that, although Christmas does not occur every day, everyone can keep their Christmas spirit alive in their hearts all year.

[edit] Maya Angelou as Herself/Narrator Charles Durning as Santa Claus Harvey Fierstein as the Easter Bunny 14 Karat Soul as Themselves Humans[edit] Carlo Alban as Carlo Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly as Gina Emilio Delgado as Luis Desiree Casado as Gabi Sonia Manzano as Maria Bob McGrath as Bob Roscoe Orman as Gordon David Smyrl as Mr. Handford Muppet performers[edit] Frank Oz as Cookie Monster and Grover Jerry Nelson as Count von Count, Mr. Johnson and News Flash Announcer Kevin Clash as Elmo, Father and Elf 3 Fran Brill as Zoe, Easter Egg customer and Elf 2 Joey Mazzarino as Lightning and Elf 1 Carmen Osbahr as Rosita Caroll Spinney as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch Martin P. Robinson as Mr. Snuffleupagus, Telly Monster and Elf 5 David Rudman as Baby Bear, Humphrey and Elf 4 Steve Whitmire as Kermit the Frog Additional Muppets performed by Pam Arciero, Peter Linz, Noel MacNeal, Jim Martin, John Tartaglia, Alice Dinnean and Matt Vogel.

Background Muppets[edit] Ernie, Bert, Grundgetta, Herry Monster, Prairie Dawn, Baby Natasha, Ingrid, Forgetful Jones, Penguins, Sherry Netherland, Benny Rabbit, Honker, Anything Muppets, Chickens, AM Monsters, Joey and Davey Monkey, Toucan, Goat.

[edit] "It's Christmas Again" "Every Day Can't Be Christmas" "Give Your Friend an Easter Egg for Christmas" "All I Want for Christmas is You" "Every Day Can't Be Christmas" (reprise) "Keep Christmas with You (All Through the Year)"

For parents who grew up with Sesame Street, Elmo Saves Christmas offers a tidy half‑hour of wholesome fun that fits neatly between a pre‑dinner snack and the main feast. Its mix of familiar Muppets, a star‑studded voice cast and a gentle moral makes it a safe choice for kids of any age. Because the story is self‑contained, you won’t need to hunt down earlier episodes or worry about continuity – just pop it on and let the little ones follow Elmo’s wish‑gone‑wrong adventure. It’s especially handy in the hectic festive season when you need a quick, quality programme that keeps the spirit bright without overstaying its welcome.

If you’re hunting for a physical copy, aim for the original 1996 VHS or the more recent DVD release that often includes bonus Sesame Street shorts. Check that the disc is region‑compatible with UK players (Region 2 for DVD). A well‑preserved copy will retain the original opening and closing songs, which are absent from many streaming cuts. Also verify that the packaging lists Maya Angelou as narrator – her involvement is a key selling point for collectors. For digital purchases, confirm that the file includes the full 60‑minute runtime; some streaming options trim the musical numbers, which are the heart of the special.

The story leans on a classic cautionary tale: too much of a good thing can become a burden. By sending Elmo to a future where perpetual Christmas has dulled the magic, the special subtly teaches kids about gratitude and the value of balance. This lesson resonates with British families who often juggle the commercial rush of the season with the desire to keep traditions meaningful. The programme’s nod to William Dean Howells’ 19th‑century short story adds literary depth, reminding parents that even whimsical children’s fare can carry a timeless moral.