Mr. Krueger's Christmas

1980 American TV series or program Mr. Krueger's ChristmasWritten byE.F. WallengrenStory byMichael H. McLeanAllan HendersonJ. Scott IversonDirected byKieth MerrillStarringJames StewartNarrated byGordon JumpMusic byWilliam J. EvansCountry of originUnited StatesOriginal languageEnglishProductionExecutive producersJohn G. KinnearStephen B. AllenProducerMichael H. McLeanCinematographyJeremy LepardEditorStephen JohnsonRunning time26 minutesProduction companyBonneville ProductionsOriginal releaseNetworkNBCReleaseDecember 21, 1980 (1980-12-21) Mr. Krueger's Christmas is a 1980 American Christmas short television film produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, starring James Stewart, directed by Kieth Merrill, with story by Michael H. McLean, and featuring the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. It was first broadcast on NBC on December 21, 1980.

[edit] Willy Krueger is a widowed apartment janitor who lives in a basement flat with his cat George. On a cold Christmas Eve, he daydreams to escape his lonely life: he muses about being a man of culture and means, an ice dance at Temple Square, a sleigh ride, as well as the conductor of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, and also imagines himself in the stable with Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus.

[edit] James Stewart as Willy Krueger Beverly Rowland as Lead Caroller Kamee Aliessa as Clarissa Tamara Fowler as Clarissa's mother Tyson Lewis as Baby Jesus Gordon Jump as Narrator

[edit] Parts of the special were shot in Salt Lake City, Utah.

James Stewart’s gentle, weather‑beaten charm is the secret sauce that turns a 26‑minute TV special into a comforting Christmas ritual for many families. His familiar cadence, honed over decades of Hollywood, brings a sense of gravitas to a story that could otherwise feel like a simple moral fable. In the context of 1980, when TV families were gathering around a single channel, Stewart’s presence acted as a unifying voice, reassuring viewers that the season’s true spirit was still within reach. This subtle star power is why the short resurfaces each December on nostalgia channels and streaming playlists—people remember not just the story but the reassuring tone that only an actor of Stewart’s stature could provide.

Treat "Mr. Krueger's Christmas" as a palate cleanser between the usual marathon of feature‑length films. Because it runs just under half an hour, slot it after dinner while the kids are still at the table, or use it as a bridge before the main feature begins. Pair the viewing with a simple dessert—perhaps a slice of fruitcake or mince pies—and let the Tabernacle Choir’s choral swells fill the background. If you stream it, consider dimming the lights to recreate the original NBC broadcast ambience. The brief runtime makes it easy to re‑watch, so families can discuss the moral themes together without the pressure of a long plot.

The short was produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, a fact that many viewers overlook when they focus solely on the nostalgic star power. Understanding this origin adds depth: the film’s gentle moral message aligns with the church’s emphasis on family cohesion and community service during the festive season. The inclusion of the Tabernacle Choir, a hallmark of LDS cultural output, also reflects an intention to showcase wholesome, universally appealing music rather than overtly religious content. Recognising these intentions helps viewers appreciate the film as a bridge between mainstream holiday storytelling and a specific faith‑based perspective, enriching the viewing experience beyond pure nostalgia.