Last night unfolded a cherished family Christmas tradition in our home: a “Muppet Family Christmas” movie night. With eleven children gathered, the air buzzed with excitement, fueled by a mountain of popcorn. As we watched, my husband made a remark that sparked reflection: “This is what started it all!” Intrigued, I asked him to elaborate. He explained that a trip to Ireland to visit his relatives, who themselves had fourteen children, had initially opened his mind to the possibility of a large family. However, it was “A Muppet Family Christmas” that truly solidified the idea, melting away any hesitation he might have had.
It might seem unusual, but he was deeply moved by the spirit of welcome embodied by Fozzie Bear’s mother as each new Muppet unexpectedly arrived at her home. His observation resonated with me, and I realized he had a profound point.
Fozzie’s mother had envisioned a different Christmas – one filled with sunshine, beaches, and relaxation. Her plans were well-intentioned and appealing! Yet, when her son appeared as a surprise guest, she gracefully shifted her priorities to embrace something more meaningful: family. While a fleeting moment of disappointment might have crossed her mind (after all, poor Fozzie had invested three months in surfing lessons!), she quickly declared, “There’s plenty of room for everybody!” This sentiment beautifully mirrors the reality of unexpected arrivals in life, perhaps symbolized by a plus sign or two lines on a pregnancy test. Instead of viewing these surprises as burdens or obstacles to our carefully laid plans, we can choose to see them as blessings in disguise.
The essence of this Christmas special radiates a warm-hearted acceptance of all. Sacrifices are made without a second thought to accommodate the continuous stream of new guests. Some critters find cozy spots in the attic, others creatively utilize hangers, while a few are assigned to the bathtub, and even bunk beds appear in the broom closet, courtesy of the letter B. Remarkably, there always seems to be room for just one more.
One scene that consistently warms my heart is when Doc, from Fraggle Rock, volunteers to brave a blizzard to search for Miss Piggy, who is struggling to reach the Christmas gathering. Kermit the Frog is deeply touched by this selfless offer:
Kermit: But you’ve never even met…
Doc: We never met any of you all a little while ago, and now we’re friends. Sprocket and I were going to spend Christmas alone, but this is better.
I deeply admire my husband’s willingness to embrace and sacrifice for new additions to our family – an openness to individuals he hasn’t even encountered yet. He is right; there is always room for more love and family. And Doc’s words echo a profound truth: we could navigate life in solitude, but sharing it with others, welcoming them in, is undoubtedly “better.”
This powerful concept extends beyond the confines of family. It resonates with those who reach out to the homeless, offer comfort to the sick, and open their homes through fostering or adoption. We are not meant to live in isolation, but to expand our hearts to others. Advent serves as the perfect season to contemplate this outward focus and the spirit of giving. Wishing you all a blessed Advent season!
Let it snow, Darling! Let it Reindeer! And always, be mindful of the icy patch!
Wocka, wocka, wocka!
