Last night, the festive tradition unfolded once more in our home: a “Muppet Family Christmas” movie night. For our eleven children and us, it’s an evening complete with overflowing bowls of popcorn and cozy blankets. This year, my husband remarked something particularly insightful amidst the Muppet mayhem: “This is what started it all!” Curious, I asked him to elaborate. He explained that while a trip to visit his fourteen-child-strong Irish family had initially sparked the idea of a large family, it was “A Muppet Family Christmas” that truly solidified the dream.
It might sound unusual, but he was genuinely captivated by the spirit of generosity and open-door hospitality exemplified by Fozzie Bear’s mother in the movie. As each Muppet character unexpectedly arrived at her doorstep, her welcoming spirit resonated deeply. Reflecting on his comment, I realized he had a profound point.
Fozzie’s mom had meticulously planned her holiday – envisioning sunshine, a relaxing beach, and pure fun. However, her son’s surprise appearance delightfully disrupted her plans, prompting her to embrace something even more meaningful: family. Though momentarily disappointed (after all, poor Fozzie had invested three months in surfing lessons!), she quickly declared, “There’s plenty of room for everybody!” This scene beautifully mirrors life’s unexpected joys, much like discovering a little plus sign or two lines on a pregnancy test. Instead of viewing these surprises as burdens that derail our carefully laid plans, we can choose to see them as unexpected blessings, enriching our lives in unforeseen ways.
The heart of “A Muppet Family Christmas” beats with this warm-hearted acceptance and boundless inclusivity. No character seems to mind the little sacrifices required to accommodate the constant stream of new arrivals. Some critters find cozy corners in the attic, others swing happily from hangers, still others are assigned to the bathtub, and bunk beds magically appear in the broom closet, courtesy of the letter “B.” In the Muppet world, and in our hearts, there always seems to be room for one more.
One of the most touching moments for me is when Doc from Fraggle Rock selflessly volunteers to brave a blizzard to search for Miss Piggy, who is struggling to reach the Christmas gathering. Kermit the Frog’s reaction perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the special:
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 open his heart and life, making space and sacrifices for new members to join our family – a beautiful openness to those he hasn’t even met yet. He’s right; there truly is always room for more. And Doc’s words echo a profound truth: we could journey through life in isolation, but embracing connection and community is undoubtedly “better.”
This powerful message of “A Muppet Family Christmas” extends beyond our immediate families. It inspires us to reach out to those on the margins – to offer a hand to the homeless, comfort the sick, and open our homes and hearts through fostering or adoption. We are not meant to live in isolation, but to expand our circles of love and welcome. Advent, with its themes of anticipation and preparation, provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on this very idea.
So, let it snow, Darling! Let it Reindeer! And let us all be mindful of the occasionally icy patches, both literally and figuratively, as we navigate this beautiful season. Wocka, wocka, wocka!
