it reminds people of a certain age, of a time when things seems simpler and less dangerous (i know i know things were just as dangerous if not more so), but tv was less cynical. you hardly knew about the personal lives of the people on tv. same for the these shows. you took the sweetness on face value and it warmed you inside.

Call me a scrooge but I think the main reason the ratings were high was it really didn't have any competition - broadcast or cable. As my mom commented from the living room while I was in the kitchen, "There's not a damn thing on tonight! Just a bunch of Christmas crap." LOL. She's really very sweet normally but she was right. Unless you choose On Demand or had stuff TiVo'd you were screwed. Why can't Fringe and other good shows in ratings trouble be on during times like this?! Now tonight, speaking of Fringe, and embarrassment of riches. I'd bet Rudolph wouldn't be number one tonight.

I record and watch this show every year. I first saw it as a child in the sixties and have probably seen it close to fifty times. Great show.