‘The Andy Griffith Show’ ‘The Christmas Story’ remains a beloved episode

The Andy Griffith Show debuted in October 1960. One of the most beloved episodes is number 11 from the first season, The Christmas Story, which debuted on December 19, 1960. This was the only holiday program during the show’s 8-year run.

In 2015, a colorized version of this holiday fan favorite was broadcast. The Andy Griffith Show ran until 1968 and has never been off the air. It can still be seen in syndication today on cable and network television and on streaming services.

The Christmas episode has been televised every single year, sometimes on multiple stations during December. Andy Griffith portrayed Andy Taylor and Don Knotts was Barney Fife.

Elinor Donahue portrayed Ellie Walker, and Frances Bavier is well known for her role as Aunt Bee. Joy Ellison played little Ethie Muggins, and Margaret Kerry portrayed Bess Muggins.

Ronnie Howard starred as Opie Taylor, Sam Edwards played moonshiner Sam Muggins, Will Wright portrayed the cranky Ben Weaver, and Kelly Flynn was young Billy Muggins.

Many generations of families sat by their old black and white television sets to enjoy this heartwarming and humorous tale each holiday season. Everything revolves around Grouchy Ben Weaver, who owns Weavers Drug Store.

Ben is the Grinch who wants to ruin the holiday by bringing Sam Muggins to jail and demanding that hSeriff Andy Taylor lock him up for being a moonshiner. Ben demands that the sheriff act right away, and each time anyone mentions that that’s it’s Christmas Eve. Mr. Weaver replies loudly, Christmas, Ha!” It brings to mind Ebenezer Scrooge saying, "humbug."

Andy has Deputy Barney Fife bring Sam’s wife and two children to the jail so they can be with him for the holiday. Andy’s aunt Bea and son Opie come in with the turkey and the rest of the holiday meal without knowing they are being watched.

Ben is outside and looking at the festivities from a window as everyone sings Deck the Halls. The next thing you know, he is stealing a bench that sat in front of the courthouse. Andy gives him a warning and lets him go. Minutes later, Barney arrests Ben for tearing up a ticket for parking his car next to a fire hydrant.

He says if he is given another ticket, he will tear that one up as well. Andy is about Ellie, the druggist says she will pay his fine, so Andy lets Mr. Weaver go, and he escapes being put in jail a second time.

Once again, Ben is standing on a crate and looking through the jailhouse window as Andy and Elli sing Away in a Manger. When they get to the last verse, Ben begins singing along and has a wistful look on his face. It’s clear at that moment that he has not always been a Scrooge.

It’s a tender moment it but does not last long. Barney comes in dressed as Santa, complete with his “ Ho ho hos.” Everyone begins loading their plates to eat, and at that moment, Ben falls, and Andy goes to investigate.

Ben threatens the sheriff, and Andy tells him it’s almost as if he is trying to get himself arrested. In the next scene, the sheriff is bringing Mr. Weaver into the jail and explains why he has arrested him.

Ben has a suitcase in his hand, and when he opens it he has presents for everyone. He pretends he does not know how each item got there, and when he has distributed everything, the group begins singing The First Noel.

As Andy is taking Ben to his cell, Aunt Bea gives Mr. Weaver a plate of food. When the show returns after a commercial, everyone is going home and Andy finds that the jug with the moonshine is empty.

Ben is asleep in his cell with a goofy smile on his face. It appears he drank the evidence so Sam is let go. Thanks to streaming services, you don't have to wait until December or Christmas in July. You can enjoy The Andy Griffith Show episode The Christmas Story anytime of the year.