The Christmas Toy

Imagine being the light of someone's life, the favorite plaything of a child, only to feel rejected when a new plaything gets in the way?

"The Christmas Toy" is a 1986 made-for-TV Christmas special that aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC-TV) in December 1986, and centers around a playroom full of toys, including Rugby, a self-centered tiger, Apple, a sweet-natured curly-haired doll, Balthazar, an aged teddy-bear, and Mew, a catnip toy mouse, among others. The toys come alive when no one is around. On Christmas Eve, Rugby learns that he will be "replaced" by a new favorite toy, and is determined to get inside the box of the new toy. Rugby and Mew go on an adventure to the living room, where Rugby opens the box of Meteora, a She-Ra-esque doll that causes havock. When Rugby and Mew go back to the playroom, Mew lags behind, and becomes frozen, just like the cute little clown doll, Ding-a-Ling. Can Rugby still compete for his owner's heart?

This was a great program that, according to my mom, never aired again. It took forever to be released on video, but those of us who saw it in 1986, and even have it on tape, remember it fondly. I have mine on a tape my parents made in 1986, and it has the old "Kraft" recipe commercials, and my best friend and I thought the recipes were disgusting looking. I love how Kermit hosts the program, and the characters are the same voices as the great Muppets we all know and love.

My favorite parts are when Rubgy opens the box to find Meteora, the introduction with Kermit (I LOVE KERMIT!), and the ending, which I won't give away!

This was well-done and beautiful to watch, and a great Christmas story that teaches viewers not to be conceited, and that you're never forgotten. Definitely watch this at Christmas time this year, and remember an undying classic for all ages.

A film I saw when I was a very young child maybe 8 or 9 in the 80's on Christmas day in England.

I was so enamored, I forgot about my presents and watched this alone without a word. (very early in the morning) A truly wonderful creation by the Muppets that clearly went on to inspire Toy Story.

My little girl will definitely watch this and hopefully be moved in the same way I was by this delightful film.

Every part of the film is captivating for a child and allows a child to enter a wonderful mysterious world with true life meanings that will stay with them for life.

I would recommend any parent to show their children this delight.

A stuffed tiger named Rugby was a little girl's Christmas toy last year. Wanting to relive that experience, he intends to sneak into the box of this year's Christmas toy and replace it. His toy friends try to stop him before he's seen by a person. If people see the toys when they're moving around, the toys will be frozen forever.

This is a delightful Christmas special from Jim Henson with Kermit appearing at the beginning and end. Some good songs (and one not so good near the beginning) with absolutely charming characters and a lovely story. As other reviewers have mentioned, there's an obvious similarity between this and Toy Story. This is something Muppets fans or fans of great old Christmas TV specials will certainly appreciate.

Fans of Jim Henson, like me, will simply love The Christmas Toy. I love Christmas, toys and Jim Henson's work so The Christmas Toy was a perfect treat.

The visuals are splendid, right from the camera work, the toys themselves, the set design and the colours. The music delights too, with hummable melodies and lyrics that really sparkle with wit, freshness and poignancy.

Story-wise, The Christmas Toy has lots of charm and heart, and succeeds in appealing to children and adults. The writing has a perfect balance of humour and sentiment without overdoing either.

Might I also mention how adorable the characters are and how consistently good the voice work is from everybody? Overall, a jewel that anybody would love, albeit sadly underrated. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I watch this Henson film every Christmas & it never fails to move me. It has that essential combination of tears, laughter, story, great characters & song.

Rugby, a conceited, cuddly tiger & Mew, a sweet, loyal cat toy lead an irresistable cast. Their friends include a doll, a ride-on horse, an old teddy, a robot & every kind of toy you can imagine. Will capture the hearts of adults & children alike. 10/10