Growing up, one of my favorite parts of this time of year were the holiday-themed television movies, and one of my most favorite I the 1996 musical spectacular Mrs. Santa Claus!

The first original musical written for television since Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 1957, the film’s music and lyrics were composed by Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!) and starred Angela Landsbury as Ana, an independent Mrs. Claus determined to get her husband to listen to her and stop taking her for granted as someone who was just put on earth to serve him hot cocoa. 

After making a new course to maximize Nick’s magical flight, a preoccupied Santa, isn’t really in the listening mood. So, Ana decides to take a sleigh and one of the reindeer to test the route herself. However, a storm forces her to land in the wilds of New York City in 1910. What’s worse, is that during the landing, the reindeer injures one of his legs.

Calling herself Mrs. North, Ana meets Marcello (David Norona) who leads her through a melting pot of personalities known as Avenue A on their way to the best bonding house in the city. From there Ana meets a host of colorful characters who make her stay in the city just as magical as she is, while Santa himself comes to realize just how important Ana is, not just to the work he’s doing (or his hot cocoa addiction) but to him, himself. 

As a young artist living in the midst of the Montana prairie, I credit this telefilm, and the legendary artistry of Bob Mackie as one of the reasons why I went into costume design in college.

While the film does have its flaws, it’s a nostalgic piece of holiday pie that has been a staple at my house for over half my life.

More Holiday Films soon so…

Stay Tuned!