I recently got to watch "Ziggy's Gift" on DVD because I had not seen this on TV since the 80s. For a holiday special it's quite simple and understated. It's setting is modern with a few of the things that make the holidays depressing mentioned.
Ziggy is a plain and simple guy with a cute pet pup. He lives alone and it's never clear if he even works but he's in obvious financial straits in having to take a job as a street corner Santa. He doesn't have much but he still has room in his heart to be giving towards others.
His timing for this occupation is unfortunate because the police are combing the city to find crooked Santas that are collecting money for themselves.
Not knowing,Ziggy is followed by a really creepy looking guy who's really a sleaze. He's also followed by an officer who is suspicious of his activity. The holiday spirit seems lost until Ziggy,The policeman and the creep meet up in front of the local orphanage.
They scuffle but then see they're being watched and quickly break into a Christmas Carol. They are then invited in and Ziggy,the cop and the creepy guy end up helping the kids with gifts and holiday cheer.
It's a great special and it something that should be watched each year to remind us that,no matter how bad it gets in the world,we can't let those things destroy our humanity or our hearts.
Here's to you Zig,you are not forgotten (END)
Ziggy is a plain and simple guy with a cute pet pup. He lives alone and it's never clear if he even works but he's in obvious financial straits in having to take a job as a street corner Santa. He doesn't have much but he still has room in his heart to be giving towards others.
His timing for this occupation is unfortunate because the police are combing the city to find crooked Santas that are collecting money for themselves.
Not knowing,Ziggy is followed by a really creepy looking guy who's really a sleaze. He's also followed by an officer who is suspicious of his activity. The holiday spirit seems lost until Ziggy,The policeman and the creep meet up in front of the local orphanage.
They scuffle but then see they're being watched and quickly break into a Christmas Carol. They are then invited in and Ziggy,the cop and the creepy guy end up helping the kids with gifts and holiday cheer.
It's a great special and it something that should be watched each year to remind us that,no matter how bad it gets in the world,we can't let those things destroy our humanity or our hearts.
Here's to you Zig,you are not forgotten (END)