User Reviews

Olivia is hoping for this family Christmas to be the best one ever. Between John-Boy perhaps leaving home in the near future, and with Mary Ellen being married, she fears this may be the last Christmas in which all members of the family are gathered together in person.

But her wish is threatened by a winter storm that causes some destruction, and leaves some members of the family and community stranded.

As typical for Waltons episodes of this period, it's punctuated by warmth and just the right dramatic moments.

But I do have one objection. There's nothing unrealistic or unbelievable about this episode. But several disasters occur (although sharing the one central cause of the winter storm) just when Olivia is especially hoping for the best Christmas. And the obvious question is: will they in fact all come together as a family for Christmas? It feels like a bit of a contrived situation.

For that reason, I can't rate this as one of the best Waltons episodes. There are others that are more complex, less predictable, and better written. But It does hit the right notes that any loyal Waltons fan rightly values.

It's episode 11, not 12, as stated. As usual, The Waltons Christmas episode is heartwarming, with humor and nostalgia. They handle the challenges of life as people of that era usually did. Christmas for them is about family and selflessness and not about material possessions. The acting and direction of this show were always of the highest quality. I will admit I never cared for Kurt, Mary Ellen's husband. Other than that, the characters are all so special and beloved. There's nothing like a snowy Waltons Mountain Christmas to help one get into the Christmas spirit. One can almost smell the beautiful fresh cut evergreen tree that John brought into the house. John Ritter as the reverend is a wonderful addition to the cast.