Your Thoughts: Elmo’s Christmas Countdown

[Phillip Chapman]

The prime time special “Elmo’s Christmas Countdown” airs tonight on ABC. After you watch the special, post here and let us know your thoughts on this long-awaited holiday appearance.

[BobThePizzaBoy]

Well, the first part just ended. I'm not really loosening up to the street set they built for this special and the lack fo the street regulars outside of Elmo and Oscar seems a bit weird but it seems OK so far otherwise.

[D'Snowth]

So far, I feel like I'm watching a Sid and Marty Krofft show, only without the whole "acid-trippy" factor.

Somebody tell me why they're not using the actual Sesame Street set, and using this what looks like a set that was put together by an eight-year-old...

[heralde]

I think the CGI is a big mistake, heh.

Ben Stiller is awesome!

I really liked Oscar's little Christmas "curses" hehe. And also this line:

"But it's only once a year!"
"I'm glad it's only once a year!"

I really can't listen to Elmo's laugh more than once. Though I am surprised that he's not doing much, just quickly reacting to what everyone else is saying.

Is that Billy Bunny? Lol

Love the little Squirrel! Seriously, they need more moments like that!

"Don't besmirch me, Rudolph!" Lol

It's a nice kid's special ::shrugs::

Stay tuned...

[D'Snowth]

Hmm... creepy... that Christmas Carol has always scared me... it's a weird story, but the first time I heard it, a VERY "sinister" version of it was played during the climax of a Christmas special we were watching in school one day, and I just remember the climax was all made up like something bad and scary was about to happen, and that carol playing in the background didn't really help!

I see they recycled Lightning the Reindeer for a Charles Gibson-like reindeer newscaster. Poor Stiller the Elf, being persecuted for breaking the counter-downer.

[MrsPepper]

Just tuning in... I love Stiller the elf!

I just saw the skit with Anne Hathaway and Big Bird. She's such a cute actress and it was fun to see her sing with Big Bird and Snuffy!

[heralde]

Well, I like how they are using the count down calender to give the other characters their own moments. Grover is the cutest SS Muppet of all time!

On the other hand...I don't know. It's like they're being "generous" giving Big Bird and the others their own moments, because they wouldn't have one otherwise. I just don't like that attitude lately.

Anne Hathaway is always good.

...I wonder who is puppeteering the Stiller puppet...hmm

Well, I am glad the Soprano actors aren't doing the mob thing. They are very charming; I like them in those shirts, lol.

I just thought of something. Don Music could have done the Stiller character, lol. Would have been a very different special though! LOL

Dentist, hehe, nice reference!

[D'Snowth]

Okay, wait just a minute... Stiller the Elf can say "buttox", but I'm not allowed to on live TV for a children's programming pledge drive? What's wrong with that picture?

Nice little Snuffleupagus for Christmas bit there, it was quite cute, plus it's awesome to see Big Bird in the action, then him show up with the next box for the Christmas Counter-Downer!

Wow... an extended version of "The Bert and Ernie Christmas Special Starring Tony Sirico as Bert and Steve Schirippa as Ernie". I still hate Prairie's new hairdo, though... it doesn't quite suit her, in my opinion. Boy, she's getting shrilly there, isn't she?

[MrsPepper]

Boy, she's getting shrilly there, isn't she?

Yeah she is. Very bossy as usual but kinda screechy. Someone get her some Fisherman's Friend!

[BobThePizzaBoy]

I'm loosening up to the special now, it has nothing on Christmas Eve on Sesame Street or even Elmo Saves Christmas. But I'm still hoping it becomes an annual tradition, even if it'll be slightly dated by next year. The + scene is clearly the highlight of the special, good to see a reference to the classic sketch.

[heralde]

Elmo's little "Now...now...aww" moment was cute, I admit.

Believing even when things are at their lowest is a very good lesson.

And thank goodness, they're not just doing secular Christmas songs!

However, I don't want to be picky but...despite what Elmo says, Alicia is not the one who says "listen to what I say" in the song. I would not have put that in there.

....I still say, Don Music could have done the Stiller part! LOL

This is cute. But I wish Christmas Eve on Sesame Street was still an annual tradition. For today's kids as well as for myself.

[somethingofafan]

Yeah, when Elmo is putting his own name in there when quoting someone else, it's time for someone to teach him some pronouns.

[MrsPepper]

Great song with Alicia! Very inspiring moment. Not sure what she was doing just strolling down the street though!

[MeepBorkMeep]

The Jamie Foxx one has been the least interesting musical number in my opinion, though Elmo's nutcracker costume saved it.

Even the Alicia Keys song was captivating. I just hope there's a soundtrack.

[heralde]

The song with Alicia was good, I just wish they hadn't made it look like she was the one saying "listen to what I say" in the song. Nowadays especially, I don't like spirituality being ignored at Christmas. That made it less enjoyable for me. But I won't go on and on about it.