CBS Lum and Abner 1938-12-23 — Lum and Abner's Christmas Story

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date Aired: December 5, 2025 (Original Airdate: Dec 23, 1938)

Episode Overview

This episode of Lum and Abner offers a heartfelt Christmas story set in the fictional town of Pine Ridge. Embracing the spirit of generosity and community, Lum, Abner, and Grandpappy Spears set out on a snowy night to bring comfort to a couple forced to shelter in a barn, awaiting the birth of their child. The episode is a rural reimagining of the Nativity, blending warmth, humor, and reflections on the true meaning of Christmas.

Key Discussion Points and Story Progression

1. Setting the Scene: A Pine Ridge Christmas

• [03:09] The narrative opens with Pine Ridge bustling in anticipation of Christmas. Lum, Abner, and Grandpappy Spears prepare a nighttime journey through the snow, equipped with blankets, groceries, and an oil heater.
• The trio's mission is spurred by the plight of a couple unable to find any room at the local hotel. Instead, they've taken refuge in an old barn, awaiting the arrival of their baby.

2. The Spirit of Giving

• [06:06] Lum and Abner embrace the opportunity to support their neighbors, with dialogue centering on the importance of selfless giving:
  • “Just proud to have a chance to help.” — Abner
  • “This makes it seem more like Christmas to me doing for somebody else.” — Grandpappy Spears
• They reflect on holiday traditions and the tendency to forget the true spirit of Christmas amidst personal concerns.

3. The Nativity Parallel

• [07:10] The men discover the barn by following the "East Star," a clear nod to the biblical nativity.
• The stranded couple’s circumstances—seeking shelter in a barn, expecting a child—mirror those of Mary and Joseph, reinforcing the episode’s Christmas theme.

4. Community Kindness and Humility

• [08:28] The trio praises Doc Miller, the country doctor who never refuses to help, regardless of compensation:
  • “I’ve knowed him to get up in the dead of night in the worst kind of weather to go call on the sick when he knowed before he went he never would get no pay for it.” — Lum
  • “If there ever was a man that’s got a preserved seat in a better world, it’s old Doc Miller.” — Grandpappy Spears

5. A Simple Act of Generosity

• [10:05] The group delivers their offerings to Doc Miller for the family—groceries, blankets, and a heater.
• They learn the husband is a carpenter out of work, prompting ideas for employing him in the new year.

6. Reflections on Time and Life

• [12:04] The men muse on their own advancing age as they wait for news of the birth:
  • “Here we are, three old codgers getting along in years... waiting for a little baby to be born. It’s sort of like as if we was waiting for somebody to take our place.” — Lum
• They compare the passing year (1938) to their own lives—soon to be replaced, but making way for the future (1939).

7. The Joyous News

• [13:41] The climactic moment arrives when Doc emerges:
  • “Well, men, it’s a fine baby boy.” — Doc Miller
• A tender, quiet end follows, lingering on the peaceful joy of new life and the togetherness of the season.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Giving:
  • “This makes it seem more like Christmas to me doing for somebody else.” — Grandpappy Spears [06:11]
  • “You just can’t do things to make other folks happy without making yourself happy at the same time.” — Grandpappy Spears [06:18]
• On Doc Miller:
  • “Doc never practiced medicine for what money he got out of it as much as he does for the good he can be to his fellow man.” — Abner [08:46]
• On Age and Renewal:
  • “Here we are, three old codgers getting along in years... waiting for a little baby to be born. It’s sort of like as if we was waiting for somebody to take our place.” — Lum [12:04]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:09] – Mission: Setting out for the barn
• [06:04–06:38] – Reflection on Christmas spirit and selfless giving
• [07:10] – Finding the barn, nativity symbolism (East Star)
• [08:28–09:04] – Doc Miller’s kindness and dedication
• [10:05] – Delivering aid, learning of the carpenter’s plight
• [11:08] – Offering the newcomer work and a place to stay
• [12:04–12:41] – Philosophical reflection on aging and renewal
• [13:41] – Birth of the baby boy, Christmas miracle

Tone and Style

The tone is warm, sincere, and gently humorous, filled with the rural camaraderie and plainspoken wisdom characteristic of Lum and Abner. The acting maintains a heartfelt earnestness, evoking nostalgia and deep appreciation for community and simple acts of kindness.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a moving reminder of the enduring values of generosity and compassion. Rooted in the traditions of old-time radio, it delivers a Christmas message that is both timeless and timely, brought to life through the charm and wit of Lum, Abner, and the residents of Pine Ridge.