Father Knows Best - Christmas Program

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Father Knows Best - Christmas Program

Date: June 21, 2026

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Overview

This episode features a classic Christmas program from the beloved radio show "Father Knows Best," transporting listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. The story centers on the Anderson family's attempt to reclaim the true spirit of Christmas amidst changing traditions, commercialization, and their own busy lives. When a simple plan to cut down their own Christmas tree turns into an unexpected snowbound adventure, the family rediscovers the warmth of family, the kindness of strangers, and the meaning of the holiday.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Modern Versus Traditional Christmas (03:37–10:41)

• Jim Anderson laments the commercialization and overcomplication of Christmas, wishing for a return to simpler, more meaningful celebrations.
• Margaret Anderson explains the growing list of presents as part of keeping up with social obligations and reciprocating gifts from friends and neighbors.
• Betty and Bud, the Anderson children, display modern attitudes—focused on planned presents, surprise elements, and even commercializing holiday traditions (e.g., Bud mixing Christmas carols with used car lot ads).
• Notable Quote:

  “Christmas used to be a quiet and beautifully religious holiday… What has it become? A mad scramble to buy a lot of things you can't afford to give to people who don't need them. Now, dear, why can't we have Christmas the way it used to be?”
  —Jim Anderson (03:49)

2. Setting Out for a "Real" Family Christmas (10:41–14:08)

• Jim insists that the family forgoes painted, commercial trees and decides they’ll drive to Pine Mountain to cut down their own.
• Despite protests from his family about the practicality, Jim is adamant. The family reluctantly packs up for the adventure.
• Notable Quote:

  “You can change everything else, but not Christmas. Am I right, Margaret?”
  —Jim Anderson (10:10)

3. Adventure Turns to Adversity (14:08–16:48)

• The Andersons’ car becomes stuck in a blizzard, leaving them stranded in the snow while trying to return home with their tree.
• Forced to abandon their car, the family treks through the storm to a small, isolated roadside store for shelter.
• Memorable Moment:
  The family, cold, tired, and worried, finds comfort in sticking together and making the best of a tough situation.

4. The Hospitality of Strangers (20:00–23:44)

• Tom and Maggie Terrell, owners of the store, warmly welcome the Andersons, offering them food, warmth, and beds for the night.
• The Terrells' own children have grown up and moved away, making Christmas a lonely occasion.
• Notable Quote:

  “Since you folks are stranded too, why don’t we just say we’re all stranded together and snowbound, as it were.”
  —Tom Terrell (20:55)

• Touching Conversation:
  Maggie and Tom reflect on missing their children during Christmas, underlining the importance of family during the holidays.

5. The Children Rediscover Christmas Spirit (24:05–27:43)

• Moved by the Terrells’ loneliness, the Anderson children secretly decide to make Christmas special for them.
• They decorate a tree with the Terrells’ old ornaments and use the Andersons' gift packages to put presents under it.
• Memorable Moment:
  Kathy sings "O Little Town of Bethlehem," filling the house with warmth and holiday spirit (26:55).
• Notable Quote:

  “Father? Thank you for our first real Christmas.”
  —Betty Anderson (27:42)

6. Reflection and Closing (27:56–30:24)

• Jim (Robert Young) extends a heartfelt Christmas wish to all listeners, emphasizing the show's central message.
• The episode underscores that the true meaning of Christmas is found in togetherness, giving, and simple joys—not in materialism or grand gestures.

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Notable Quotes & Time Stamps

• Jim Anderson (on Christmas commercialization):
  “It’s become a matter of bookkeeping... What has it become? A mad scramble to buy a lot of things you can't afford to give to people who don't need them.”
  (03:49)

• Betty Anderson (on finding out her gift):
  “How can I be surprised if I don't know what kind of gold locket that's heart-shaped with my initials on it he's going to buy me?”
  (05:02)

• Bud Anderson (on commercial caroling):
  “Oh, what fun it is to ride in a 1940 club coupe with overdrive and new seat covers!”
  (07:06)

• Jim Anderson (on tradition):
  “You can change everything else, but not Christmas.”
  (10:10)

• Tom Terrell (welcoming the Andersons):
  “We’re marooned up here in a manner of speaking, and since you folks are stranded too, why don’t we just say we’re all stranded together and snowbound?”
  (20:55)

• Tom Terrell (on missing children):
  “Sometimes I think we miss them most at Christmas time. You kids don’t know how much you mean to your folks at Christmas.”
  (23:42)

• Betty Anderson (after the children decorate the Terrells’ tree):
  “It’s Christmas Eve, remember?”
  (25:30)

• Betty Anderson (to Jim):
  “Father? Thank you for our first real Christmas.”
  (27:42)

• Robert Young (as message to listeners):
  “A most sincere wish that the Christmas spirit in its fullest meaning be yours for now and always.”
  (27:56)

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Important Timestamps by Segment

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------| | 03:37 | Jim laments the commercial side of Christmas | | 10:41 | Jim insists on an old-fashioned celebration | | 14:08 | Car stuck; family stranded in the snow | | 20:00 | Meeting Tom and Maggie Terrell | | 23:42 | Terrells reflect on missing their children | | 25:30 | Kids reveal decorated tree and presents | | 26:55 | Kathy sings Christmas carol | | 27:42 | Betty expresses gratitude for “real Christmas” | | 27:56 | Jim/Robert Young offers Christmas message |

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Memorable Moments

• Bud’s plan to combine Christmas carols with used car commercial ads provides comic relief and commentary on commercialization.
• The family's misadventure—getting stuck in the snow—serves as the catalyst for their rediscovery of Christmas’ true spirit.
• The children’s initiative to include the Terrells in a makeshift Christmas brings warmth and togetherness, highlighting generational bonds and selfless giving.
• Kathy’s carol performance is a touching capstone illustrating holiday joy and innocence.

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Overall Tone & Language

• The episode maintains a warm, nostalgic, and wholesome tone.
• The dialogue is friendly, humorous, and brimming with familial affection and gentle irony, characteristic of classic radio dramas.
• Interspersed with subtle moral lessons about gratitude, kindness, and genuine celebration.

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Final Thoughts

This "Father Knows Best" Christmas episode, as presented on Harold's Old Time Radio, is a heartwarming reminder that the most memorable holidays don’t come perfectly wrapped—they’re found in love, togetherness, and spontaneous acts of kindness. Its gentle humor, poignant moments, and universal themes make it as relevant today as it was decades ago.

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Transcript

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[Kathy Anderson]

Mother, are post 40% bran flakes really the best tasting cereal of them all?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, your father says so. And father knows best.

[Narrator]

Yes, it's Father Knows Best transcribed in Hollywood starring Robert Young, his father. A half hour visit with your neighbors, the Andersons, brought to you by Instant Sanka, the delicious coffee that lets you sleep, and post 40 brand flakes. Mother, next time you're choosing a cereal, remember new Post Brand Flakes. Give your family all the important Keep regular benefits of bran in a cereal with a delicious new magic oven flavor. Insist on Post Brand Flakes, the cereal preferred and eaten by far more people than any other brand Flakes. They're wonderful for breakfast, lunch, or in between meals. So get Post Brand Flakes this weekend. They're good and so good for you. Well, the town of Springfield is lovely to behold this Christmas Eve. About noon today, the first snowflakes began to fall. And soon the air was filled with the whirling crystals came down heavily all afternoon. Now every lawn and park is white, every roof and chimney top. And out on Maple street this frosty Christmas Eve, every house seems to have its windows brightly aglow. Every house, that is, except the Andersons. They're not home, you see.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

There.

[Narrator]

Well, let's go back to 10 o' clock this morning. Margaret was wrapping packages on the dining

[Jim Anderson]

room table and Jim was helping her like this.

[Margaret Anderson]

Hold your finger on this, will you, dear?

[Tom Terrell]

Mm.

[Margaret Anderson]

There we are. That knot should hold, don't you think, honey?

[Jim Anderson]

Are you planning to send me along with the package?

[Bud Anderson]

What?

[Margaret Anderson]

What's the matter?

[Jim Anderson]

You tied my thumb in there.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, I'm sorry. There, there. I wonder if there's anyone I've forgotten.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, from the number of packages scattered around here, you couldn't have forgotten anyone. Not in Springfield, anyway.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, they're not so many there. It just looks like a lot.

[Jim Anderson]

I can't figure it out.

[Bud Anderson]

Hmm.

[Jim Anderson]

We don't know that many people.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, now look. This one goes to the Kirbys. You remember last year, they gave us that lovely salad bowl and we only sent them a Card.

[Jim Anderson]

Mm.

[Margaret Anderson]

This one is for the Morrises. I feel we certainly owe them a gift.

[Jim Anderson]

But, honey.

[Betty Anderson]

Now, wait.

[Margaret Anderson]

You asked a question and I'm answering you. This package goes to the Rodneys. I didn't send them a thing last year. And the year before that, they gave us that huge box of pears. I know, but the big box is for the Carters. And then there's the Blakes and the Rogers and the Milbanks and the Duplanes and the Newmans and the Lewis's. They all gave us something last Christmas. You see, I keep a record of these things, dear. I have it all written down.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, that's fine. I'm not objecting to the idea of remembering our friends at Christmas.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, you wondered why all the packages.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, it just seems that suddenly Christmas has lost something. It used to be so much simpler. The spirit of Christmas had a different meaning.

[Margaret Anderson]

I know, dear. But when people have given to us, that's it, honey.

[Jim Anderson]

It's become a matter of bookkeeping. Christmas used to be a quiet and beautifully religious holiday time for the children. A time for bringing happiness to others. What has it become? A mad scramble to buy a lot of things you can't afford to give to people who don't need them. Now, dear, why can't we have Christmas the way it used to be? Quiet and simple, with the real Christmas spirit? When you gathered your family and friends around the fire and the children hung up their stockings and the church bells on Christmas Eve and the carolers singing. That's the way Christmas should be.

[Margaret Anderson]

I know, dear. But, Mother, I'm in the dining room, Betty.

[Betty Anderson]

I'm going to wash my hair now, Mother. So if Janie calls, will you take the message?

[Margaret Anderson]

What message?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, it's very important. You see, Janie knows simply dozens of girls who work at Burton's Department Store. And they're going to call her the second Ralph comes in the store. And then Janie's gonna call me.

[Jim Anderson]

Princess. If you'll forgive my unseemly curiosity, what is the purpose of this elaborate spy system?

[Betty Anderson]

Why, to find out what Ralph's going to give me for Christmas, naturally.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, naturally.

[Margaret Anderson]

But, dear, a Christmas present is supposed to be a surprise.

[Betty Anderson]

Of course, Mother. But how can I be surprised if I don't know what kind of gold locket that's heart shaped with my initials on it he's going to buy me.

[Jim Anderson]

Wait a minute. How was that again?

[Betty Anderson]

I'll be upstairs, Mother. If Janie calls, you needn't call me to the phone unless the locket is a wristwatch.

[Narrator]

Now, if that doesn't.

[Margaret Anderson]

Now, now, don't let it upset you. She's just a normal teenage girl.

[Jim Anderson]

But, honey, the whole idea of Christmas is to.

[Margaret Anderson]

Dear, we're in the dining room.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Bud.

[Bud Anderson]

Hey. Tonight's Christmas Eve. Can you believe it? Christmas Eve.

[Margaret Anderson]

And you'd better go down in the basement and bring up the decorations for the tree.

[Bud Anderson]

We haven't got a tree yet. Besides, I. I haven't got time right now. Joe and I gotta get some stuff together. We're going out with Christmas carols.

[Margaret Anderson]

Christmas carols?

[Kathy Anderson]

You.

[Jim Anderson]

Now, don't question him, Margaret. Thank heaven there's one person in this family who has the true Christmas spirit. Allow me to congratulate you. Son, you have the right idea. There's nothing finer on Christmas Eve than to go around singing carols.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, we're not gonna sing them, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, what are you gonna do with them?

[Bud Anderson]

We gotta deal with Gus down at the used car lot. He has a soundtrack. You know, with the big horns on top and a record player inside.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, no.

[Bud Anderson]

And now wait. This is a cool idea. Gus is gonna drive the soundtrack all over town this afternoon. And Joe and I, we're gonna be inside playing the Christmas carol records. Bud. Well, I'm not really gonna play the records. Joe's gonna do that. And I'm gonna read the commercials.

[Jim Anderson]

Commercials?

[Bud Anderson]

Sure. For Gus McCarthy's used car lot. Joe plays a carol and then I read a commercial. I got some cool ideas. How do you like this one? It starts out risky. Married gentlemen in a 1936 two door sedan with white side.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, Bud, maybe you'd better or.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a 1940 club coupe with overdrive and new seat covers. Look, Bud, I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus. In a 1948 convertible with radio and Beatles. How do you like those? Pretty good, huh, dad?

[Jim Anderson]

Pretty good. But have you lost your mind? This is Christmas.

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[Margaret Anderson]

to save your father's right, bud. That's carrying it entirely too far.

[Bud Anderson]

But if I don't work on the truck this afternoon, I won't get to ride on it in the parade tonight.

[Jim Anderson]

Parade? On Christmas Eve?

[Bud Anderson]

Sure, the big Santa Claus parade. They're gonna have floats and bands and cowboys, all kinds of stuff.

[Jim Anderson]

What? No skyrockets? Well, now I've heard everything. Peace on earth, goodwill toward men, introduced with a brass band.

[Kathy Anderson]

Daddy.

[Jim Anderson]

What is it, kitten?

[Kathy Anderson]

When are we gonna get our tree?

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, you'd better go down and get one, dear. They'll be all gone.

[Bud Anderson]

I could have gotten one wholesale from Gus's used car lot. He sells Christmas trees, too.

[Kathy Anderson]

Can we have a purple tree this year, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

A purple tree?

[Kathy Anderson]

They're selling them on the vacant lot next to the pool hall. Red, yellow, pink, orange, purple. You can get any color you want. Except green.

[Betty Anderson]

If you're talking about the tree, I vote for a pink one.

[Jim Anderson]

What's wrong with green?

[Bud Anderson]

Nothing, except it just looks like a tree.

[Jim Anderson]

What's a tree supposed to look like, Daddy?

[Kathy Anderson]

Can we get one of those neon lights?

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, for Pete's sake. Neon lights, purple Christmas trees, brass bands. What has happened to you kids? Have you forgotten the meaning of Christmas? Have you forgotten everything you've learned in Sunday school?

[Betty Anderson]

No, Father. It's just that things are different now than when you were a boy. This is 1953.

[Jim Anderson]

Different nothing. You can change everything else, but not Christmas. Am I right, Margaret?

[Margaret Anderson]

You have the floor, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

The whole trouble is that Christmas has been turned into another super colossal all color production. Well, it's all wrong. And as far as this family is concerned, we're putting a stop to it this year. We're going to celebrate Christmas as it should be. Celebrated simply and naturally, without all the hoop de do and folderol. This is going to be a real Christmas.

[Betty Anderson]

I don't understand what you mean, Father.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, to begin with, we're not going to buy one of those painted trees. We're going to get in the car and drive up to Pine Mountain and cut our own tree.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, boy. Can we, Daddy?

[Margaret Anderson]

You don't really mean that.

[Jim Anderson]

Certainly I do. You kids gather up some warm clothes. Bud, get the saw out of the garage.

[Betty Anderson]

But, Father, it's at least 50 miles up there.

[Bud Anderson]

You can buy a tree for a couple of bucks, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Now, that's what I'm talking about. All you kids can think of is buy, buy, buy. This is a part of Christmas you've never even experienced. Going out into the woods and cutting your own Christmas tree.

[Margaret Anderson]

The weather forecast said snow today.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, we'll be up there and back in three or four hours. Not going to snow that much. Besides, I have chains. Now, get your coats.

[Kathy Anderson]

I'm getting mine. I'm ready.

[Betty Anderson]

Oh, this sounds like a real peachy Christmas.

[Jim Anderson]

It will be, Princess. You'll see.

[Margaret Anderson]

Dear, I have all those packages to deliver to the Rogers and the Newmans.

[Jim Anderson]

Throw them in the car, honey. We'll deliver them on our way back.

[Margaret Anderson]

You're sure this is a good idea?

[Jim Anderson]

Am I sure? Margaret, believe me, this is going to be a Christmas none of us will ever forget.

[Kathy Anderson]

Are we almost there, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, another mile or two, maybe.

[Betty Anderson]

Father, it's starting to snow again.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, is that snow coming down?

[Bud Anderson]

It isn't corn flakes,

[Jim Anderson]

just a little flurry. Nothing to worry about. Come on, cheer up, everybody. It's almost Christmas Eve.

[Betty Anderson]

What is there to cheer up about?

[Bud Anderson]

Joe's probably out on the soundtrack playing Deck the the Holes with boughs of holly and selling cars like crazy.

[Margaret Anderson]

But we're not talking about that, remember?

[Jim Anderson]

Okay, now, if you kids think you have a hard life, look at that little grocery store back off the road there. Miles from everything. How would you like to live there?

[Kathy Anderson]

Well, I wouldn't, that's all.

[Betty Anderson]

I just wouldn't.

[Bud Anderson]

What if you had to?

[Kathy Anderson]

Well, I wouldn't.

[Bud Anderson]

What if you had to?

[Betty Anderson]

I said I wouldn't.

[Bud Anderson]

Yeah, but what if you had to?

[Betty Anderson]

Father, Tell Bud to stop it.

[Jim Anderson]

Bud, stop it.

[Kathy Anderson]

Are we almost there, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

No, it won't be long, kitten. Look at that snow drifting down. Isn't that beautiful? We're going to have a white Christmas.

[Margaret Anderson]

It's lovely, dear, but do you think we should try to go any farther?

[Jim Anderson]

Just around the next bend.

[Betty Anderson]

Why, we had to drive clear up here into the wilderness to get a Christmas tree.

[Jim Anderson]

You'll understand, Princess, when we're back home this evening. When the fragrance of the tree fills the whole house.

[Kathy Anderson]

Wha. What happened, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Nothing. Snow's a little deeper here.

[Betty Anderson]

Bother. We're not moving.

[Bud Anderson]

Are we stuck, dad?

[Jim Anderson]

No, we're not stuck.

[Kathy Anderson]

Why aren't we Moving, dear.

[Margaret Anderson]

We can't go any farther. It's snowing so hard now you can't see ahead.

[Betty Anderson]

Can you turn around?

[Jim Anderson]

I won't try to turn around. Only thing we can do is back up.

[Kathy Anderson]

We're not moving.

[Margaret Anderson]

What's the matter, dad?

[Jim Anderson]

I'm afraid we're stuck.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, no, Jim, we can't be.

[Jim Anderson]

Now, there's nothing to get excited about. We'll get out of here somehow. Take the wheel, Margaret. Bud and I will get out and push. Come on, Bud.

[Bud Anderson]

I can't even see.

[Betty Anderson]

What do you want me to do, Jim?

[Jim Anderson]

Put it in reverse?

[Betty Anderson]

I can't hear you.

[Bud Anderson]

The snow's getting deep. Dad,

[Jim Anderson]

it's no use. We can't move it. Shut off the motor, Margaret.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, what do we do now, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, we'll have to leave the car and walk back.

[Kathy Anderson]

Walk back?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yeah.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, come on, everybody out. Take the keys, Margaret.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, Button up your coat. Kathy, Betty, bring those two blankets.

[Betty Anderson]

We can't walk all the way back in this snow.

[Jim Anderson]

I know that. We're going back to that little grocery store we passed. It's only about a quarter of a mile. Close the car doors. Okay, Kathy. Now all stay together.

[Bud Anderson]

We better hurry. It's getting dark.

[Kathy Anderson]

Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Yeah?

[Kathy Anderson]

It's almost Christmas Eve.

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, almost.

[Bud Anderson]

I got snow in my shoes, snow down my neck.

[Margaret Anderson]

Can you see where you're going, Jim?

[Jim Anderson]

Yeah, I can see.

[Betty Anderson]

Marooned on top of a mountain in a blizzard.

[Jim Anderson]

All right, stop complaining. It could be worse.

[Betty Anderson]

Yeah. We could have come up here in our bathing suit.

[Margaret Anderson]

I don't know why we had to come up here.

[Bud Anderson]

Yeah, what was the idea?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, I'll tell you, my freezing friends. This is that warm and beautiful event known as a simple old fashioned Christmas.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Here's a pre Christmas story. It begins in a house and concerns, if you please, a young husband and spouse. They're hanging up holly reeds, trimming the tree, Wrapping dozens of presents to fill all with glee. Then hark as the hall clock strikes 10, they both stop and worn out and tired in a chair they both drop. Says the man with a yawn. Do you think, dear, we might, though it's late, risk some coffee and maybe a bite? Says his wife with a grin that is cheery and bold. You can have all the coffee you think you can hold. For I bought instant Sanka just for your sake. It's free from caffeine, will keep no one awake. So they sat and sipped Sanka and found it so good they drank even more than they usually would. Yet when later that Night, Santa poked in his head. Both husband and wife were asleep in their bed. There's my story, my friends. And though not like the jingle, but that whimsical legend of cheery Kris Kringle, it carries a message important and true. You can drink instant Sanka and sleep the night through.

[Narrator]

Well, as I said earlier, the white frame house on Maple street is dark this Christmas Eve. About noon today, Jim Anderson revolted against his family's attitude toward the yuletide and decided that this year they should discover the joys of a simple, old fashioned Christmas. Nice thought.

[Tom Terrell]

Yes.

[Bud Anderson]

How's it working out?

[Narrator]

Terrible. They drive up to Pine Mountain to cut their own tree and ended up in a snow bank. Now, with the car abandoned, Jim and the family grope their way through the blizzard toward an isolated roadside store like this.

[Bud Anderson]

I think my nose is frozen.

[Kathy Anderson]

How much farther is it, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, it must be right ahead of us. If it weren't snowing so hard, we could probably see it.

[Bud Anderson]

There it is, dad. See the light?

[Tom Terrell]

Yeah.

[Jim Anderson]

Yeah.

[Kathy Anderson]

There's the store, Mommy.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, well, thank heaven.

[Jim Anderson]

That looks real pretty for Christmas Eve, doesn't it? Holly wreath in the window.

[Betty Anderson]

All I'm interested in right now is getting back to Springfield. I'm supposed to be at least three parties tonight.

[Bud Anderson]

If we get back in time, I can still ride in the parade with Joe on the sound truck.

[Margaret Anderson]

All those gifts are still in the car, Jim. We'll have to get them out somehow. They have to be delivered tonight.

[Jim Anderson]

All right, one thing at a time. Let's get in here and thaw out first.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, boy.

[Bud Anderson]

Nice and warm.

[Kathy Anderson]

Daddy, look at that. They've got a fire in a barrel.

[Jim Anderson]

That's not a barrel, kitten. That's an old fashioned pot bellied stove.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, this looks like the kind of a store my father used to talk about.

[Bud Anderson]

Look at the stuff hanging from the ceiling. Lanterns and snowshoes, all kinds of junk.

[Jim Anderson]

By golly, it smells just like the old general store back in my hometown.

[Betty Anderson]

Who runs the place?

[Jim Anderson]

I wouldn't be surprised if it's Lum and Abner.

[Tom Terrell]

Hello? Anybody here?

[Kathy Anderson]

Be there in just a minute.

[Betty Anderson]

Where's the telephone?

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, it's here someplace.

[Margaret Anderson]

You children had better take your coats off now.

[Maggie Terrell]

I was just putting the bacon on the stove. We weren't expecting anyone in tonight.

[Betty Anderson]

How did you folks get up here?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, our car stalled up the road. I wonder if we could use your telephone.

[Maggie Terrell]

Well, you'd be most welcome to use it if we had one.

[Kathy Anderson]

No telephone.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, hello there.

[Tom Terrell]

Is that your car? It Snowed in up the road?

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, that's ours.

[Tom Terrell]

We must have passed on the road without seeing each other. I just walked up there to see if you needed help.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, that was very thoughtful of you. We were looking for a telephone.

[Maggie Terrell]

Well, I guess the nearest phone is down at the Harper's place, isn't it, Tom?

[Tom Terrell]

Yeah, and you'd never make it down there tonight. Not with the snow coming down like it is.

[Betty Anderson]

But how are we going to get back to Springfield?

[Tom Terrell]

I'm afraid you're not going to get back tonight, miss. Probably not tomorrow either.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, groan.

[Betty Anderson]

Here goes Christmas and all our plans.

[Tom Terrell]

I wouldn't feel too bad about it, miss. It may not be so noticeable. But it's Christmas here too, you know. And since Maggie and me, we're marooned up here in a manner of speaking. And since you folks are stranded too, why don't we just say we're all stranded together and snowbound, as it were.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, that's very nice of you, but

[Margaret Anderson]

we can't just move in on you.

[Betty Anderson]

Why not?

[Maggie Terrell]

You look like nice folks. Tom and me are alone here. I'll put some more plates on the table and there's plenty of beds upstairs.

[Kathy Anderson]

Can we do it? Please, Mommy, Please?

[Margaret Anderson]

It seems like a dreadful imposition.

[Tom Terrell]

It's nothing of the kind. I'm Tom Terrell and this is my wife, Maggie.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, how do you do? Well, we're the Andersons. The little one is Kathy, our boy Bud. My daughter Betty, My wife Margaret.

[Margaret Anderson]

Hello.

[Jim Anderson]

And I'm Jim.

[Maggie Terrell]

Well, we're happy you're going to be with us.

[Jim Anderson]

Thank you.

[Tom Terrell]

We hadn't planned much of a Christmas, just the two of us. But now that there's some kids around, by golly, it's beginning to seem like Christmas. Come on, help me light up some more lamps, Bud.

[Bud Anderson]

Okay.

[Tom Terrell]

I'll tell you what we always did with our youngsters on Christmas. We gave them the run of the store. So help yourselves. Candy, cookies, anything you want.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, you mean it?

[Jim Anderson]

Really?

[Maggie Terrell]

Go help yourself.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, man.

[Jim Anderson]

Steady now, don't get carried away.

[Kathy Anderson]

Oh, Mother, look at these.

[Betty Anderson]

Adorable old fashioned.

[Margaret Anderson]

In a minute, dear.

[Kathy Anderson]

Look here, Bud, look at this.

[Bud Anderson]

Yeah, but look at this.

[Tom Terrell]

Listen to him. My golly, it's good to hear youngsters around the place again.

[Margaret Anderson]

How many children do you have?

[Maggie Terrell]

2. A boy and a girl. But they're both grown up now, gone away. Seems like such a short time we had them with us. Well, would you like to come out in the kitchen with me, Margaret?

[Betty Anderson]

Yes.

[Margaret Anderson]

I'll help you put things on.

[Tom Terrell]

Jim. If you want to hang up your things, the bedroom's right up the stairway there.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, good. I'll take these blankets and coats up.

[Tom Terrell]

Well, you kids finding anything back there?

[Kathy Anderson]

Sure. All kinds of stuff.

[Betty Anderson]

I found a school book back there, Mr. Terrell. It's the same one I use.

[Tom Terrell]

Yeah, it belonged to my daughter. She looked a lot like you when she was your age.

[Bud Anderson]

Did you have some kids, Mr. Terrell?

[Tom Terrell]

Yes, we have too, Bud.

[Kathy Anderson]

Where are they, Mr. Terrell?

[Tom Terrell]

Well, they've grown up and barn.

[Kathy Anderson]

Kathy, aren't you lonesome without your children?

[Tom Terrell]

Yes, we are. Sometimes I think we miss the most at Christmas time. You kids don't know how much you mean to your folks at Christmas.

[Bud Anderson]

We. We never thought about it.

[Betty Anderson]

I guess we always just thought how much Christmas meant to us.

[Tom Terrell]

We used to have our tree here by the stove and Judy and Bill would decorate it and put the candles on the tinsel and the stars and the little glass bells that. They're all in the box back in the corner where the kids packed them away.

[Kathy Anderson]

Don't you have any Christmas?

[Tom Terrell]

No, Kathy. Not anymore. There's no one to decorate the tree.

[Kathy Anderson]

Tom, I need some wood for the stove.

[Tom Terrell]

All right, I'll get it. I'll get it.

[Bud Anderson]

What are you crying about, shrimp?

[Kathy Anderson]

I just feel sad.

[Maggie Terrell]

Sad?

[Bud Anderson]

Yeah.

[Betty Anderson]

Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

[Narrator]

Maybe.

[Betty Anderson]

Well, climb up on a box and get down those snowshoes. You're going back to the car.

[Maggie Terrell]

Well, what's wrong with the children, Margaret? They didn't eat.

[Margaret Anderson]

I don't know. They're plotting something.

[Tom Terrell]

They run me out of the store. Told me to stay back here and lock the door.

[Margaret Anderson]

Maybe you better go out front and see what they're doing, Jim.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, they're all right, honey. Leave them alone.

[Margaret Anderson]

Whatever they're doing, they've been at it for over an hour.

[Kathy Anderson]

All right, everybody, come in now.

[Bud Anderson]

Turn off all the lamps.

[Kathy Anderson]

Well, for pity sakes, what are they?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, let's go in.

[Kathy Anderson]

What in the world.

[Tom Terrell]

Well, will you look at that?

[Betty Anderson]

It's Christmas Eve, remember?

[Maggie Terrell]

Oh, a tree decorated and with candles from the Andersons.

[Betty Anderson]

MERRY Christmas to Mr. And Mrs. Terrell.

[Tom Terrell]

If that don't beat all.

[Jim Anderson]

It's beautiful, kids. How did you do it?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, Mr. Terrell said they had the decorations. So Bud went up to the car and got the saw and some things. Then he went out and cut the tree.

[Kathy Anderson]

I helped put on the decorations.

[Bud Anderson]

Look what's under the tree.

[Tom Terrell]

Where'd those packages come from, Santa Claus?

[Kathy Anderson]

You can't open them till Christmas morning.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, aren't those your packages from the car?

[Margaret Anderson]

I told them they could do it, dear. They changed the tags, I guess.

[Tom Terrell]

This is a miracle, Mother. We have a family camp gathered around

[Maggie Terrell]

a Christmas tree just the way it used to be.

[Bud Anderson]

Snow coming down outside, candles on the tree, a warm fire in the stove.

[Betty Anderson]

Oh, it's lovely. So lovely.

[Maggie Terrell]

The only thing that's missing is the Christmas carol. Judy, when she was a little girl, would stand up at the top of the stairs. And the way she sang it reminded you of the angels who sang it to the shepherds on that wondrous night.

[Betty Anderson]

Kathy?

[Maggie Terrell]

Where is Kathy?

[Kathy Anderson]

O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by yet in thy dark street Shineth the everlasting light the hopes and fears of all the years Are met in the tonight.

[Betty Anderson]

Father?

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, Princess.

[Betty Anderson]

Thank you for our first real Christmas.

[Jim Anderson]

This is Robert Young from all of us in the Anderson family. To all of you, a most sincere wish that the Christmas spirit in its fullest meaning be yours for now and always.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Good morning.

[Post Cereals Announcer]

You know there's no other evening in all the year like this night before Christmas. Now, after weeks of busy shopping, folks are warmly settled in comfortable living rooms, looking forward to the excitement of tomorrow morning. Well, we hope you find just what you wanted under that tree. And at this time, may we, the Post Cereals Company, take the opportunity of thanking all of you for making our products such favorites all over the country. Yes, Post cereals have long been famous for superior quality, fine flavor. Rest assured, we'll keep them that way for you always. One of Post's outstanding favorites is post 40% bran flakes. And it's now more delicious than ever because it has a new magic oven flavor and wonderful crisper texture. Remember, if you haven't tried them yet, start enjoying Post Bran Flakes soon. And a very merry Christmas from the whole Post Cereals family.

[Narrator]

Join us again next week when we'll be back with Father Knows Best, starring Robert Young as Jim Anderson. Until then, good night and good luck from the makers of post 40% brand flakes, the cereal preferred and eaten by far more people than any other brand place. And Instant Sanka, the delicious coffee that lets you sleep in. Our cast were Rhoda Williams as Betty, Ted Donaldson, Jean Vanderpyle, Helen Strom, Jeannette Nolan and Herb Butterfield.

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Calcium helps grown ups to a more vigorous life.

[Tom Terrell]

And now there's calcium in hot wheat meal.

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Calcium helps your body run smoothly.

[Jim Anderson]

And now there's calcium in hot wheat meal.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Calcium helps you to enjoy a more

[Jim Anderson]

active life and now there's calcium in hot wheat meal.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Yes, a 1 ounce serving contains 1/3

[Narrator]

of your daily calcium needs and post wheat meal is a whole wheat cereal.

[Spinquest Legal Disclaimer]

Creamy, smooth, delicious cooks instantly get new post wheat meal with more calcium than

[Narrator]

any other cereal, hot or cold. Father Knows Best based on characters created by Ed James, was transcribed in Hollywood and written by Paul west and Roswell Rogers. This is Bill Foreman speaking.

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[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons this week. Extra meaty pork back ribs bone in are 2.99 per pound limit two member price and Sweet Red cherries are $2.99 per pound limit six pounds member price with coupon plus signature select 80% lean ground beef sold in three pound twin pack bricks is $4.99 per pound limit one member price with coupon. Fresh and delicious savings for every meal. Hurry in. This deal won't last. Visit safewayeralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save.