New Christmas TV Book Celebrates ‘Rudolph’s’ 60th, Classic Holiday Specials & More!

Herbie J Pilato Christmas TV Movies book cover

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which makes its triumphant return to NBC, its original network. This perennial classic and many other Christmas TV specials are explored in Herbie J Pilato’s new book Christmas TV Memories: Nostalgic Holiday Memories of the Small Screen. This delightful December-geared guide also features a foreword by Marlo Thomas, a portion of which reads as follows:

“The greatest love story in the history of television would have to be Herbie J Pilato and television itself. … His greatest love letter, Christmas TV Memories: Nostalgic Holiday Memories of the Small Screen, could very well be his most heartfelt. … It is worthy of your biggest Christmas kiss!”

THAT GIRL, Marlo Thomas, 1966-71

Everett Collection

In addition to Rudolph, Christmas TV Memories chronicles other animated classics, such as A Charlie Brown ChristmasHow the Grinch Stole ChristmasSanta Claus Is Comin’ to TownFrosty the Snowman and more.

Divided into four parts, the book also explores famed holiday variety specials, such as those hosted by Mitzi GaynorBing CrosbyBob HopeFrank SinatraDean MartinAndy Williams, Donny and Marie, and the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.

Christmas TV Memories also profiles TV movies such as The Waltons: Homecoming and The Gathering starring Ed Asner. The book chronicles classic TV episodes of weekly shows like The Mary Tyler Moore ShowBewitchedThe Six Million Dollar Man and JuliaDiahann Carroll’s legendary sitcom, which screened “I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas,” among others.

The Waltons kids

In addition to Marlo Thomas, Christmas TV Memories features commentary from other celebrities, such as Tina Cole (from The King Family and My Three Sons), Tanya Welk (The Lawrence Welk Show), Elinor Donahue (Father Knows BestThe Andy Griffith Show), Lisa Lucas (The House Without a Christmas Tree), Alexander Williams (the voice of Tiny Tim from the heralded 1971 animated special A Christmas Carol), and beyond.

For most of us, fond memories of Christmas are inseparable from TV’s holiday presentations, and Christmas TV Memories: Nostalgic Holiday Memories of the Small Screen fits the bill. You can purchase the book here.

Herbie J Pilato Christmas TV Movies book cover

 

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Home For The Holidays

November 2021

Celebrate the holidays with your favorite classic stars!

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