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Weekend Discussion Thread: MST3K-Related Christmas Traditions

The big day is here, so let’s share our MST3K Christmas traditions, and, remember, as Crow noted, there’s no tradition like a new tradition!

At my house the season always begins on Thanksgiving Day with “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” though lately I have been choosing the Cinematic Titanic version. I save “Santa Claus” for Christmas day. Between the two I always find time for the RiffTrax of the “Star Wars Christmas Special” (if Lucas finally breaks down and releases that, I guess they’ll have to re-edit their riff to remove the riffs on commercials).

What’s your tradition?

47 Replies to “Weekend Discussion Thread: MST3K-Related Christmas Traditions”

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  1. Canucklehead says:

    I don’t know if it can be called a Tradition, per se, but I do enjoy watching any MST3K on any holiday, especially Christmas. It doesn’t even have to be Santa Claus-related. I do really enjoy the Rifftrax Live Christmas Short Extravaganza, though. Kevin’s rendition of a tree being chopped down is hilarious… :-)

       2 likes

  2. Canucklehead says:

    Oh, and Merry Christmas, folks. Insincere kisses to you all!

       3 likes

  3. Dark Grandma of Death says:

    We watch Santa Claus in mid-December, and the MST Santa Claus Conquers the Martians on Christmas Eve. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Patrick Swayze!

    During the week before Christmas, we sit down with the Rifftrax Christmas Shorts Extravaganza. You’re right about Kevin’s take on a tree being chopped down, Canucklehead; he nailed it! I love the whole DVD; the riffing is strong, the audience seems to have a good time, and then there’s the Ding-a-ling commercial….what were the manufacturers thinking?!

    “Angels we have heard are high…”

       3 likes

  4. Blast Hardcheese says:

    In addition to “Martians” and “Santa Claus” in the Christmas-movie rotation with Rudolph, Scrooge, and Ralphie, I have “Patrick Swayze Christmas” and “Merry Chrtistmas…If That’s Okay” on a mix-CD of “alternative” holiday tunes that I keep in the car throughout the season. It’s a marvellous tonic to emerge from Christmas shopping hell, after fighting crowds and hearing the 500th syrupy rendition of “Little Drummer Boy” to have J/M & TB for the drive home. I also have garnered more than one odd look as I’ve been searching for Christmas gifts singing “It’s my way or the highway this Christmas at my bar” quietly to myself.

    Merry Christmas, MSTies everywhere!

       4 likes

  5. klisch says:

    Because I’m heavily involved in fantasy football and watching the NFL, there’s really no time to view any episodes. But I do find time to check this site daily and wish everyone a safe Holiday. Go Packers!

       4 likes

  6. LDG says:

    We watch ‘Santa Claus Conquers the Martians’ on Christmas Eve. Sometimes the MST3K version, sometimes the Cinematic Titanic one. We always save ‘Santa Claus’ for late in the evening on Christmas Day. It is a great way to decompress after overloading on presents, food, in-laws, etc. The Rifftrax Christmas Shorts Extravaganza is also on our must watch December viewing list along with The Nightmare Before Christmas.

       2 likes

  7. JC says:

    I’m so glad there’s a nice collection of MST3K-related Christmas movies to watch now!

    During the holiday season, I watch Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny, Santa Claus (MST3K version), and the Christmas Shorts Extravaganza. Last night, I watched the Magic Christmas tree and that might be added to my traditions next year as well (Tight Squeeze = Kevin Murphy?! *shudders*)

    Non-MST3K-related movies I watch include Peanuts specials, The Polar Express, and a Muppet Christmas Carol.

    And finally, Christmas wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t post “Merry Christmas – If That’s OK” to my Facebook page :D

    Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year everyone!

       2 likes

  8. mst3ktemple says:

    During the holiday season I watch both versions of SCCTM (watching CT version right now). I also watch MST’s Santa Claus, The RiffTrax Christmas Shorts-stravaganza (last night) and their riff on the Star Wars Holiday Special. I’ll sprinkle in some other non-Christmas related MST/CT/RiffTrax throughout the next week. I also watch a lot of the old favorite animated Christmas shows (Mr Magoo, Rudolph, Frosty, etc.).

       2 likes

  9. Remmie Barrow says:

    Just after Thanksgiving day, I start off with the MST3K version of SANTA CLAUS CONCURS THE MARTIANS, then the CINEMATIC TITANIC version, then RIFFTRAX’s own SANTA AND THE ICECREAM BUNNY, then MST3K SANTA CLAUS, AND though out the season I listen to those timeless songs A PATRICK SWAYZE CHRISTMAS and MERRY CHRISTMAS-IF THAT IS OK. (I have also added a new tradition with THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS TREE since RIFFTRAX just brought that one out.)

       2 likes

  10. torgo367 says:

    This isn’t an episode tradition, but something for the tree. Ever since the Shout! Collection came out with the mini Tom Servo figure, he has made it to the top of my xmas tree every year. That little guy just doubles so well as an ornament, and the twinkling lights reflect nicely off of his dome. Now let’s all pray for Lupita!

       2 likes

  11. Cabbage Patch Elvis says:

    My wife LOVES her Christmas movies, and I get to sit through a non-stop barrage of corny but good-hearted sappiness. Over the last few years however, I’ve been allowed to contribute occasionally with some of MY holiday favorites, such as SILENT NIGHT,DEADLY NIGHT, the 1972 TALES FROM THE CRYPT (for the Joan Collins killer Santa segment( and of course the MST3K versions of SANTA CLAUS and SCCTM.

    I also find that nothing helps me shake off the post-holiday blues than watching MST3K. It’s like an old friend welcoming me home after a long break.

       1 likes

  12. trickymutha says:

    Back when my kids were younger we’d watch Jack Frost, SSCTM and Santa Claus, plus The Nightmare before Christmas and sometimes Gremlins.

    This year GF and I watched Jack Frost, SSCTM, Santa Claus and Beerfest. DAS BOOT. New tradition.

       2 likes

  13. trickymutha says:

    That’s SCCTM. not SSCTM. DOH!

       1 likes

  14. PETE58 says:

    HAVE A PATRICK SWAYZE X-MAS EVERY1 :rotfl:

       2 likes

  15. Creeping Terror says:

    Whenever I visit my parents, the whole family watches MST3K. It’s not just a Christmas thing, it’s EVERY TIME I visit my parents. I’m the one in the family who has the largest MST3K DVD collection (I own them all), so it’s just sort of expected that I bring 1-2 box sets when I come. It’s now become a sign that we’re all together as a family. Last night we watched “Space Mutiny.” It was great to see it with people I love.

       2 likes

  16. EricJ says:

    Darn–It’s Christmas Eve already, and you made me realize I’d forgotten to watch my annual airing of Martians:Classic!
    (I’d already watched the Mexican SC when I got the boxset last summer, and I was specializing this year in digging out my list of Ten Best Christmas Anime Episodes, Muppet Christmas Carol, the awful British-animated Carol with Nicholas Cage, and that nightmarishly wrong “Nutcracker 3-D” that was airing on 3D streaming…And then there was that set of Rankin-Bass on Blu-ray from last year to get through; where does the time go?)

       2 likes

  17. Lee Harvey Osmond says:

    Having just become a fan a few months ago, I intend on starting up a tradition where I watch one full season each year starting on the 26th (once the relatives have gone home). This year will be Season 9.

       3 likes

  18. Watch-out-for-Snakes says:

    Every Christmas or Christmas Eve for the last, oh, 15 years or so, I watch SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS. Every couple years I toss SANTA CLAUS in there as well, spice things up; this year I have an appointment with Pitch and Lupita, so I’ll be watching that one too.

    Also, for some years now, I always watch GREMLINS and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, as well as the Rankin and Bass RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER and FROSTY THE SNOWMAN specials (of which I have on glorious VHS, the format of the future!).

    This year I’m going to maybe toss SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT in there (“NAUGHTY!”) as well as a new one, RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE, which looks like fun.

    Also, also, I LOVE the A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS, so I’ll be watching that on Youtube (they have the uncut version) and I wish I had a copy of DIE HARD, ’cause I’ve been jonzing to watch that one recently.

    ps- I’m watching football right now and tomorrow I will be watching some NBA basketball.

    Gonna be a busy couple days. . .

       3 likes

  19. Insect Man #47 says:

    Well, like so many others here, we watch SCCTM, and we always watch the Ronco Six Star Knife Infomercial, so we can see cousin Arnold impale himself on Ron’s steak knife. Please don’t ask me to explain. Merry Christmas everyone!

       2 likes

  20. John M Hanna says:

    Starting this year, my Tom, Crow and Gypsy figures from Shout! Factory are Christmas ornaments on my tree. Crow and Gypsy were easy enough, having something to hang an ornament hook from. I had to tape a hook on to Tom’s head.

       2 likes

  21. PALADIN says:

    Well, I`m in North Carolina, and here a ‘White Christmas’ is pretty much limited to being a state of mind because we rarely get snow…
    But, hey….

    Christmas brings it`s traditions,
    Classic MST in repetition…..
    A fun & seasonal sight,
    Later on we just might….
    Go walkin` in our winter underwear !

    Oh, yes ! We`re feelin` perky !
    If we`re feelin`daring,
    We`ll deep fry a Turkey !
    Then go walkin` in our winter underwear !

    In the meadow we`ll be dodgin` cow-pies,
    `Cause in the South it really doesn`t snow,
    But, hey, you know that we can still go…
    A` walkin` in our winter underwear !

    Later on, we`ll perspire,
    As we sit by the fire….
    We were warm anyway….
    `Cause we spent the day,
    Walkin` in our winter underwear !

    ———–HAPPY HOLIDAYS, ALL !————

       5 likes

  22. Kenneth Morgan says:

    As far MST-related ones go…

    First, I tend to split my viewing into “Original Stuff” and “Outside Stuff”. On the Saturday before Christmas, I’m now alternating between CT’s “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” and RT’s “Sant & the Ice Cream Bunny”. (I’ll try to add the disc of RT’s Christmas shorts show ASAP.) On the Sunday before Christmas, I alternate between SCCTM and “Santa Claus”.

    And, on Dec. 30th, alongside the Paul McGann “Doctor Who” movie and “Blackadder Back and Forth”, I’ll watch one of the KTMA Melon Drop specials. I have the 1987 three-hour special, the 1988 one-hour show and the 1989 clip show. (So far, I don’t know of anyone with a copy of the 1986 show.)

    Oh, and a very Merry Christmas to all!

       1 likes

  23. Castle Monster says:

    I watch Santa vs. the Vampire Women.

       2 likes

  24. Manny Sanguillen says:

    Basically I just have marathons of all the mst3k episodes, including Film Crew, Cinematic Titanic and Rifftrax. And not just on holidays. Since I live by myself, (well, my cat ‘Goose’ lives here to), I get to choose all the episodes.
    Goose is pretty agreeable with whatever I choose.

    I definitely prefer the CT version of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. I was never much of a fan of the mst3k version anyway. The CT version is so good I can watch it anytime and often. I just had it on last night in fact.

    I gave up my cable last year for lack of money and since I mainly watch videos and dvds anyway, and the only show I care much about seeing each week is ‘House MD’, and thats on Hulu.

    But for my family gatherings, I have to go outside the bounds of MST3K for the one classic that we all have on every Christmas eve, ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’. It’s been long established that whoever’s house we have our meal at has to have that playing on the tv, whether anybody is paying attention to it or not.

       2 likes

  25. Really old Teenager From Outerspace says:

    This year we’ve been watching the new set. Mighty Jack for Christmas you say, Yes I say. Plus I always watch SCCTM (IMO the far superior Mst3k version)and Santa Claus. Then tonight we watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and then turn the tv to the 24 hours of Christmas Story and let it ride. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

       2 likes

  26. Rich says:

    I had such a time last year with SATICB that I’ll call it a new tradition. I also screened the 2009 Christmas shorts DVD. I’m trying to rustle up my VHS copy of “Cabin By Th Lake” because I saw it around Christmas ten years ago.

       1 likes

  27. Patch says:

    This will be the laziest Christmas of them all!

    Merry one to all MSTies!

       2 likes

  28. Matthew Shine says:

    On Christmas Eve, I always watch the MST3K version of SCCTM, then Miracle On 34th Street (the orignal). On Christmas Day, I watch Santa Claus, a randomly picked episode and March Of The Wooden Soldiers.

       2 likes

  29. Sitting Duck says:

    Watch-out-for-Snakes #18: Also, for some years now, I always watch GREMLINS and NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, as well as the Rankin and Bass RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER and FROSTY THE SNOWMAN specials (of which I have on glorious VHS, the format of the future!).

    Just you wait. Beta will make its comeback any day now.

       3 likes

  30. ck says:

    After going to relative’s house for pressies, food, and
    chatting, watching Ritch Little’s Christmas Carol (for younger
    people somewhat dated- Johnny Carson is Scrooge’s nephew) – B.C.’s
    Christmas (with Bob and Ray) and The Juggler of Notre Dame—Merlin
    Olsen actually isn’t bad in it.

    And of course the highlights——-watching A Child’s Christmas In
    Space and singing along to Let’s have a Patrick Swayze Christas.

       1 likes

  31. ck says:

    Oh, and wassail anybody?

    http://youtu.be/AKpmg5DrpC0

       2 likes

  32. big61al says:

    I just started a new one….being here on the SATELLITE NEWS with all my friends and fellow mysties….Have a great day today!

       3 likes

  33. OnenuttyTanuki says:

    Usually it’s just MST3K: Santa…/Martians and Santa Claus (with the recent addations of The Rifftrax: Christmas shorts and the CT: Santa…/Martians)
    But over the course of this week I have watched:
    Santa/ Martians on the big screen, Muppet Family Christmas ,Muppet Christmas Carol,Garfield Chirstmas, Claymation Christmas, A Life with Louie Christmas, Elf, Hardrock;Coco; and Joe, Susie Snowflake, Rudolph, A Mr. Bean Christmas, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, A Christmas Story, Merry Christmas George Baily, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation, Santa/Martains (Local Horror Host showing), Santa Claus(vs. Pitch), the first two Everyone Loves Raymound Chirstmas, Love Hina Christmas(Anime), My Santa (anime), Both MST3K Episodes, Rifftrax: Christmas Shorts, CT: Santa/Martians, Rifftrax: Magic Chirstmas Tree, The First two Charlie Brown Christmas Specials, Ace of Cakes: Holiday Episode, The ALf Christmas special, and Ranma 1/2 (ova) Chirstmas Episode.
    Basically was going through all my VHS and DVDs with Christmas Episodes.

       4 likes

  34. EricJ says:

    @33 – The Love Hina Christmas episode, the Ranma 1/2 OVA Christmas party, and no viewing of Urusei Yatsura Ep. #79, “Ryoko’s Summer-Christmas”? And you call yourself an anime fan! :p

       2 likes

  35. MSTie says:

    Although it sounds just plain ol’ greedy, for the last several years I’ve asked for any MST3K set that I don’t already own, and Santa (my long-suffering husband who doesn’t even care for the show) always obliges. Then on Christmas night we all watch one of the discs, even though it usually has nothing to do with the holidays. Tonight I think we’ll watch “The Brute Man,” because nothing says “Christmas” like a disfigured murderous maniac stealing money for a girl’s operation. Merry Christmas to one and all!!!

       3 likes

  36. ServoTron3000 says:

    In about an hour my bro

       2 likes

  37. ServoTron3000 says:

    In about an hour my brother and I will be drinking beer and watcing Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. We’re too old for taking a drink every time somebody says the name Droppo.

       4 likes

  38. Manny Sanguillen says:

    to #37 ServoTron3000:

    That’s great because your glasses will be ready too.

       3 likes

  39. Manny Sanguillen says:

    #35 MSTie:

    Hey, Rondo Hatton and ‘The Brute Man’ (with the awesome Chicken of Tomorrow) is not so unseasonal compared to mine.

    I had a couple episodes on last night after I got home from my family gathering at my sisters house.

    Last I remember, I popped in ‘Devil Doll’ and promptly fell asleep from all the food & beer.

    I woke up early this morning and switched it out with what I consider to be part two of the ‘Bryant Haliday collection’, ‘The Projected Man’.

    Nothing says Christmas like a man with half his face gone, a quail egg where his right eye used to be, and who goes around electrocuting cats and people to death.

    Orange hair to all and a Merry Christmas!!

       2 likes

  40. Creepygirl says:

    Tonight will be “Santa Claus” and the “Star Wars Christmas Special”. Maybe “Ice Cream Bunny”.

       2 likes

  41. terrorcotta says:

    Around 1993 I think, we had been summoned to my in-laws for Christmas lunch. It was a horde of people and my son was all of 3 years old and raised on MST3K. Luckily, there was a quite place to watch tv and a Comedy Central Holiday marathon to save us.

    Now, my mother-in-law had once read a book on tough love and decided it was a perfect way to ‘fix’ people. Unfortunately, none of her children or relatives were in any need of tough love fixing. It has remained her burden in life ever since.

    My son and I settled in on a vinyl covered naugahyde sort of reclining chair that’s actually larger than just a one person seat and what comes on but “Manos” and the invention exchange with the Tough Love Seat.

    I am trying not to laugh but the tears were starting to leak out of my eyes. Then my son says, “Is this a tough love seat?” and I was toast.

    Yep, “Manos” is always on our holiday rotation.

       4 likes

  42. Pirengle says:

    Hmm. I watch the Xmas MST3Ks every year (or at least I try to) but I have to wonder if the Coast Guard wife who wrote the letter J&tB read in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians watches the episode every year.

       2 likes

  43. Jbagels says:

    Watched Santa Claus conquers the Martians this afternoon when the Knicks started losing. They came back in dramatic fashion during Patrick Swayze Christmas but it was worth it. Still a classic.

       3 likes

  44. ckdexterhaven says:

    I watched Santa Claus and Santa Claus Conquers The Martians in the past week, but tonight I’m watching Catalina Caper. Always a good break from some of the more bleak, depressing movies they riffed.

       1 likes

  45. Sitting Duck says:

    @ 41: The Tough Love Seat was featured in Bride of the Monster, not Manos (which had the Chocolate Rabbit Guillotine).

       1 likes

  46. Cambot J. Clemens says:

    I was gonna skip this thread because I didn’t feel I had any tradition for the holiday, but this afternoon it hits me almost painfully what I do every year now. Get a “Torg-over.”

       3 likes

  47. Blast Hardcheese says:

    One of my sons got the new “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” for Christmas. I have Vol. XXII, so I think we’re going to schedule a double-bill with “Time of the Apes”–could be a new tradition?

       2 likes

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