The well-remembered two-parter, "Yes, Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus" is currently running on AOL's In2TV. This is the one where Will Geer from "The Waltons" guest stars as an old man who steals the Bradfords Christmas gifts, and where the family finds a present their late mother bought for Tommy.

I was actually disappointed when I viewed it again. For a two part story, there's really not enough going on to warrant two parts. Also, I find it strange that the family is explaining to Abby, on Christmas Eve, how they pick names from a hat rather than give gifts to everyone. Wouldn't she have needed to know this a lot earlier? And the whole plot where they find the present that Joan bought for Tommy before she died only emphasizes how the father remarried less than a year after his wife died.

The well-remembered two-parter, "Yes, Nicholas, There is a Santa Claus" is currently running on AOL's In2TV. This is the one where Will Geer from "The Waltons" guest stars as an old man who steals the Bradfords Christmas gifts, and where the family finds a present their late mother bought for Tommy.

I was actually disappointed when I viewed it again. For a two part story, there's really not enough going on to warrant two parts. Also, I find it strange that the family is explaining to Abby, on Christmas Eve, how they pick names from a hat rather than give gifts to everyone. Wouldn't she have needed to know this a lot earlier? And the whole plot where they find the present that Joan bought for Tommy before she died only emphasizes how the father remarried less than a year after his wife died.

I've only watched part 1 so far, but I noticed that thing about telling Abby on Christmas Eve. Yeah, you'd think she'd have asked, "So, what do you guys do around here for Christmas?" or something. LOL There had to have been a better way to do that.

As for Tom re-marrying so soon, I guess the writers really wanted Tom to be married and for the kids to have a mother. I always liked Abby, but from what I recall from when this show was on PAX, their courtship was fairly short. I really wish it would come out on DVD, b/c I'd love to see the eps. again, w/o having to wait for AOL to put them up or having them expire on my computer!

- Kristen

thanx for the heads up on this. That two-parter is my fave on Eight is Enough. It always makes me cry.

Good catch regarding the names in the hat. I love when someone catches stuff on shows.

I just watched part 2, and I have to agree w/ Irene, it IS a very moving ep. I got pretty emotional, hehe. The only thing I was disappointed with is that we didn't get to see the picture Nicholas drew for Tommy. We saw everyone else's, but not his.

I wish TV Land would pick this show up, or better yet, it would come out on DVD! I miss it.

- Kristen

Thanks for telling us about The Christmas Episode of Eight is Enought on in2TV

I THINK THIS MAY BE MY ALL TIME FAV EP FROM EIGHT IS ENOUGH. I CRY EVERYTIME I SEE IT :crybaby:

I THINK THIS MAY BE MY ALL TIME FAV EP FROM EIGHT IS ENOUGH. I CRY EVERYTIME I SEE IT :crybaby:
SO DO I!!!!!!! You couldn't pay me to NOT cry. I guess I identify with it because my own mother died when I was 6, so there were lots of Christmas' without my mom. Also, over the years dealing with other family members' deaths, this episode can really make me think of those who aren't around at Christmas time.

I LOVE THIS EPISODE SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!

Also, isn't it bad to prepare the turkey the day before you cook it? This is what Abby was doing in part one. My understanding is that you need to prepare the turkey and cook it ASAP or you may get food poisoning. YIKES!

Abby also mentioned the Nicholas she wasn't aware that the family members each made a dish for Christmas dinner. Again, wouldn't Tom and Abby have discussed what the family does for Christmas? I know with my own family and merging ideas and others' traditions, one usually talks abt these things.

People didn't really analyze these kinds of shows back then. Especially if they were fans. Add to that the fact that the show was really geared towards young people, who would have analyzed it even less.

I'll agree the "one year" thing between that Christmas and the previous one was a little far fetched for so much change to have happened. It was a short time frame. But that didn't take away from the emotional impact of the story.