Family

Across nine seasons of historical drama and family values, Little House on the Prairie boasted just three Christmas episodes. But the NBC series made each entry in this surprisingly short roster count, with each putting the meaning of the holiday front and center. With so many shows migrating from cable to streaming, is it still possible to watch these Christmas-themed Little House episodes? Little House did nothing shy away from a broad range of topics, from economic hardship to racism to death. In each Christmas episode, these mature concepts are subtly woven into the plot of the story while also emphasizing the holiday as a time of healing, strength, and togetherness. So, here’s how to revisit these powerful episodes in time for Christmas. The Christmas episodes of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ can be streamed on demand Little House on the Prairie ushered in their first season with Christmas / Scott Enyart / TV Guide / ©NBC / courtesy Everett Collection Little House on the Prairie ran from 1974 to 1983. NBC originally licensed syndication rights to Worldvision Enterprises because networks could not own synidcaation arms at the time. Jump ahead a few mergers and company transformations, and now CBS Media Ventures own those rights. Thanks to syndication, Little House on the Prairie is one of the lucky shows that has been on continuously since its network screenings. RELATED: The Real Reason ‘Little House On The Prairie’ Came To An End Both local stations and networks such as Hallmark, TBS, Cozi TV, and others also air episodes of Little House. So, there are plenty of cable-related options for viewing Little House on the Prairie, but if someone really wanted to guarantee they could watch the Christmas episodes close to the holidays, streaming would probably be the safest bet. In March 2019, Amazon Prime secured streaming rights to all nine seasons of Little House on the Prairie. So, which ones are the Christmas episodes and what can viewers expect from each? Revisit Christmas with the Ingalls LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, Karen Grassle, Katherine MacGregor, Alison Arngrim, Melissa Gilbert, 'Oleson vs. Oleson', (Season 7, aired January 5, 1981), 1974-83, © NBC / Courtesy: Everett Collection The first season of Little House on the Prairie introduced viewers to how the Ingalls do Christmas and it aired on December 25, 1974. The season’s fifteenth episode was fittingly titled “Christmas at Plum Creek” and features the Ingalls family doing whatever they can to pay for nice gifts for everyone, including working multiple jobs. Young Laura “Half Pint” Ingalls is unsure of what to do until she resolves herself to sell her dear horse Bunny to the snooty Olesons; this, she figures, can help her get a new stove for Ma. Jump to season three, episode 11, “Blizzard,” which aired on December 27, 1976. A blizzard threatens the whole community; although the children are dismissed from the schoolhouse early, many struggle to find their way home and the men of Walnut Grove put themselves in those harsh elements to get everyone to safety. Little House only had three episodes centered around Christmas, but each thoroughly explored the meaning of the holiday / YouTube screenshot Then there is the Michael Landon-directed 11th episode of season eight, “A Christmas They Never Forgot.” It sees the young, familiar faces of Walnut Grove looking older as they start families of their own. A blizzard once again strikes the sweeping landscapes but this time, it gives everyone a chance to get closer than ever and reflect on the past. This episode aired on December 21, 1981. Which one is your favorite holiday-themed episode from Little House on the Prairie?