The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait (1978) Complete TV Special

"The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait" (1978) was Richard and Karen Carpenter's fourth TV special and second and final one for Christmas. Many of the songs were from Spike Jones' 1956 "Xmas Spectacular," which Karen and Richard listened to as children, as were the songs on their album from that year, "Christmas Portrait."
Here's their 1977 special:
• The Carpenters at Chri...
SONGS:
0:41 "Christmas Waltz"
7:45 "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"
8:35 "Jingle Bells"
11:38 "Big Brothers/Kid Sisters" (I think)
14:50 "Merry Christmas Darling"
19:40 "Christmas in Killarney"
24:10 "The Nutcracker Suite"
32:13 "Toyland"
35:57 "Angel in the Christmas Play"
39:10 "Adeste Fideles"
41:26 "Stille Nacht"
43:12 "Fum Fum Fum"
44:51 "Ave Maria"
Final third of the special (in higher quality) is from here:
• Carpenters Christmas P...
SONGS:
0:41 "Christmas Waltz"
7:45 "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"
8:35 "Jingle Bells"
11:38 "Big Brothers/Kid Sisters" (I think)
14:50 "Merry Christmas Darling"
19:40 "Christmas in Killarney"
24:10 "The Nutcracker Suite"
32:13 "Toyland"
35:57 "Angel in the Christmas Play"
39:10 "Adeste Fideles"
41:26 "Stille Nacht"
43:12 "Fum Fum Fum"
Special guest stars include Gene Kelly, Georgia Engel, and Kristy and Jimmy McNichol, as. If anyone wants these, please send a message!
I really wish Richard would take the good parts of these specials (plus the Carpenters' 1974 appearance on the "Perry Como Christmas Show") and put them into a retrospective on PBS, ABC, DVD, or something. From what I understand, he disliked these specials (though Karen enjoyed them), and so sadly, they may never see the light of day.

[@TressBraga]

I played my _Christmas Portrait_ cassette in the car while my mother drove the two of us around town on Christmas Eve in 1999. We really had nowhere to go, no family to be with. Nine months later, she passed away. Just being with her and listening to Christmas music together inside the car had made that night one of the most beautiful and meaningful memories I have of her.

[@poetmistress2009]

💚🌻🌻🌻🌻💚

[@richardea4223]

God bless you!💙

[@allisonmarlow184]

I'm so glad you had those memories. You were awfully young when she passed, as was I when my mom passed. It's taken me 30 years to be able to listen to her Christmas albums again, and I cry throughout. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. She is watching - you were, and are, everything to her.

[@stangman1268]

nice story God bless you and may she rest in peace,i purchased this LP in vinyl back in the mid 80's by far my favorite christmas album,i love all the classic's by different artist but carpenters are my favorite.

[@TheLarryBrown]

My mom passed this past Christmas (2021) two months short of her 97th birthday. She and I also shared some special Christmas moments on her last Christmas. We enjoyed Christmas but then she suddenly passed away the morning of December 31. But I want to tell the story of a Christmas just a few years before, where I spent several days decorating the tree and she sat there with me. On the final day I put in a several hour session and got the tree finished and lit it. She and I sat there, just the two of us, gazing at the magical tree in silence for some thirty minutes. It was unlike her to sit still and silent like that. It was one of only a few true "Christmas Spirit" moments I've ever had in my life as an adult.

[@bluedlodlo]

Karen’s vocals are unreal. She has the most beautiful voice and her breath control was extraordinary...she really knew how to use that gifted instrument. Karen embodies vocal perfection. I miss her so.

[@ludicrous7044]

All because a HS basketball coach told her she didn’t make the team because she was too fat!!😓 What s waste!!

[@sarahfrench6262]

Her baseball coach was a bastard for calling her fat. How dare he say that to her.

[@jameswhipple5658]

I agree !! Every Christmas when sings Logs on the fire, fill me with desire, I tell anyone who will listen that Karen had the best voice ever 🎄🎄

[@a.e.7988]

​@@ludicrous7044Marie O. was called fat also, and she is still here.

[@rickykilby4672]

An absolutely brilliant drummer too.

[@danielsibley2723]

Her voice was incomprehensibly perfect. Her lows were like butter and chocolate. What an awful loss.

[@cynthialyman2636]

She really had the rarest of sound and a lovely range; I think of her as a contralto with also a lovely soprano capability as well. What used to go through me with a shiver were her dulcet tones that seemed to be part of her own unique interpretation when delivering the truest lyrics of a love song. You could just feel her longing and aching need with a somehow incontrovertible sadness that made every song intimate and personal. She was so gifted, a true artist.

[@TheLarryBrown]

@@cynthialyman2636 She also had the ability to project her personality through her singing, and also the ability to vocally sell the song without being overly theatrical. On top of that, she had the ability to dramatize the song visually with her performance, even when just lip syncing.

[@patcolin2]

These two were truly master's in their musical crafts. Karen's voice...flawless and stunning. What's interesting, they not only perform the songs, they give us an historical background of the songs, and original composers. The Carpenters knew music. They studied music. They taught us music. They performed music in perfection. Karen couldn't sing a bad song. She could sing us the phone book, and we would probably play it over and over again. The Carpenters were impeccable. There will never be another voice like Karen's. Her voice shall always be my favorite musical instrument.

[@poetmistress2009]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@patcolin2]

@@poetmistress2009 Merry Christmas 🎄 Stay safe

[@TheLarryBrown]

One thing you left out: Their God given "sibling harmony" that shocked, and rocked, and changed, the world.

[@catnip824]

It's amazing, surprising, and a blessing that the Bulimic vomiting didn't harm her vocal chords.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Mines definitely the harpsichord

[@TheCarnivalguy]

Karen Carpenter singing "Merry Christmas, Darling" is just so sublime.

[@Dulcimertunes]

My favorite secular Christmas tune

[@Oklahomajewel1]

My favorite Christmas song! I have to sing out loud when it comes on! RiP Karen.

[@ruthannkizakavich3325]

This is such a heart felt song, I cry every time I hear it.

[@ritaleoni8347]

This song reminds me someone who is apart from me and I miss so much!

[@stevenburger7158]

CARPENTERS: Gifted & Ordained by God to Massively Impact the USA & Touch the hearts of the Entire Society during very radical times & Psychedelic Raging Rock ruling the land! (14 Mega Hits & 20+M Sales) all in their A Record that still stands today 2021!

[@reneeg4817]

She had the most beautiful voice. No one sings like that anymore

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

You are correct she was simply amazing

[@tomelmore8431]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/imiTpYKImcqDj6s

[@rakeshhubert3031]

@@johnlyetuckleemoe3333 utterly stupid comment.

[@johnlyetuckleemoe3333]

@@rakeshhubert3031 I made an honest mistake. I thought I was replying to someone asking whether anyone is watching this particular video.

[@lilyemmalindsay9025]

agreed

[@GKCofficial]

Anyone watching in December 2020?

[@beethzart79]

I watch this every year.

[@beautifuldisaster139]

🙋🏻‍♀️

[@theresadoherty9783]

I'm with you right now 👍

[@catmandoo3735]

December 18 from Tucson, AZ

[@rocket767]

me

[@johnbrowneyes7534]

Karen was an amazing talent. Sing, drum, act, great sense of humor. She is missed!

[@Woolworth100]

Karen was one of the finest vocalists of the 20th century. A pure, clear voice so full of warmth. The Carpenters' music was honest...melodically and harmonically sophisticated, without gimmicks or smoke-and-mirrors overproduction.

[@kdeubanks787]

I played this cassette in the car for many years in the mid-80s and then in the 90s when my children were babies and young children. To this day, both of my grown children still play the CD when they come to my home for Christmas, they say it's not Christmas without this CD. ❤

[@int53185]

Who else got goosebumps during Ave Maria?

[@karengoemer3799]

Need to bring back these specials even if they are reruns, so much better than today's specials.

[@jaisworldtv9574]

100% AGREED!!

[@davidarmitage289]

Amen to that....

[@joecool7147]

Karen Goemer: I was thinking the same thing....Shows of Dean Martin - Red Skeleton - Andy Williams - Frank Sinatra - Glen Campbell - etc...

[@patcolin2]

I wonder why the networks don't air these classic specials. This one in particular, sets the true Christmas season. Absolutely, the most beautiful music.

[@thecommenter7518]

Loved watching all of these. great Christmas 🎄 Specials with my mom as a kid

[@karimbennett5651]

People don't realize that back in the 70's, with no internet, mobile phones, MTV, XBox or other diversions, this was actually entertaining (comedy schtick and all).

[@lilyemmalindsay9025]

I guess the Carpenter's were very popular in the 1970s. My mom had their records.

[@lisadillon8137]

Lily Emma Lindsay they were very popular I love them

[@jewell92]

I still do have them.

[@lilyemmalindsay9025]

@cathy smith i know Richard is still alive, but not Karen. My dad said he went to their concert in the 1970s when he was in high school. My mom has been to their concert.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

@cathy smith I agree Cathy! Still entertaining to us Carpenter's fans. I love starting the holidays with some Carpenter's Christmas tunes!

[@mikehorton6225]

Still pure vocal gold after all these years. So sorry she was gone so soon.

[@TheLarryBrown]

True, for those of us that appreciate her, her singing has aged extremely well. There are those that would not agree.

[@mattmallecoccio8378]

she was so beautiful. I wish she had had a better self image and wasn't plagued by that horrible illness. she was the type of woman that was so easy to fall in love with. it's too bad she had such a hard time loving herself. rip karen

[@michaellincoln9631]

We've Only Just Begun.............

[@michellearmstrong6006]

matt mallecoccio - I just learned by reading her bio that her mom favored her brother Richard more. Karen Carpenter & I went through the same experience, my mom & dad favors my brother more than me. My mom had a jealous problem, it is very possible Karen's mom was jealous of her too. I like to sing, I was in Concert Choir in school, but one thing that is different is; Of course, Karen Carpenter sings much better! She was and still is The Best Female Vocalist of All Time!

[@eileenmcdonald3162]

Sadly she had a very nasty mother .

[@patrickmartin4996]

Saw the Carpenters in Portland in the 70s. Karen had the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. She sang like an angel, but looked very tired. That illness is terrible and takes a lot of lives.

[@richardea4223]

@@michellearmstrong6006 No matter how others view us, we are all God's children, and he unconditionally loves you as his own. Like Karen, God has blessed you with the gifted singing voice. Like Karen, you bless us with your music. Don't ever feel as though you are second rate. Like Karen, God made you for his purpose. God bless you! You're very special in our Saviour's sight. 💙

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

There is nothing I want more than to have Karen back.

[@rickw1100]

Karen Carpenter singing Merry Christmas Darling. You don't get ANY better than that. Godspeed Karen, Merry Christmas! Thanks for the beautiful music.

[@pripph1355]

Please someone...take me back to the happy 70's again! Karen Carpenter, the greatest singer there has been...

[@SteveWeaverIvyfield]

STILL (by far) the BEST Christmas album EVER!

[@ronaldciccone260]

The Carpenters , PInnacle Of Christmas

[@Stratoman77]

As I listen to this on Christmas day, I can only think that God needed Karen's voice to complete heaven with it's incomparable beauty.

[@michaellincoln9631]

AMEN.......

[@tiffsaver]

I'm a "Christmas nut." I love everything about Christmas. But without the Carpenters' "Christmas Portrait," it just wouldn't be the same. Of all my favorite Christmas music, this single album will always be my Number One. God bless the Carpenter family, now and forever.

[@MrChrispflanz]

I agree. I miss Karen.

[@tiffsaver]

@@MrChrispflanz So do I, my friend. So do I. She unwittingly became the "poster child" for anorexia, long before that word became popular. We have since discovered that it has something to do with overbearing parents, of which both she and Richard evidently had. You see the same syndrome repeated again and again, with the Beach Boys and the Jackson Five, parents of which also destroyed the lives of the same children they pushed to succeed. And take a look at actors like McCauley Caulkin, who actually had to divorce his own parents (successfully) for stealing him blind. Apparently, history has a terrible way of repeating itself. It seems that success often has a high price, one that some unfortunates ultimately pay for with their lives. On the bright side, we still have Karen's golden voice in which to enjoy again and again. Perhaps there is a lesson in this: BE GOOD TO YOUR KIDS. Merry Christmas to you, and yours.

[@tiffsaver]

@@adriandowningiii8395 Thanks for the explanation. Apparently, much has been learned since Karen's death, with many people achieving a full recovery, thank goodness.

[@stevedow5842]

So tragically sad with Karen's emphasis on spreading cheer with food that four years later she would die of self-starvation with anorexia. Rest in peace, Karen. I'll see you in Heaven.

[@gio702]

Yes, I had the same thoughts.

[@michaeltnewyorknights8413]

@@gio702 and quite visibly already in the throes of Anorexia to add to the irony.

[@loulou3472]

I was thinking the very same thing. The tragic irony in the whole segment. What a waste when she died of that hideous disease. She's still missed.

[@andrecartier8126]

@@loulou3472 I lived 2 doors down from Karen. Walked her to school. It really hurts to see her look so bad .

[@neatstuff8200]

I can see what you mean but it just came out wrong For someone struggling with the same thing. I have missed her for nearly 40 years now.

[@michaellincoln9631]

Merry Christmas, Karen Carpenter.... I Still Think That You Are The Greatest Of All..... And You Still Make Me Cry......

[@iancollar8066]

...Karen giving the gift of food must have been in the script, but still...what a wonderful talent and beautiful woman so dearly missed.

[@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan]

Ian Collar she actually liked to cook and bake and give that as gifts.

[@vp200]

Merry Christmas Darling starts at 15:00. Karen's voice was so beautiful 😓😓

[@simon5005]

Watching this, which is wonderful, really gives you an idea of how our society has decayed. I miss these awesome days of sanity.

[@conservativeguy9329]

So True, Simon5005. We have really decade as a society in the last 40 plus years. Very sad.

[@38yofrmut]

RIP Karen. Taken too soon. We lost one of the most talented, one-of-a-kind voices.

[@hazelchief-rabbit5903]

Indeed! :'(

[@chitagongob5905]

38yofrmut we sure did! How I miss her?

[@entertainmentcentral1355]

Merry Christmas Darling rips me apart as I miss my parents and my Grandparents cousins and others that passed away... How I wish I had them back....

[@dancinonasmoothedge]

Entertainment Central I love that song

[@cynthialyman2636]

I sang it with a band in California all through the very early eighties during every holiday season; it was a favorite and a real audience pleaser. After Karen died, it was very difficult to sing the songs that The Carpenters had made famous. Heartbreakingly so. Bit people wanted to hear them more than ever before.

[@voxtek]

I know how you feel, may you find some comfort and happiness this holiday season.

[@cyndikatovlogs]

I feel you likewise

[@richardea4223]

I somewhat know how you feel. Even though, I am not putting myself in your shoes. I often sat a table with an empty chair and experienced grief for a lost love one. My father would be gone nineteen years this September. I remember the empty chair at Thanksgiving in 2002. I remembered having to force myself to celebrate Christmas that year. It became easier as the years went by, however, I still occasionally have thoughts and memories going through my mind. I am not trying to interject here. God bless!😎

[@DTR396]

Hard to see precious Karen so painfully thin and ironically, giving the gift of food.

[@crewchief135]

That is exactly what I was thinking. At 64 I still have a huge 'crush' on Karen. I miss them...

[@madonnadelrey6420]

DTR396 It seems very insensitive to me. They could see how thin she was but still wrote it into the script.

[@roydidlock1867]

According to a producer,they were aware of Karens problem but had no idea it would end so tragically.

[@Karloffrules]

@@roydidlock1867 If they were aware (and educated at all), they would have known that to have her doing any food related scripts, etc...it could only end tragically.

[@JackieG8991]

I feel like it was done deliberately.

[@januceangelademare2307]

I'M WATCHING THIS FANTASTIC SPECIAL EPISODE OCTOBER 1ST 2023 AND I'M 68 YEARS OLD......... LISTENING TO THE CARPENTERS AND GENE KELLY ETC. ETC. HOW MANY MEMORIES.......... NOW I'M SURE KAREN IS SINGING FOR THE GLORY OF OUR LORD IN HEAVEN!!

[@danielsccrmom16]

It’s February 27 2024 and I’m 65.

[@dottiecline771]

It's heartbreaking to see how thin she was, knowing now how very sick she was... She and Richard continue to be my favorite musical duo and I love especially the Christmas music...We lost a true artist with an absolutely mesmerizing, clear voice! I miss you Karen

[@michaellincoln9631]

Be My Angel In Heaven, Karen...........

[@sweetmusic3821]

18:05 "Wait a second. I'm giving everybody food."

[@HippieWitchyAsh]

Exactly what I'm seeing too. Incredible sad and the whole food bit in this, almost feels poking to her or their attempt of trying to hide it.

[@j.e.underhill3681]

All these years later and I still love her voice.

[@jan4052]

My favourite part of this was Karen and Georgia Engel singing Silent Night in the original German. Beautiful. I just found out that Georgia Engel just passed away earlier this year. So sad. She was lovely.

[@alisonrainbowz6861]

May they rest in peace all the love and joy they brought

[@richardea4223]

AMEN!💙

[@garycarpenter2980]

Poor GE she was a funny girl and I never knew she could sing great voice and now she's gone

[@Hokie5Libra82]

She was such a sweet person and talent!

[@TheLarryBrown]

I've almost never seen Georgia out of character. Only just for a second or two when she was filming a closing shot and figured she had held the pose long enough and then started smiling out of character at the off camera crew. other than that, never.

[@dakers2052]

I grew up in the 70's with the Carpenters. As someone who studied music from elementary through high school, and having listened for the past 45 years (I am 51 now), I have never had, and seriously doubt, there will ever be such a pure voice as Karen's was. We have missed 30 years of her potential, a real shame.

[@makthnife]

Female, I'd agree. Male, tho? Matt Monro. Two great, great starts, people, and artists taken from us tragically too soon in the 80's. Merry Christmas to all-hug your loved ones close~

[@batdave65]

I have always said there will never be another voice like hers.

[@judidipillo4337]

Only female voice with perfect pitch to date.

[@TheStikapos]

She would have been great for years and years, no doubt..

[@rickkinney2544]

D, I agree completely and have always thought so. We played Karen and Richards music at our wedding. Karen had the purest voice I have ever heard.

[@Shodansixtyone]

Really enjoyed their music - it is a shame we lost her at such a young age.

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Its just magical

[@annettesonjajesse9733]

Love Karen and always will. Miss her beautiful voice. No one can compare to her.. and that is the truth...

[@roccosophie6498]

This is one of my most favorite vintage Christmas specials. Richard and Karen are legends of entertainment. Always will be. 😊

[@BlueEyes-gp8lg]

That scene with their parents was AWKWARD. There seemed to be little to no warmth between the parents and Karen/Richard. Plus mom and dad get shoved out the door before we hardly knew they were there. Probably a lot more personally revealing than it was ever intended to be.

[@erikafreebird6449]

I agree..it would have been so much better for the parents to be there the entire time. It took the whole message of being with family and tossed it out the window.

[@JewandGreek]

I think the issue there was inexperience in front of the camera. Richard and Karen were much more used to being on camera than their parents were so they limited the dialogue with Mom and Dad. It's that simple.

[@TheMusicalJourneys]

I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed Richard's rendition of "Toyland." It's not only about who has the best voice, it's also about the feeling conveyed, so tender and wistful.

[@tracypaxton1054]

He sounded pretty good there.

[@TheLarryBrown]

Richard is a fabulous, electrifying singer, as evidenced by his success. Even so, he has some limitations that allow Karen to outshine him. Notwithstanding, I love his lead singing and enjoy all his tracks. I also think his voice is the essential salt that makes the Carpenters sound work.

[@neilharman8376]

I play this album every Christmas, it's on in the background every day for the fortnight before Christmas Day itself and the seven days thereafter until New Year's Day. Captures the magic of the season like no other. Karen had the finest voice I've ever heard. God Bless to all

[@poetmistress2009]

💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@gregandglendapeirce7997]

Glad you like the album, but why not post your comment on the album page, not the TV show page?

[@catman3552]

What a voice!

[@paulmadsen6405]

The best was this, made christmas complete, no more.

[@TheOEDLovesMeNot]

Look how Karen looks absolutely lovely, speaks great, and acts fantastically in the comedy above!

[@user-df5qs9lr9v]

One of my favorite albums at Christmas....... MERRY CHRISTMAS......

[@markthomas5360]

Who still listens to Carpenter's music in 2016? I listen to their Christmas music every year...best music ever! Merry Christmas!

[@7Lukibi99Tore7]

The Carpenters' ''A Christmas Portrait'' is one of the 5 or 6 GOAT Christmas albums. Although as Richard Carpenter has acknowledged, it really was Karen Carpenter's first solo album since Richard Carpenter's creative contribution to the album was limited to singing the lyrics to the song, ''O Come, O Come Emmanuel'' and postproduction work on the album.

[@sjdomenica]

7Lukibi99Tore7 o

[@lilyemmalindsay9025]

We listen to the Carpenter's Christmas cd every yr & we all love it.

[@coreyables2620]

Our grown children know it's really Christmas when the Carpenter's Christmas CD comes out . . .

[@vanduybach5169]

even in 2018, my friends :)

[@bobwilson2145]

looking at karen,it's hard to believe she was just 28 years young.that disorder made her look twice her age. she would be 64 today.hauntingly beautiful voice.

[@user-wx3ln8yq1b]

+Bob Wilson Agreed i think if she weighed more like prior to 75 she would of looked her age she did look amazing at her wedding I also think the eyebrows and hairstyle don't help.

[@mikey3800]

@@user-wx3ln8yq1b she looks thin in this tv show and yes she put on some weight on her wedding day it made her look much better

[@patrickmartin4996]

Karen was 32 at the time of her death, born in 1950, a year younger than I am. It would make her 69 now.

[@Djr67]

@@mikey3800 Karen looked great on her wedding day but must have started starving herself again soon after because a year later she looked worse then ever

[@mikey3800]

@@Djr67 so true, imho it seems the more pressure she faced the more her eating disorder flared up.

[@yfibarle]

Beautiful! Both of them were REALLY TALENTED! I miss these types of shows!

[@hyacinthmoon6289]

Anyone here December 2023? Happy Holidays!

[@leghornlife]

I'm here in June 2024! 😂

[@unclewilbur8976]

I’m here in July 2024. I listen to Carpenters almost every day. I’m still waiting for Karen to give me a kiss! ❤😃

[@rogerbastien2354]

How you can not smile when you hear her voice. Merry Christmas.

[@schallrd1]

Sweet Karen still gives us joy year after year. Yet still miss you.

[@richardea4223]

AMEN!!!💙

[@michaellincoln9631]

"The Lord Is With Thee...."

[@CM-ho5ic]

Karen Carpenter had the voice of an 👼, she left a beautiful legacy.

[@joefranks4235]

Sad how it ended for her. At least we have the wealth of music they left. Beautiful music, beautiful voice. Rest in peace Karen.

[@knockitofff]

Memories of better times flood back, so sad the way the world is now

[@rmcshugs]

Warm memories- happier times. Miss those days so much.

[@joeschmoe373]

Karen really had some acting chops and natural comic timing.

[@7Lukibi99Tore7]

If Karen Carpenter had taken acting lessons she might have become a fairly good actress but sadly we will never know for sure about that.

[@jessicatevnan3137]

Yeah, she could sure act happy and remember lines on zero calories.

[@alextirrellRI]

You can really tell she's having a good time. She was a very well rounded talent!

[@michaellincoln9631]

And HUGE Drumming Chops........

[@lindamcmanus3057]

Richard said years later in a documentary that he was not into these specials but he could see Karen was really in her element, taking to it and enjoying herself. She was such a natural talent.

[@rockhalverson7931]

I haven’t heard this for years, this Angels Voice one of a kind so missed can’t be replaced ever. Until We Meet My Love!

[@brenthaymon280]

The song Merry Christmas Darling is my favorite Christmas song. I was 18 when this special was on TV.

[@jamiewarriorwarlordmccallu5712]

magic christmas special with the carpenters a christmas special 1978. love this magic stuff. karen and richard always was fun. never a bad moment with this band. might be cheesy this, but hell it is fun. unlike the crap that is on today. warms my heart watching this. i miss christmas the way it was when i was a kid. this gives me a nice reminder of when i was a kid.

[@pattigee1]

The best Christmas album ever!

[@bh9225]

Heart warming program...I miss those days.

[@theresachiorazzi4571]

It’s so sad that Karen is no longer with us she had a beautiful voice we will always think of her and her songs

[@allenjones3130]

The two Christmas albums the Carpenters recorded are holiday classics! And the late Karen Carpenter was one of the most eloquent interpreters of holiday music.

[@voyager597]

Nothing wrong with these shows, so much better than the rubbish that we are subjected to today.

[@michellecalling]

Yeah, you're right. Some of it was corny but I like corn. I don't even waste my time looking at what's out today. What would be the point?

[@dancostello6186]

Very, very true!

[@michaellincoln9631]

Or Perhaps.... Refuse?..........

[@frankdenardo8684]

@@EPhantomify she did leave us a legacy for years to come.

[@joecool7147]

David H: It’s a nice step back but why didn’t they upconvert it to high HD first? Inexcusable 🤨

[@voxtek]

Best christmas album ever made, I use to fall asleep every christmas eve, hearing it play from the living room. Where my mom and my older brother would be awake still wrapping etc.

[@michaelbertsch7092]

I REMBER THIS WHEN IT AIRD IN 1978 ON ABC, I HAVE NOT SEEN IT SINCE,THANK YOU-GOD BLESS, AND ABOUVE ALL MARRY CHRISTMAS, IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE KAREN AND RICHARD AGAIN, MY CHRISTMAS WAS FOFILLED, LOVE MICHAEL BERTSCH.

[@anthonymessina32]

Karen Carpenter had a one and only voice no one can come close to her voice miss her

[@ngml320]

Angelic voice R I P. Karen

[@joelmangahis5513]

Karen sang the last song, Ave Maria, like an angel! It gave me goose bumps! She is indeed one of a kind! Now she is singing with the real angels up there. We miss you here

[@waynebrasler]

The Carpenters were the masters of Christmas! Their two specials proved a memorable and integral part of the Christmas season the years they were telecast and their Christmas recordings remain untouched in their greatness. I remember picking up the first Christmas L.P. at Rose Records in the Chicago Loop and being astonished, just looking at the cover, what Richard and Karen had come up with this, this amazing two packed sides of thrilling Christmas songs, sewn together brilliantly and reflecting, all at one time, symphony orchestras, Spike Jones and a touch of Fred Waring.

[@TheLarryBrown]

The Spike Jonez influence has not aged well. People that don't know Spike Jonez will be mystified, and left dry, by the silly content. I don't actually know Spike Jonez art, I know Richard liked it and copied it, but it really doesn't fit with Carpenters style of music nor presentation. Richard should have left that performance style to the master and stuck with his own style that he pioneered, did so well, that was well loved, and brought him so much success.

[@brianrankin4214]

Watching still in this terrible year. The Carpenters just bring joy to a woeful year.

[@richardea4223]

Karen Carpenter; a pleasant remedy for our COVID blues 💙

[@cybermonkeyusa]

Lots of memories here. I remember the day of variety shows on TV as a kid.

[@ThePHILALLENSHOW]

My favorite christmas album ever. was miss you karen voice of a angel

[@susanhill149]

Ah Karen’s voice and Richards arrangements. Heaven to hear and so nostalgic! 🙏

[@mckster56]

Wow eerie, Gene days people give what they want. Karen says all I gave is food!!!!! The one thing in all the world she denied herself. Oh Karen we miss you

[@romanmichaelhamilton8729]

Yes, her mother destroyed her though. Also not sure why Herb Alpert didn't get her the much-needed she truly needed. Just a very bizarre situation that is beyond any logical answer. I'm am still heartbroken over her loss as she was truly one of a kind. Maybe the Lord just took her away knowing the future pain she would have to endure. But it's a dire shame that her own family and loser ex-husband were the source of her demise.

[@l59jones60]

Love this! Karen was, of course, an amazing singer. She was also great at comedy, and specials like this!

[@sean92591]

wow, you can really see the change in karen from the 77 special to this one. what a dramatic change in just one year. i find it very sad.

[@helenagreenwood2305]

I just watched the 77 one before this yes you can definitely see the change it must have been hard for Richard watching her literally wasting away before him x

[@michaeltnewyorknights8413]

@@helenagreenwood2305 she's already not healthy in 77.

[@michaeltnewyorknights8413]

@Jarred Knox you realize your sentence is an oxymoron. Radiant/Sick. The trickery of camera angles etc doesn't change the fact that Karen was already 2 years into her anorexia.

[@RandallRedman-td4eh]

Richard Christmas Portrait and Christmas Collection are one of the Best Christmas Compilations I listen to each year. Kudos and Bravo to Richard Carpenter.

[@lilyemmalindsay9025]

My mom had a record of their Christmas album before it was made into a cd. We listen to their Christmas album every yr. My mom would've been 25 & my dad 22 in 1978.

[@mikehorton6225]

Outstanding playing and singing by Richard as well.

[@olafhenderson495]

I'm 61 now..they were such a big part of our lifes....my life....I wish she was still. with us..thank you

[@garyhiggins1931]

Great memories to look back on. Why can't they have these great musicals anymore?

[@Plisken65]

They don't have the music to back it up any more.

[@neatstuff8200]

When she sings the note attached to the word desire. What in the world is that note? Out of this world

[@poetmistress2009]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chrisfulcher1151]

Watching Dec 24, 2022. Love it! Carpenter Christmas CD's raised my family. My girls still listen with their kids. Thank you !

[@annahutchinson]

It's still my favorite Christmas album. Karen's voice is classic.

[@ctbear26]

How ironic when Gene says to Karen, "You're the first to go." She was.

[@michaellincoln9631]

They Are Both Singing In The Rain......In Heaven.............

[@iancollar8066]

...wow. Great comment.

[@richardea4223]

Karen is dancing and singing down the golden streets with Evelyn. 💙

[@lindamcmanus3057]

He also says people give gifts they want themselves and she says, “Wait a minute. I’m giving everybody food.”😔

[@brianadams5088]

@@michaellincoln9631 he was a stinking liberal pos, hope he is 🔥

[@frenchypink1135]

She seems so happy

[@mytoytoo]

Love watching this old Christmas specials, never seen them before ❤

[@notable9]

Just gorgeous, I miss them so much. Everyone knows how beautiful Karen sang - Richard on the piano for the Nutcracker that was amazing too.. You don't hear that kind of music they made.

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

I was 12 when this aired. I wish I could say I remember watching it, but I was much more interested in Rudolph and such at that age. Watching it now gives a whole new appreciation of the times and of the talent of The Carpenters.

[@tiffsaver]

This Christmas album remains my very favorite, showing the combined genius and talent of both these remarkable performers. I've listened to it 1,000s of times, and it never gets old or dated. In fact, I often listen to it in the middle of July, whenever I'm blue, just to make myself feel better. RIP, Karen Carpenter. You are missed.

[@cynthialyman2636]

I couldn't agree more. It too remains my unparalleled favorite since I bought it on vinyl back in 1978. I'm astonished I haven't worn the grooves right off of it, except that I finally also purchased it on cassette and then on CD.

[@tiffsaver]

@@cynthialyman2636 I know what you mean! My favorite song is, "Merry Christmas Darling."

[@cynthialyman2636]

@@tiffsaver l used to sing with a band in California back in the 80s. We played private functions: weddings, anniversary parties, bar mitzvahs, etc. At the holiday season, Merry Christmas, Darling was a crowd pleaser that got couples of all ages out onto the dance floor. I love the Carpenters and still miss the loss of Karen at such a very young age.

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Anyone watching in november 2019?

[@staceysmith3775]

Last time I watched was 1978!❤🎄

[@grantgayle9212]

lol yes

[@helenagreenwood2305]

Me I was 17 in 1978

[@janeporter818]

December 2019

[@davidarmitage289]

RIP Karen, you are still sadly missed in 2019.,,

[@kal5571]

The song : " Merry Christmas Darling" will always have a special place in my heart,because it was sung by Karen Carpenter! I always make sure to play it during Chrismas time!

[@FemiNelson-sb1em]

"Merry Christmas Darling", oh it's soooo beautiful, heartfelt & it still brings tears & an ache in my corazòn. Bless her & I so pray she looks down in sheer joy at the many that still love her. ❤️ 🙏

[@michaelleroy9281]

I watched this show, remember it well I think it was on December 18 1978

[@LynnBright-ct1mj]

What a great holiday special . Karen had the sweetest voice . Continue to Rest In Heavenly Peace Karen .

[@pattibrooks1907]

I have this record album ! Karen had a beautiful voice !

[@arielumasas6296]

One of the best christmas album

[@debbieblaylock9997]

I was a Sr in High school and i remember watching it. IAM 65 IN 2023