Ep 12. The Christmas Show

The Facts of Life is an American sitcom that aired from 1979 to 1988. The show revolves around a group of teenage girls attending a boarding school in upstate New York. The girls face various challenges and learn valuable life lessons with the guidance of their wise housemother, Mrs. Garrett.

In season 5, episode 12, titled "The Christmas Show," the girls are gearing up for the holiday season. Jo, Blair, Tootie, and Natalie decide to put on a Christmas pageant to raise money for a local children's hospital. However, their planning hits a snag when the school's strict headmaster, Mr. Bradley, forbids them from performing the pageant on school grounds.

Undeterred, the girls set out to find an alternative venue for their show. They eventually land on the idea of hosting the pageant at a nearby church where Mrs. Garrett volunteers. As they rehearse for the pageant, they face various challenges - from costume malfunctions to stage jitters.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Garrett's old friend, Lou, comes to visit. Lou is a curmudgeonly old man who has lost his faith in Christmas. He scoffs at the girls' enthusiasm for the holiday season, but Mrs. Garrett reminds him of the joy and hope that the season represents.

As the day of the pageant approaches, the girls face another setback - a snowstorm that threatens to cancel the show. However, they refuse to give up and continue practicing in the hopes that the storm blows over. Eventually, the weather clears up, and they are able to put on their pageant.

The show features a variety of Christmas-themed performances, from carol singing to a nativity scene. The girls' hard work pays off as they raise a significant amount of money for the children's hospital.

Overall, "The Christmas Show" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the girls' determination in the face of adversity. It also highlights the importance of community and giving back during the holiday season.