Ep 13. Don't Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa
- December 17, 1971
The Partridge Family season 2 episode 13 titled "Don't Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa" follows the musical family as they attempt to spread holiday cheer in their community. The episode opens with Shirley and Laurie shopping for Christmas presents and discussing their plans for the upcoming holiday. Meanwhile, Danny, Chris, and Tracy are practicing their Christmas song for an upcoming performance at the local shopping mall.
However, their plans hit a snag when they learn that Santa Claus has been banned from the mall due to a new rule prohibiting anyone from bringing weapons, even if they are part of a costume. The Partridge family is stunned that anyone would even consider bringing a weapon to a holiday event, let alone require a rule against it. They decide to take action by spreading the message that guns and violence have no place in Christmas celebrations.
They create a protest sign and gather outside the mall, urging others to join them in demonstrating against the ban. Despite receiving pushback from some who argue that Christmas is not a place for political statements, the family remains steadfast in their message of nonviolence. They eventually convince the mall manager to reconsider the ban.
The episode also weaves in a subplot involving Keith's struggles to write a new song for the family's performance. He ultimately finds inspiration in the message of nonviolence that the family is spreading, and comes up with a moving ballad that becomes the highlight of their performance.
Overall, "Don't Bring Your Guns to Town, Santa" is a heartwarming episode that promotes a message of peace and unity during the holiday season. It reminds viewers that Christmas is a time for love and goodwill towards others, and that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact. The Partridge family serves as a model for how even a simple holiday tradition, like singing Christmas carols, can be used to spread an important message and make a difference in the world.