The Andy Griffith Show "A Christmas Story"

Sam can't go home for Christmas, and Barney will have to stay at the jailhouse to guard the prisoner and he'll miss the festivities at Andy's house. However, Andy comes up with a plan: they'll have Christmas at the jail!

Andy arrests Sam's wife and two children as "accessories before, during, and after the fact". He also deputizes Ellie, Opie, and Aunt Bee to help watch the prisoners, and they arrive with a tree, food, and presents. Barney even dresses up as Santa Clause.

Everyone is having a great time at the jailhouse, trimming the tree, singing carols, eating turkey, and drinking eggnog. However, Ben--who keeps spying on them through the windows of the jailhouse--feels miserable that he's missing out on all the Holiday fun. He tries to get himself arrested several times so that he can join in the festivities, but is unsuccessful due to Ellie's misdirected kindness.

Andy finally catches on to what Ben is trying to do and he drums up charges so that he can arrest him. Ben enters the jailhouse with Andy, carrying a big suitcase filed with gifts from his department store for everyone.

• Andy Griffith (Andy Taylor)
• Ron Howard (Opie Taylor)
• Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee Taylor)
• Don Knotts (Barney Fife)
• Elinor Donahue (Ellie Walker)
• Sam Edwards (Jim Muggins)
• Joy Ellison (Ethie Muggins)
• Margaret Kerry (Bess Muggins)
• Kelly Flynn (Billy Muggins)
• Will Wright (Ben Weaver)