Of everything in this world, few things can make me smile like the freaking Muppets. The older I get, the more I love them. I love their snark. I love their sense of adventure. And I love that their films still get shown time after time. What better way to spend a dark winter’s evening than watching The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)? Oh, what’s that? You need five reasons to do so? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

#1 – MUPPETS

The Muppets were a curiosity for me as a kid. As I grew older, I grew to love them. Especially Gonzo – he’s my jam. Given, Miss Piggy is problematic (because chasing after and beating your chosen one into submission isn’t something to look up to), but you have to admit that she showed an entire generation of young girls that they could go after what they wanted and not be afraid to look fabulous as hell in the process. An entire film of the Muppets hits such a sweet spot, because they interact with humans seamlessly. Plus, the pure artistry that goes into puppetry is awe-inspiring. They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

#2 – The story is timeless

Selfish, money-grubbing douche canoe gets his ass handed to him by the manifestations of a guilty moral conscience. Relevancy, you have a call waiting for you on line one.

Dammit, Tiny Tim.

#3 – It makes Dickens doable

In the words of Thomas Sanders, story time: I had to read a book Dickens wrote called Bleak House in college, which was described as an approximately 900-page doorstop; that description was apt, yet I read it because it was determined to complete the task of perseverance. Chuck got paid by the word, and it shows. I loathe this writer. So for me to enjoy Dickens… this is something special folks. The Muppets made me like Dickens. This team works miracles.

#4 – It’s one of the few musicals I can tolerate

People sing. I don’t hate it. Move along.

You get a pass, Gonzo.

#5 – I dare you not to be in a good mood after watching this

This film is utterly charming. Between the personalities of the Muppets shining through, and the humor they inject into material that can easily veer off into dry territory, they manage to keep it snappy and enjoyable. You smile more often than not, and the result of which is that it carries over after the credits have rolled. It’s infectious, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect thing to help you conquer the blues. If you’re missing someone or having a hard time, please watch this. It will help.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is one that belongs in your collection, but it can also be rented on Amazon.