Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is a 1977 television special directed by Jim Henson, based on the 1971 children's book of the same name by Russell Hoban, itself inspired by "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry.

[3] In 1977, Muppets creator Jim Henson produced a one-hour television adaptation of the story video taped in Toronto.

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas also featured extensively platformed-up sets, all created with great attention to detail.

We'd have the whole set in three dimensions... rigged so we could pop parts and come out through the openings, which is really time consuming...[8]The original special featured an introduction by Kermit the Frog, who also narrated certain scenes (in the 1978 release), and made an appearance near the end delivering closing remarks.

Kermit the Frog is introducing the story of Emmet Otter when he is interrupted by the Riverbottom Gang, a group of hoodlums (made up of Chuck Stoat, Fred Lizard, Howard Snake, "Pop-Eyed" Catfish, and Stanley Weasel), who insult him and steal his scarf.

While window shopping in nearby Waterville, Ma and Emmet wistfully reflect on Pa's life, and his unsuccessful snake oil venture.

Emmet assembles Wendell Porcupine, Harvey Beaver, and Charlie Muskrat as the Frogtown Hollow Jubilee Jug Band.

[10] In 2005, HIT Entertainment released a "Collector's Edition" DVD which featured several deleted or alternate scenes, as well as a "lost" song that was recorded, but never actually used in the special.

Called "I Was Born in the Trunk", the song was written for the talent show scene and was performed by the Waterville music store owner.

[14] Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas was nominated for four Emmy Awards in 1981:[15] On October 21, 2019, it was announced that Bret McKenzie is writing the script and songs for a film adaptation of the TV special, which will be produced by The Jim Henson Company, Pacific Electric Picture Company, and Snoot Entertainment.