Ep 14. A Very Merry Christmas

Donna Reed and her TV family celebrate Christmas in this heartwarming episode of The Donna Reed Show. The episode opens with Donna and her husband, Dr. Stone (played by Carl Betz), planning a Christmas party for their neighbors and colleagues. Donna is excited to show off her party planning skills, but when Dr. Stone invites more people than Donna anticipated, she becomes overwhelmed and stressed. Meanwhile, their children Mary and Jeff (played by Shelley Fabares and Paul Petersen) are busy preparing their Christmas wishes. Mary is obsessed with a particular gift, a pair of ice skates, and Jeff wants nothing more than his own set of drums.

As the party preparations continue, the stress begins to take a toll on Donna. She becomes frazzled and snappy with her family, causing tension in the household. But as the party starts, Donna is able to let go of her worry and enjoy the festivities. The guests enjoy food and drinks, exchange gifts, and even sing Christmas carols. When Mary's friend arrives with a surprise gift for Donna, she realizes that the true meaning of Christmas is not in the gifts or the party, but in the love and warmth of family and friends.

Throughout the episode, the family also participates in a few holiday traditions, such as hanging stockings and decorating the tree. Donna and Dr. Stone even take a moment to reflect on the year they've had and what they are thankful for. The episode ends with the family sitting down to enjoy a big Christmas dinner together, grateful for each other's company.

Overall, "A Very Merry Christmas" is a heartwarming and nostalgic holiday episode that celebrates family, traditions, and the true meaning of Christmas. Donna Reed shines as the matriarch of the Stone family, juggling party planning, gift giving, and the ups and downs of family life. The episode is filled with festive decorations, lively music, and colorful costumes, making it a joy to watch. Fans of classic TV and holiday cheer will surely enjoy this classic episode of The Donna Reed Show.