The Stephens take in a troubled orphan for the holidays, and when their attempts to give him the Xmas spirit fail, Sam flies the boy and Darrin to the North Pole.
This is my second-favorite Xmas episode of all time. The story, the acting and its emotional resonance are unmatched. Filmed in glorious black-and-white, for some reason this episode seems like it comes from a much earlier era than 1964. Samantha seems almost ethereal here, particularly in the scenes at Santa's workshop. There is a reaction shot of her and Darrin while Cecil Kellaway (Santa) is making his speech to Michael (Billy Mumy) that never fails to make me tear up - simply beautiful!
But there is enough humor to balance everything out. Of course, it all comes from the Kravitzes across the street. Thankfully, Alice Pearce - the original and best Gladys - got to play this script. It wouldn't have been the same with Sandra Gould. The funniest line is a simple "ABNER" after Gladys overhears the boys discussing the North Pole trip outdoors. Pearce turns a throwaway line into the episode's biggest laugh.
Billy Mumy plays his role perfectly; from the cynical orphan we see at the beginning to the dazzled child we see meeting Santa - he hits all the right notes.
Bonus points for the appearance of a pre-I DREAM OF JEANNIE Bill Daily and Gerry Johnston (voice of Betty Rubble in the later FLINTSTONES episodes) as the couple who show up to adopt Michael.
A Must-See for Classic TV fans. One of the best holiday episodes ever made. 10/10.