Monty's Christmas

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#97: “Monty's Christmas”
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Malachi 2:16

16"I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.

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Monty's Christmas

“Monty's Christmas” is episode #97 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written and directed by Paul McCusker, and originally aired on December 16, 1989.

Summary

Frustrated that his mother always insults his father, Monty Whittaker-Dowd tries to find a way to escape from his family problems.

Plot

The Whittakers are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Everyone seems to be having a good time — except Monty. Something is bothering him, but no one knows what it is. The tension mounts when Jana jumps all over Monty after he accidentally drops and breaks an angel from the nativity scene. Then, when Monty decides to go to his room, he and Jana fight again. Monty leaves, and Jana remarks that Monty is just like his dad, Phil. Whit decides to try and reach Monty to see what's wrong, but even Whit can't break down the wall.

The situation worsens when Jana calls her ex-husband to inquire about the kids' Christmas presents. Jana and Phil exchange harsh words, and Jana hangs up before Monty can talk with Phil. This causes even more strain. Monty runs out, and Jana attributes Monty's behavior to him inheriting his father's disposition. But Whit thinks it's more simple than that: Monty probably just misses his dad.

Monty goes to the mall, where he runs into Connie, who is Christmas shopping. They talk, and through their conversation, Connie helps Monty understand that he's not the only one who is hurting — his mom is, too. Connie knows from her own situation that even moms are human and need love, sympathy, and compassion, just like everyone else.

They finish shopping and return to Whit's house, where they build a snowman and start a snowball fight on the front lawn. They are soon joined by the rest of the Whittaker family. Monty and Jana exchange apologies. Monty gives his mom a pre-Christmas gift: a small glass angel. It looks like they'll have a happy holiday after all.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why was Monty so upset?
  2. Do you know anyone who is hiding from their sadness?
    • How can you help them?
  3. Why was it so hard for Monty to understand that his mom was also hurting?
    • How can you show a family member some love and understanding?

Cast

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Mentioned in episode

Character Mentioned By
Jenny Whittaker Jenny Whittaker-Dowd
Phil Dowd Jana Whittaker-Dowd
Bill Kendall Connie Kendall
June Kendall Connie Kendall


Notes

VERSION DIFFERENCE: [view] In the broadcast version of this episode, Chris brings a load of presents to a Christmas wrapping booth run by the math club.

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Quotes

Jenny Whittaker: It's not a snow "man", Monty, it's my snow "friend".
Monty Whittaker: Snowfriend? Good grief Jenny, where do you get this stuff? For once, couldn't you be normal and build a snowman?
Jenny Whittaker: Precision of language, Monty. I couldn't decide if it's a male or female, so I decided to call it my snow-friend. "Say what you mean, mean what you say." That's my motto.
Monty Whittaker: "Go stick your head in the snow." That's my motto.
Jenny Whittaker: There you go with your adolescent trauma again.

Connie Kendall: You're a man, aren't you?
Monty Whittaker: That depends on whether my mom wants me home before dark, or wants me to mow the lawn.

John Whittaker: I can talk to kids all over Odyssey, but I can't get through to my own grandson.

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