?It’s 1983, and the Worst Kids in the World are taking over the church Nativity play, smoking in the ladies’ room, and helping themselves to the sacramental grape juice.  Join us as we meet the Herdmans in a classic Christmas story turned TV movie starring Loretta Swit from M*A*S*H and a young Fairuza Balk in her on-screen debut.  ****  ? Guests:  Scott Leopold (Holly Jolly X’masu)  Bob Baker (Festive Foreign Film Fans)  ****  ? Topics & Tangents:  1. Today’s TV Tropes: It’s the Best Whatever, Ever and Title Drop.  2. Author Barbara Robinson wrote 2 sequels: “The Best School Year Ever” (1994) and “The Best Halloween Ever” (2004).  3. Fairuza Balk (Beth) in “The Waterboy.”  4. Loretta Swit (Grace) interview: “Meanest kids in town make the best pageant,” AP via The Free Lance-Star, 1983.  5. Jason Michas (Leroy) as Johnny Arcade in “The Power Team” animated segment from Season 1 of “Video Power.”  6. Antony Holland (Reverend Hopkins) as Dr. Light — er, “Dr. Wright” — in “Captain N: The Game Master.”  7. Ocean Hellman (Alice) in “Danger Bay,” which keeps coming up this season.  ****  ? Commercial Break:  Duracell “No Longer Under the Christmas Tree” Commercial, 1983.  Festive Foreign Film Fans, covering festive movies and music from around the world.  ****  “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” © 1983 Comworld Productions.  
Theme song by Bronwen’s Ghost.  Full show notes and social links at adventcalendar.house.