"All in the Family"

 Holiday hardships on "All in the Family"

pictured above: Carroll O'Connor (seated) as Archie Bunker, Jean Stapleton as Edith Bunker (center), Rob Reiner (left) as Michael Stivic and Sally Struthers (back right) as Gloria Stivic

"All in the Family" was the groundbreaking show of the 1970s that tackled all the social issues.  It featured several Christmas episodes during its nine-season run and none of them presented warm and fuzzy storylines.

"Christmas Day at the Bunkers" - December 18, 1971

Archie makes a shipping mistake at work, and it costs him his Christmas bonus

"Edith's Christmas Story" - December 22, 1973

Edith is terrified when, during a visit to the doctor, is told she has a lump in her breast

"The Draft Dodger" - December 25, 1976

Archie is enraged when he learns that he has a draft dodger at his dinner table on Christmas Eve.  

"Edith's Crisis of Faith" Part I - December 18, 1977

"Edith's Crisis of Faith" Part II - December 25, 1977

Edith questions her faith when her dear friend Beverly LaSalle is beaten to death by muggers when they find out he is a female impersonator

"Bogus Bills" - December 3, 1978

A sidewalk Santa Claus passes counterfeit bills at Archie's bar

"California, Here We Are" - December 17, 1978

Archie, Edith and Stephanie travel to Santa Barbara to visit Mike, Gloria and Joey unaware that they have split up and Mike has moved out of the house