A Garfield Christmas 1987

Christmas Eve Morning Wake-Up and Plans

Jon wakes Garfield on Christmas Eve morning and tells him they’re headed to the Arbuckle family farm to celebrate Christmas. Garfield groans that they always go to the farm and that the family never visits Jon’s house. The plan for the day sets the tone for a holiday filled with family tradition.

Drive to the Farm and Old Memories

On the drive to the farm, Jon shares memories of Christmases from his childhood, mentioning his parents, his brother Doc Boy, and Grandma. Garfield listens with heavy irony, showing his characteristic cynicism toward such nostalgia. The contrast establishes the film’s tug between sentimentality and sarcasm.

Arrival at the Farm and Bond with Grandma

They arrive at the farm, and Grandma quickly forms a special bond with Garfield. Garfield’s gruff exterior softens as he notices the warmth between Grandma and the dog. Jon and the rest of the family settle into the countryside Christmas mood.

Grandma Spices the Sausage Gravy

While walking, Grandma spikes Mom’s sausage gravy with chili powder, bragging that her recipe won the Greene County Fair. The playful act reveals her pride and spice for life, adding comic warmth to the visit. Jon and Garfield return to the house for dinner soon after.

Odie's Secretive Work and Dinner

After dinner, Odie works on something secretive and then sneaks back into the house, keeping his project hidden from the others. Garfield remains curious, sensing that Odie is up to something beyond typical dog chores. The quiet mystery sets up the night’s culminating moments.

Tree Decorating and the Star Moment

Later, they decorate the Christmas tree together as the room fills with festive songs. Jon asks Garfield to place the star on the top because no one else can reach it. The family’s singing and shared task strengthen their bond amid the holiday atmosphere.

Garfield Finds Grandma Alone

Garfield finds Grandma sitting alone, reminiscing about her late husband and how he used to provide for the family. She laments that Christmas is the time she misses him most, revealing a deeper layer to her festive exterior. The moment exposes the emotional core of the gathered family.

Dad Reads Binky, Clown Who Saved Christmas

Dad, with great reluctance, reads Binky, the Clown Who Saved Christmas, to Jon and Doc Boy. The bedtime tale contrasts with the real family’s history and hints at the complexity of holiday memories. Garfield’s cynicism remains, but the scene deepens the theme of love and memory.

Garfield Follows Odie to the Barn

Night falls as Garfield notices Odie’s suspicious activity and follows him to the barn. Inside, he discovers Odie rummaging around, doing something secretive rather than simply playing. The secret scene hints at a heartfelt Christmas plan in motion.

Uncovering the Letters

Garfield stumbles upon a cache of letters in the barn that appear to be at least fifty years old. He suspects they are love notes written to Grandma by her husband when they first met. The letters illuminate Grandma’s past and enrich the family’s Christmas history.