The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait was the second Christmas TV special that the pop duo made. They filmed this special in October 1978 and was aired on ABC on December 19, 1978.
The special stars Richard and Karen Carpenter, with special guests Gene Kelly

Gene Kelly

Eugene Curran "Gene" Kelly was an American dancer, actor, singer, film director and producer, and choreographer...

, Kristy

Kristy McNichol

Christina Ann "Kristy" McNichol is an American actress.McNichol is best known for her roles as Leticia “Buddy” Lawrence on the television drama series Family and as Barbara Weston on the sitcom Empty Nest. She is also the sister of former child actor Jimmy McNichol...

 and Jimmy McNichol, Georgia Engel, and Peter Pit.
The special is named after the Carpenters recently released Christmas album Christmas Portrait

Christmas Portrait

Christmas Portrait is the first Christmas album recorded by The Carpenters , originally released on October 13, 1978 ....

in October 1978.

Music

Order of songs:

1. Christmas Waltz (performed by Karen Carpenter
2. Opening Title Song (We've Only Just Begun instrumental)
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (performed by Karen Carpenter)
4. Jingle Bells (performed by Karen Carpenter)
5. Brothers and Sisters (performed by Carpenters with Kristy and Jimmy McNichol)
6. Merry Christmas Darling (performed by Karen Carpenter)
7. Christmas in Killarney (performed by Gene Kelly)
8. Selections from the Nutcracker (instrumental, performed by Richard Carpenter)
9. Toyland (performed by Richard Carpenter)
10. Christmas Angels (performed by Karen Carpenter, Georgia Engel, and Kristy McNichol)
11. O Come All Ye Faithful (performed by Gene Kelly, Karen Carpenter, Richard Carpenter)
12. Silent Night (performed by Karen Carpenter and Georgia Engel)
13. Fum, Fum, Fum (performed by Kristy and Jimmy McNichol)
14. Ave Maria (performed by Karen Carpenter)
15. Closing Music (We've Only Just Begun instrumental)

Synopsis

The synopsis of the special revolves around Karen and Richard throwing their annual Christmas Party (just like the previous Christmas). They have invited all their special guests and the guests take turns giving their gifts to one another by song. Agnes and Harold Carpenter (Richard and Karen's parents) have cameos in this special. The last four songs just talk about the history of Christmas music and show a variety of selections from different cultures and languages.