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This is one that I was also seeking for a long time. I finally found it a few years ago.
The House Without a Christmas Tree, starring Jason Robards.
There were a few other specials as well for other holidays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvuKWyZCvUw
Edit: There were also specials for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Valentines Day. All available on DVD.
When I was looking for this, i think it was someone here who helped me find it. Im happy to be able to pass it on!
Edited by EricaB

For years its been bugging me...nobody remembers this. It was a live action American, contemporary ,kids drama type show, only an hour at most, that featured a preteen girl in a sort of country house , also featured a grandfatherly character. The main thing I recall is that , before a commercial, the scene on the screen would 'freeze frame' like so many shows did in those days, but then the scene would transform into some sort of painting, string art, seed art, etc...as if the girl on the show created it.. ...it wasn't on all the time...it would show up like once or twice every holiday season , same characters, but different stories...months apart... The girl seemed like a sort of Quinn Cummings type, but it wasn't her...
...any help is appreciated
Edited by TonyBaker