My Top 10 Cartoon Christmas Specials
Christmas time comes once a year, filling everyone with laughter and cheer. In the best of times and in the worst of times, the holiday spirit never fails to touch everyone in our lives. It would only make sense then that we develop traditions to which we keep each time December rolls around. Families and friends are not the only ones to catch in on this holiday fun. Television stations have been participating in this yuletide bliss for many years. Perhaps even some of your beloved traditions stem from these particular specials. Here’s my list of top ten cartoon Christmas Specials in no particular order and why they are dear to me…
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – December 6, 1964
This story tells the tale of one particularly spunky little reindeer named Rudolph and his desire to pull Santa’s sleigh despite a particularly unusual handicap…a red glowing nose! On one especially foggy Christmas Eve, this disability is shown for the immense capabilities it provides and aids Rudolph in saving Christmas. My favorite part in this special is the excitement displayed by Rudolph upon winning a kiss from Clarice. His heart soars so high that he advances to the top of his flight class!
Frosty the Snowman – December 14, 1969
Who hasn’t heard of Frosty? This appetizing cartoon adds a shrimp visual fun to the timeless song classic we’ve grown accustomed to over the years. Follow Frosty as he makes his way from snow ball to snow man and travels with a group of friends towards the cold North in a quest not to melt away. With the atrocious magician, and the exuberant Icy, it’s a combination you simply can’t miss. Peep for the antics of the magician’s bunny. Occupying a smaller role, he often times is overlooked but really helps run the show!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! – December 18, 1966
The classic children’s book comes to life with all the splendor of the original written words. The Grinch lives on a mountain way above the town of Who-ville despising their laughter and joy on a daily basis. Each and every Christmas they’re celebrations reach levels beyond compare and so the Grinch has decided to put an end to the holiday all together. Ride with the Grinch with Max at your side and gape if he can stop Christmas from coming once again. This is one special we try to watch every year. If we miss it on TV you can bet we’ll be pulling out the VHS or DVD version.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – December 9, 1965
Charlie Brown and his gang are at it again. Presenting viewers with a blunt discover at the world around them, this particular special finds Charlie Brown experiencing the Christmas blues as diagnosed by Lucy. Her solution, direct the local Christmas play. The fun that ensues along with the true meaning of Christmas as dispensed by Linus is a classic through and through. This is one special that we watch every year no matter what we have going on. There is always time for Charlie Brown.
A Garfield Christmas – December 21, 1987
A somewhat lesser known special than some, Garfield shines with a heart of gold in this family love. John, Garfield and Odie head back to the farm to celebrate Christmas with the family. While John returns to his childhood days, Odie embarks on his own mysterious quest and Garfield bonds with crazy yet loveable Grandma. This one rates right up there with the best of the best as it is so unexpected, yet heart-warming. One memoir that will help get you in touch with the real meaning of Christmas….being with family and friends.
Twas the Night Before Christmas – December 8, 1974
A fun is not short story of a clockmaker and the mouse family that lives with them. An anonymous letter was written to Santa claiming that he did not exist. Santa sees the publication and thus returns the towns letters to him…unopened! Father Mouse feels responsible as it was his son who wrote the letter and so he embarks on a mission with the clockmaker to bring Santa to their little town. A touching classic with fun music and songs to brightened the hearts of family and friends/
Pluto’s Christmas Tree – Nov 21, 1952
Pluto is Mickey’s best pal. He’d do anything for him; including chasing out the slight pests, aka Chip and Dale that are currently residing in their new Christmas tree. The crazy scenes that abound from a determined pup and a fully decorated tree complete with presents, definitely leaves an impression to remember. I remember watching this on television each year as part of a Disney special. It had a group of holiday cartoons all shown one right after the other. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it in years, but there’s always the hope that lingers for the next year…
Last but now least, we’ve entered the realm of ‘A Christmas Carol’ remakes….
Mickey’s Christmas Carol – December 16, 1983 (US)
A Christmas Carol – December 16, 1983 (US)
A Flintstone’s Christmas Carol – November 21, 1994
The Charles Dickens classic story of a tight-fisted money hungry miser that dispenses nothing short of coal (not even that actually) to everyone well wisher he meets is known to most people in the world today. In the many forms presented, we all have a favorite. The Mickey’s Christmas Carol version gives young and old alike a version that includes our favorite characters, creating a touching rendition if I do say so myself. A Christmas Carol (second on the list above) is an animated version of the classic with a rather memorable dog along for the ride. Grant it, it’s a change from the actual record, but the comic relief provided is well worth it. Finally, A Flintstone’s Christmas shows us that even in the days of Bedrock, treating others as you wish to be treated and presenting the best of yourself to the world is always in style.
Share one or all of these classics with your family and friends today! Help spread some holiday cheer sure to last throughout the year. Happy holidays!
**Dates and general information from Wikipedia.org.
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