Frosty the Snowman

Making its premiere in 1969, this animated special was one of many directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr.  What’s not to love about a Christmas show that features the voice of Jimmy Durante as the narrator?  Just like the Christmas song, Frosty is a magical snowman who comes to life and brings much happiness to a group of local children.  What will happen when the evil Professor Hinkle decides to turn up the heat?  You’ll have to watch to find out.

Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town

Another classic from the directing team of Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin, Jr., this film made its television debut in 1970.  A kind mailman (voiced by Fred Astaire) explains how Santa Claus came to be.  Of course, Santa wasn’t always known as Santa.  He was born as Kris (voiced by Mickey Rooney), a baby that was left on the Kringle family doorstep.  Growing up, Kris wanted to deliver presents to children, which was the beginning of Santa Claus.  Watch this cartoon to see the obstacles Kris needs to overcome to meet his goal.

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Yes, this is yet another classic from the ever productive team of Bass and Rankin.  First airing in 1974, this classic tells the story of Santa (again voiced by Mickey Rooney) and a cold.  When Santa decides to take a vacation from Christmas, two of his elves decide  to find people who believe in Christmas to help save the day.  Along their journey, they run into two memorable characters: Heat Miser and Snow Miser.  Find this special in your local listings to see what becomes of Christmas and Santa!

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

In this TV special, Charlie Brown is feeling a little depressed despite all the gifts and the decorating. He visits Lucy, who suggests that he should direct the school’s Nativity play. But everyone wants to update the play and include dancing and music, while he prefers to keep its traditional qualities. He announces to the group that they need a Christmas tree for the play. He finds a real Christmas tree, but everyone else prefers the aluminum tree. He decides to take it home and decorate it. A Charlie Brown Christmas reminds us that Christmas is not about the presents and the decor and the parties. The true meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ, and not how commercial it has become.

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss of the same title,  the Grinch wakes up one Christmas Eve to the busy sounds of Whoville down below, decorating and preparing for Christmas. Declaring he’s had enough, he devises a plan to steal all the presents and decorations and everything that he believes Christmas is about. He ties them up in a bag and brings it to his mountain cave to drop everything down the mountain. He snickers and waits for the cry of Whoville but is surprised to hear them singing. He then realizes that Christmas is not about presents, and his heart grows three times bigger.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph always has been tormented because of his shiny nose. He runs away with Hermey, an elf who can’t get along with other elves, and Yukon Cornelius, a prospector, but they are attacked by Bumble, an abominable snow monster. They are able to escape Bumble and find themselves in the island of Misfit Toys, where Rudolph leaves his friends because of Bumble’s attraction to his shiny nose. In the end, Santa uses Rudolph to lead him and the sleigh in the foggy night.

It’s A Wonderful Life

In this classic Christmas movie, George Bailey is about jump off a bridge and commit suicide but his guardian angel, Clarence, steps in to stop him. Clarence shows George his past, his present and what life would be like without him. George realizes his life is worth something, and he backs out on his decision to commit suicide. He goes back to his family and friends where all his prayers seemingly are answered.

What are your favorite TV programs and movies to watch during the holiday season?

Check out your TV schedules for these shows this Christmas season.