Other Christmas Specials
The holiday season approaches and we settle into our couches to watch Christmas specials that have been our favorites since our youth. Classic holiday staples Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman dominate the screen. Meanwhile, numerous hidden gems await rediscovery or an initial viewing. I want to introduce you to four heartwarming holiday specials which bring Christmas joy every year.
A Tale of Holiday Redemption and Belief
Since its debut in 1974 Twas the Night Before Christmas has become an unheralded holiday staple for numerous families. The special takes viewers to Junctionville. It draws inspiration from Clement Clarke Moore’s classic 1823 poem A Visit from St. Nicholas. Santa has removed the town from his list of delivery destinations. This happened after someone wrote a letter questioning whether he truly exists.
Father Mouse and clockmaker Joshua Trundle motivate the town’s people to get their place back on Santa’s delivery list as Christmas nears. The special combines delightful animation and unforgettable music along with Joel Grey’s calming narration to embody the genuine magic of Christmas.
Twas the Night Before Christmas presents a perpetual reminder of faith and holiday spirit whether you first experience it or watch it with your family.
Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/Twas-Night-Before-Christmas-Collection/dp/B08PCB4TX6
A Holiday Special That Embraces What Makes You Unique
In 1977 Rankin/Bass released the overlooked masterpiece Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey. The touching narrative depicts Nestor, a donkey mocked for his large ears who becomes essential to the Christmas story. Stop-motion animation classic Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey receives narration from country music icon Roger Miller. He also lends his voice to the character Spieltoe and delivers both heartfelt and inspiring moments.
Heartfelt music and a narrative about faith and perseverance show through Nestor’s gentle teaching that what we see as flaws can actually be our most significant gifts. This is one of the lesser-known holiday specials that deserves attention.
Nester is not currently available to stream. It is available as a feature on this DVD/Bluray: https://www.amazon.com/Nestor-Long-Eared-Christmas-Donkey-Miller/dp/B0CL7C2LWL
A Holiday Special With A Gift From the Heart
The Little Drummer Boy stands as the ultimate holiday special that embodies the true spirit of the season. This Rankin/Bass production from 1968 enriches the traditional Christmas tune about a boy. The boy offers his drumming skills as a gift to the newborn King.
Among all the holiday specials, this story follows young Aaron as he confronts personal loss yet discovers healing and hope during his journey toward Bethlehem. The performance by the Vienna Boys’ Choir enhances the emotional power of Aaron’s selfless deed through the special’s music.
Annual audiences still find The Little Drummer Boy deeply moving. This is through its exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and the genuine spirit of giving.
Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy-Jose-Ferrer/dp/B09M69PC4M
A Holiday Special & Wintry Romance with a Magical Twist
Jack Frost stands as a delightful winter adventure which debuted on television in 1979. Using their renowned stop-motion technique Rankin/Bass portrayed Jack Frost’s journey to humanity. This happens after developing feelings for a compassionate girl named Elisa.
Through the course of the narrative Jack learns that genuine love and heroism require personal sacrifice. Jack receives guidance from unique characters including snow gypsy Holly and the careful groundhog Pardon-Me-Pete. These characters teach him essential principles about friendship and community while revealing the true meaning of selflessness. Jack Frost delivers a magical adventure with meaningful life lessons that makes it an enjoyable movie for both children and grown-ups.
This is why it’s one of the holiday specials not to be missed this season.
Watch here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B00D5VMBHG
The appearance of twinkling lights and the aroma of cinnamon create the perfect moment to watch these meaningful holiday specials again. Their rankings in TV guides may vary but their themes of love and hope touch people profoundly and occasionally even more powerfully. When you prepare for your next cozy movie night this season make sure to include Twas the Night Before Christmas, Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey, The Little Drummer Boy, and Jack Frost on your viewing list.
The genuine essence of Christmas emerges from the stories that become part of our heritage and the shared silent moments with loved ones along with beloved characters who accompany us through childhood. Welcome to a season filled with everlasting stories and loving moments which create memories that shine brighter than tinsel. As the holiday specials become a tradition, they capture the spirit of the season and become a cherished part of our celebrations.