The Best Animated Christmas Television Specials of All Time

Debuting on NBC on December 6, 1964, this Rankin/Bass produced animated television show is one of my all-time favorites. It is followed by a sequel in 1976, entitled, "Rudolph's Shiny New Year," and 1979's, "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July." In 2001, a fourth series entitled, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys." aired. "Rudolph the Red Noised Reindeer" is the longest running in terms of consecutive years. This adorable television special is directed by Kizo Nagashima and Larry Roemer.

The story is about a reindeer that is ousted from the reindeer games because of his beaming honker. He later teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector. During their adventure, they run into the Abominable Snowman and stumble upon an island of misfit toys. Rudolph vows to see if he can get Santa to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Since Santa's sleigh is fogged in, Rudolph has a bright idea and comes to the rescue.

"Frosty the Snowman"

Another Rankin-Bass production, "Frosty the Snowman" aired on CBS on December 7, 1969. It featured the voices of Jimmy Durante as the narrator and Jackie Vernon as Frosty the Snowman. In 1976, the sequel, "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" and 1979's, "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July" aired. "The Legend of Frosty the Snowman" aired on television in 2005.

This delightful story is about a discarded silk top hat and its importance to a washed-up stage magician and a group of schoolchildren after it magically brings a snowman to life. When it is realized that Frosty will melt in the spring unless he takes refuge in a colder climate, he and his small friend, a little girl, stow away on a freight train headed for the North Pole. Now that the washed-up stage magician knows the secret of the magic hat, he pursues Frosty to get that hat back.

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"

This CBS animated television special was directed by Chuck Jones and first aired on December 18, 1966. Based on the Dr. Seuss book, this is the story of the Grinch, who tried to take Christmas away from the people of Whoville. The show was narrated by legendary horror icon, Boris Karloff, who also provided the voice for the Grinch.

The story centers on Christmas Eve in Whoville. The Grinch, who is a depressed, mean grouch, lives in a mountain cave just north of Whoville. His apparent reason behind hating Christmas is because of all the noise surrounding the entire town on Christmas Day. Thus, he eventually comes up with a plan to try to keep Christmas from coming. He dresses his dog, Max, up as a reindeer as he disguises himself as Santa Claus. Instead of coming down the chimney to bring presents, he comes down the chimney to steal presents. When the people of Whoville wake up on Christmas Day, they find nothing but emptiness and despair. From the looks of it, the Grinch did succeed in stopping Christmas from coming to Whoville. But, to his surprise, the noise of celebration continued. Christmas is not about presents and decorations; it's about being with family and friends. It's about the joy that comes with being with someone you love and with someone who loves you.

"The Year without a Santa Claus"

Seems like Rankin/Bass was on roll on December 10, 1974, when they produced this animated television show. It is based on the 1954 book by Phyllis McGinley. Shirley Booth ("Hazel") played "Mrs. Claus" and Mickey Rooney played "Santa Claus." Other stars included Dick Shawn, George S. Irving, and more. Remember the Miser Brothers; Heat Miser and Snow Miser? In this segment, Mrs. Claus asks them to work out a compromise to permit a Christmas snow in South Town, which, of course, is Heat Miser's territory. He agrees only if Snow Miser surrenders the North Pole to his control. When they refuse to cooperate, Mrs. Claus goes to their mother, who is no other than "Mother Nature." She then forces them to compromise. Talk about some serious discipline! Excellent!

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"

One of CBS most successful specials, this animated Christmas special aired more times than "The Wizard of Oz." On December 9, 1965, it became the first of many prime time animated television specials, based on the comic strip, "Peanuts." Written by Charles M. Schulz, stars included Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, and Bill Melendez as the voice of "Snoopy." This show was honored with an Emmy and a Peabody award.

When Lucy suggests that Charlie Brown become director of the school Christmas pageant, he accepts. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he enlists Linus' help to learn what the real meaning of Christmas. The gang made fun of Charlie Brown, when he found, what he thought to be, the perfect tree for Christmas. At that moment, I felt so bad for him because he actually thought he was doing the right thing. Which, of course, he was. Christmas isn't about the best gift or the best Christmas tree. it's about being happy and making others happy. He saw something so special in that little tree that set it apart from all the rest. That's why he chose it. In my book, Charlie Brown has a heart of pure gold!