Top TV Christmas Specials for Generation Xers

Generation Xers grew up during a time of global instability and uncertainty. I myself remember feeling anxious when my dad would turn on the news in the evening because the stories and headlines were all about nuclear threat, which of course meant instant destruction and anarchy to Gen Xers as children. Living through the Cold War was an angst-ridden time, and as children and teenagers, we were sure we were going to be annihilated by the enemy at any moment.

As each year came to a close, I recall putting aside my anxiety for a moment when my beloved Christmas specials aired on television. My sister and brother and I looked forward to sitting down and to watch the familiar parade of characters march back into our home. These Christmas specials were a welcome respite from the anxiety and troubles going on in the real world.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
Who doesn't remember this classic? I was always so sad when Rudolph was made fun of and I often cried when my sister and brother weren't looking. Burl Ives as the narrator is just as much a Christmas legend as Santa himself. This is truly quintessential Generation X.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965)
I don't think I even need a description for this little classic. All Generation Xers know this one by heart. The Vince Guaraldi soundtrack and the gang dancing and bopping is unforgettable, as is Linus' spot-lighted monologue. Every true Gen Xer should own this DVD.

"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966)
No need to even go in detail here. This vintage animation never grows old. As a child, this was a favorite and still continues to be, and of course it is available on DVD.

"The Little Drummer Boy" (1968)
Though available on DVD, the quality is still a bit grainy, but worth it. More religious than most of the Christmas specials, this one is the story of a little orphan boy who shows up at the birth of Christ and plays his little drum for the baby. Ahhh.

"Frosty the Snowman" (1969)
1969, the year I was born and one of the best animation specials was made! Do I really need to give a synopsis of Frosty? Get a copy for yourself on DVD! Thumpity-Thump-Thump.

"A Christmas Carol"(1972)
Though this Dickens classic has been done and redone, my favorite animated version is this 1972 adaptation starring the voice of Alastair Sim. The animation is somewhat crude but so ethereal it is mesmerizing. I have been searching for a copy on DVD to no avail, but it is available through Amazon.com on VHS.

"The House Without a Christmas Tree" (1972)
As I child, I thought Jason Robards was the meanest man on the planet! Let me explain. In this non-animated Christmas special, Jason Robards plays a father who is raising a daughter after the death of his wife. Christmas memories are too painful for him, so he doesn't celebrate Christmas and his daughter doesn't understand why (until her grandmother explains). A Generation X classic.

"The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas" (1973)
Tom Smothers as the voice of Ted E. Bear made this animated special so soothing for me! Ted, a bear living in the city among other bears, wants to learn about Christmas. He thinks it's a "place" and sets out to find it while all of his bear friends are preparing to hibernate for the winter. Of course, like every Christmas special, he learns the true spirit of the Christmas season! It is available on VHS.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas" (1974)
Another excellent Rankin and Bass production based on the poignant Clement Moore poem that all Gen Xers know by heart. I always enjoyed watching this one for the great song belted out by the clock built by Mr. Trundle in Santa's honor as Junctionville tries to make up for a non-believer's (Albert, the mouse) mean letter to Santa. It is currently only available on VHS.

"The Year Without a Santa Claus" (1976)
Mickey Rooney, Red Skelton, and Shirley Booth were the star voices in this Rankin/Bass feature. Why is this animation so unforgettable? Because of the Heat Miser and Snow Miser songs! "I'm Mister Heat Miser, I'm Mister Sun."

"Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey" (1977)
Confession: I always cried while watching this because the animals were so cruel to Nestor, making fun of his extra long ears. Like "The Little Drummer Boy," this animated Christmas special was more religious than most. Nestor, the long eared little donkey plays a huge role in the birth of Christ. It is available on VHS.

"A Cosmic Christmas" (1978)
I believe I only saw this animated special twice while growing up. It is from a Canadian animation company, but I remember being fascinated by the strange animation and sounds. This little known gem is the story of 3 aliens who visit earth on Christmas Eve to study Christmas and its true meaning. Though I have been unable to find this on DVD at Amazon or any other store, I did find it on Google Videos! So, Gen Xers, click the link above and enjoy.

"Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas" (1981)
The original version was released in 1977, but I am a fan of the 1981 version that I first saw on HBO (purchased from ABC, but I'm not sure about that) when I was in junior high school. This puppet/Muppet special is still one of my faves and I enjoy singing along (I guess you could call it a musical). The story of Ma and her son Emmet (otters of course) worry about money during the holidays, and they each, unbeknownst to the other, enter a talent contest. Emmet and his friends on the river warm my heart year after year.

The Cold War has ended, other wars have been waged, and our spirits are at their lowest, so as an adult, these timeless classics are more important to me and other Generation Xers than ever. I invite you to relive your childhood and teenage years remembering these unforgettable stories and characters, each and every December.