Trevor Dailey
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
At least it was, in my neck of the woods. We had steady snow falling and not melting for roughly 2 1/2 weeks and then it decided to warm up and start raining. Especially on December 21st where we had record levels of rainfall including flooding in some parts of my state. The point being several years ago just about every night around this time there was a decent to great Christmas special on every night. Some are burned into the zeitgeist and some aren’t cherished as much. This article isn’t exactly revelation in many people’s minds but it’s mine to write so there.
Stockings Sandals Noises Gizmos’ Top Three Christmas Specials Ever
Honorable Mentions: The Grinch That Stole Christmas, A Flintstone Christmas
3. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
Original Air Date: December 6, 1964
The Christmas Special that started the Rankin/Bass Holiday Special Dynasty in 1964. The special is adapted from the Johnny Marks song which in turn is adapted from Robert L. May’s poem, all under the same title. Something most people may not realize is that the special was almost entirely produced in Japan and directed by Kizo Nagashima. Burl Ives is the biggest “name” in the cast playing the narrator snowman. This special is great in the fact that the main character and his cast of fellow misfits find self worth instead of letting the external tell them how to feel.
2. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
Original Air Date: December 14, 1970
A prequel of sorts to Rudolph. This is Santa Claus’ origin story also brought to you by Rankin/Bass seven years in 1970. Also produced in Japan using the Animagic animation method which is NOT Claymation, a trademark of Laika. The characters in this special are just as strong, if not stronger than Rudolph’s. The clearly defined villain Burgermeister Meisterburger really enriches the story. Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney star is this great adaption of a classic Christmas Song and my favorite of the Rankin/Bass productions.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Original Air Date: December 9, 1965
Finally, in my opinion, the creme de la creme, the greatest Christmas Special of all time. The Peanuts gang is instantly recognizable due to being in several holiday specials and being showcased on newsprint for twice as long. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and even the little red haired girl are just great characters with Chuck himself being the focal point. Charlie was a depressed and depressing character, something that even cursory research will tell you is an outpouring from his namesake Charles M. Schultz. This special is great. The music is memorable and the dialog is very quotable. One of my favorite things about this special is the handcrafted-ness of the pageant. Something I can definitely relate to from my youth and now being a father. Really boils down what Christmas is all about.
Relive the Magic
All three of these can be enjoyed on DVD and Bluray via the Peanuts Holiday Collection and The Original Christmas Classics Gift Set. These specials and those not covered are definitely a major staple in 20th Century Americana and highlights a surprising innocence during the Cold War Era. The longevity of their continued broadcasting attests to the timelessness.
