Last week, you read our list of the fifteen holiday films you can’t miss! This week, take a blast to the past as you look over our selections of some favorite wintry episodes from beloved childhood TV series.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Technically, I’m cheating by including this one. Instead of being from any particular series, it’s a roughly thirty-minute short made by the Walt Disney Company that adapts Charles Dickens’ classic tale into a fun-filled family romp. Its gorgeous animation and lively script makes this one of my all-time favorite Christmas specials and one of my most cherished holiday memories.
TaleSpin – “Jolly Molly Christmas” (1990)
When I was a child, I never thought of movies as being ‘sad,’ and nothing on TV or in theaters could make me cry. But I only watched this episode once or twice because it always brought me to tears. Surprisingly, I actually enjoy watching this little Christmas gem as an adult much better because of the wonder shown by Molly and the love of those around her, which is what we now know Santa truly embodied.
Goof Troop – “Have Yourself a Goofy Little Christmas” (1992)
Who doesn’t remember the Reindeer Dance?
Recess – “Yes Mikey, Santa Does Shave” (1998)
When it came to comedy, Recess never missed a beat and it was never out of fresh ideas. The Christmas special is no exception!
Timon and Pumbaa – “Don’t Be Elfish” (1999)
Besides Mickey’s Christmas Carol, this is probably the episode that is closest to my heart. Not only is this my all-time favorite TV show, but the Christmas special highlighted the ironically commercialized nature of Christmas in a way that didn’t feel overdone or obnoxious but instead actually made us laugh. One highlight of the episode is that it didn’t redo an old Christmas storyline, but instead came up with a plot in which Timon had to prove he could be good in order to get back on Santa’s nice list and – of course – learns the true meaning of Christmas.
Arthur – “Arthur’s Perfect Christmas” (2000)
I’m bending the rules a bit here, as well. This PBS holiday special is indeed from a television show, but it’s almost an hour long, which makes it far longer than other Christmas episodes which usually run from ten to thirty minutes. However, the diversity of celebrations presented in the single episode and the ridiculous musical numbers makes it well worth the watch!
The Proud Family – “Seven Days of Kwanzaa” (2001)
This is probably one of the most effective holiday specials I’ve ever seen. If you’ve seen it, you know why. And if you haven’t, then you’ll have to give it a watch! And no – this clip has nothing to do with the Christmas episode; it’s just amazing.
That’s So Raven – “Escape Claus” (2003)
No matter what else my family wanted to watch on TV, this was the one I insisted on seeing. When Raven has a vision about her Christmas present, she decides to try it out and accidentally breaks it. As you’d expect, hilarious antics at the mall follow. Also a plus: Ernie Sabella – aka Pumbaa – guest stars.
American Dragon: Jake Long – “Hairy Christmas” (2006)
A baby yeti running wild through a mall on Christmas Eve, a battle between Jake and some Huntsmen at an ice rink and Fu Dog narrating the entire episode in song: need I say more to convince you to revisit this special?
Phineas and Ferb – “Phineas and Ferb Christmas Vacation!” (2009)
While the Her Campus students reading this may not have been all that young when the special came out, the fact that it’s a television show made for kids was enough of an excuse for me to slip it onto this list. Admit it, though – you watched it just a few years ago when it premiered and maybe even when it played again on the Disney Channel in 2012, and for that reason, I don’t have to tell you why it’s worth watching one more time.
What’s your favorite holiday TV special from childhood? Tell us in the comments!
Cover Photo Source: Link Here