With the holidays rapidly approaching my thoughts turn to the special programming during November and December. I have to admit that I enjoy the variety of holiday specials offered on TV. I find that there are two types of holiday programs, not counting made for TV movies. One type is the standalone special, and the other type is a holiday episode of a regular weekly program. I find both to be very entertaining!
My all time favorite Christmas special is A Charlie Brown Christmas, and I am old enough that I watched it when it first aired in 1965! Back then, you had one opportunity each year to view it, so it was a really big deal to not miss it. This was before VCRs, DVRs, and DVDs, and back in the days when there were three major networks and a handful of UHF stations. So, not only do I love the program, but it also is like comfort food for the soul, hearkening back to my childhood.
I must confess to having a Snoopy crush – he has always been my favorite of all the Peanuts characters. My best friend growing up even named her dog Snoopy! Who could not like his antics, as he enters the house decorating contest and wins? He is a constant source of frustration for his own, Charlie Brown.
And then there is the sharp contrast between siblings Linus and Lucy. She is all about herself and getting presents, and Linus is the one that brings the group of friends back to the true meaning of Christmas.
Finally, talking about this program without mentioning the little tree would be a gross omission. As we get older, we learn to appreciate the symbolism throughout this special, and none is more powerful than the poor little tree that no one wants. The fact that at the end the group finally embraces the tree and turns it into a wondrous showcase speaks to the power of faith and compassion.
Another classic special, this one premiered in 1964, also during my childhood. Before the days of whiz-bang special effects, this animation was very simplistic, and yet so very charming. But, really, the most important element is the story. This program is outstanding at teaching our children about being yourself and accepting differences. From Rudolph, to Hermey the Elf/Dentist, what better message is there then to follow your dreams and persevere?
As for teaching acceptance, the Island of Misfit Toys furthers the theme started with the misfits Rudolph and Hermey. I think it is a very powerful concept for our children to learn, that there is room for all types in our world and everyone has something valuable to contribute. Plus, who among us did not fall in love with the “Charlie in a Box?”
Another favorite from my childhood, I am referring to the version that premiered in 1966. The late, great Boris Karloff was the narrator and the voice of the Grinch, and his distinctive voice added so very much to the story.
I love Dr. Seuss, I like him a lot, and the Grinch early on, I like him NOT. We all know the story, of Cindy-Lou Who, and the rest of the residents of Who-ville, as they teach the Grinch the true meaning of Christmas. We also feel sorry for poor Max the dog, as he labors to pull that sleigh full of presents and food up Mt. Crumpit. I find the animation to be perfect for Dr. Seuss’ style, and the story to be true to the original.
Last year, despite the fact this show was on hiatus in December, they produced a special Holiday episode. This year they are doing the same thing, and I am looking forward to it with great anticipation. The creativity of the writers in interweaving artifacts with Holiday traditions was awesome.
And, this year I have an extra special connection to this episode. In July 2011, I attended the Shoreleave Convention in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Eddie McClintock (Pete) was there as one of the guests, and the tradition is that the convention committee gives every star the convention mascot – a stuffed white bunny – aka, Gene Roddenbunny. When Eddie was presented with his bunny, he promised to work it into the set of the show. He is a man of his word, and the bunny will be on the set of the Holiday episode. You can view the photo of the bunny on the set at the link below:
http://www.shore-leave.com/info/warehouse-13-bunny.htm
Eureka, like Warehouse 13, is also on hiatus, and is doing a Holiday episode. Theirs will be a bit different, in that the cast will be animated, and I am predicting that it will be due to the usual experiment gone wrong. I am anticipating another fun romp with a holiday theme.
So, there you have them, my 5 favorite TV Holiday programs. What do you think of my list? Do you have any you would like to add? Please let me know in the comments below!
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