TOP 10: Christmas TV Specials

What would December television be without all the Christmas specials? Since the start of TV, Christmas specials have been a regular staple in the programming. From live, celebrity hosted variety shows to sophisticated claymation stories. Here are my favorite Christmas TV specials that I will make a point to watching this holiday season.

10) Shrek The Halls (2007):
One of the newer specials on network TV, Dreamworks animation brings in the whole gang of the SHREK movies, including all the original vocal talent. Shrek attempts to tell his children a christmas story, but Donkey, Puss in Boots and other keep interrupting with their own stories.

9) The Little Drummer boy (1968):
One of the early Rankin/Bass claymation specials, THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY is the story of the events that lead up to the birth of Jesus. it is one of the few Christmas specials that focus on the story of Jesus, and not Santa.

8) The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974):
Another Rankin/Bass production, featuring a sick Santa Claus that may skip Christmas one year, so the Elves and Mrs. Clause set a plan to change his mind. This is the special that features the brothers Heat Miser and Snow Miser. The all-star vocal cast includes Shirley Booth (HAZEL) Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn (IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD) and Charles S. Irving (UNDERDOG, TENNESSEE TUXEDO).

7) A Miser Brother's Christmas (2008):
The sequel to tour #7 selection, but is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.  This story is about the North Wind wanting to take the place of Santa Clause one year, so he sabotages the new high tech sleigh of Santa's. When Sata takes the sleigh for a test ride, he is caught in the middle of the fighting Miser brothers and his sleigh crashes. Despite 34 years passing since the previous special, Mickey Rooney is back as Santa and Cjarles S. Irving is the Heat Miser once again. This is surprising good considering and keeps the spirit of the Rankin/Bass productions.

6) Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas (1977):
The last of the annual Bing Crosby Christmas Specials, it was filmed, in London, a few weeks before his death and features one of the best Christmas song duets, Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth with David Bowie.   If you ever get to watch this TV classic, you owe it to yourself to watch it.

5) Santa Clause is Coming to Town (1970):
This Rankin/Bass holiday classic, narrated by Fred Astaire, is the story of the early life of Kris Kringle and how the traditions of Christmas came to be. And yes, Mickey Rooney is once again Santa Clause

4) Frosty The Snow Man (1969):
Our first animated special, tells the story of a snowman who comes to life by a magical hat. The hat was owned by a greedy magician who want's it back, at any cost. It is a story of friendship and doing the right thing. The special is narrarated by the great Jimmy Durante and he sing the classic title song.

3) Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
What do you get when you cross Dr. Seuss and Boris Karloff? One of the all-time greatest Christmas specials. The deep, errie voice of Karloff  is perfect for the evil Grinch. His voice gives the two dimentional drawing real depth and character. A must see for every holiday season.

2) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964):
A simple story of a misfit reindeer trying to find his place, ends up leading Santa's sleigh and saving the day. This is the special that kicked off the run by Rankin /Bass holiday productions. There a few classic Christmas songs in this special, including "A Holly Jolly Christmas", "Silver & Gold" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

1) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965):
A Christmas tradition since 1965, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS  finds Charlie Brown seeking the true meaning of Christmas in a world of commercialism. Of all the Peanuts specials, A CHARLIE BORWN CHRISTMAS is the best. Its fun, has great music and heart. If you could only watch one holiday special each year, this is the one to watch.