5 Best Animated Christmas Specials That Warmed My Childhood

Animated Christmas specials were something that I looked forward to every year. Since I’ve first seen these specials, they have become a part of my holiday tradition into my adult years. Each one brings a special joy and memory that I get to relive each time I watch.

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And while some of them I no longer have access to on tv, these days, I find a way to see them still and continue the tradition.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Special (1964)

One of the first animated tv specials that I remember seeing became my first favorite. We all know the story. Rudolph was a tiny outcasted reindeer who, because of his “deformity” couldn’t be a part of Santa’s reindeer team.

He was teased and bullied for it. But in the end, it proved that his red nose was a huge help and not a hinder to others. I resonated with this story because I was bullied too by my “peers” in school. When I first saw this special, I was in 1^st grade and going through a tough time in school.

So, this special not only entertained me the first time I watched it, but it also showed that anyone could overcome bullying. Of course, as I got older, I steered away from the bullying message and pushed it further to the back of my mind, but the feeling of watching it each year tends to bring me back to that time in my life.

Frosty the snowman Animated Special (1969)

Just like Rudolph, Frosty the snowman became a must-watch every year. I remember it would come on after Rudolph, and I couldn’t wait. As a child with a vivid imagination, seeing Frosty come to life made me feel like my imaginary friend could too. His name was Jason.

With a hat, a scarf, and a pipe, Frosty was alive. it was the first special that made me genuinely cry because, in the end, Frosty melted but then came back to life. It also showed me what the dislike of others could do when Hinkle took his hat back.

Watching this with my cat and the Christmas tree lights beaming off the wall behind the couch made it that much more special to watch. Frosty always made me feel good to watch. I remember thinking to myself how awesome it was to have cartoons on at night because, during that time, they only came on in the daytime.

Mickey Christmas Carol Movie (1983)

Not necessarily a special but an animated movie, and if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it for you and your kids. It’s a lovely colorful tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who receives a visit from three ghosts, Christmas past, present, and future.

The original story is by Charles Dickens. What seemed like a story for adults was made into a fun-to-watch movie for kids. Disney managed to fit the characters in well. When I was a little older, I loved reading the story, but my mom had told me the story beforehand.

Now what warmed my heart about this movie was the time travel and seeing Scrooge realize that he needed to change for the better. It is one that I watched along with my mom. She made a bowl of popcorn, and we sat on the couch in the living room to watch as Scrooge went from a miserable old man to a giving one.

From beginning to end, we watched together in enjoyment. It was even more special to have my mom there to see my reactions and talk about moments that happened.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas Animated Special (1966)

What can I say about this special other than it’s the best. I was so into Dr. Seuss’s books in school that seeing one of my favorite books come to tv was unreal to me. A colorful tale about a town outcast which in the end, found out that his heart was much bigger than he could imagine.

It became an instant favorite for me. What warmed my heart about this special was the songs and every word spoken. It was just like the book. Seeing the town of Whos interact with each other and their little decorations in the houses were so colorful to me. I was there for every moment.

As the years went on, my dislike for the Grinch changed, and he became my favorite. With all the new renditions these days, I still say nothing beats the original.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Animated Special (1965)

Anyone who knows me personally knows that my Christmas is not complete untiI’veve seen this special at least once in December, and it was by far my favorite special to watch on tv growing up. I remember watching this right before A Garfield Christmas, another one of my favorites.

Poor Charlie Brown was always looking for acceptance from those around him. It was something that, as a child, I was always looking for too. In this special, Charlie Brown is searching for the meaning of Christmas. The special has dancing, fun antics, a battle, and Linus making an empowering speech at the end.

What warmed my heart about this special was how much fun it was to watch with my family. My mom loved the Peanuts, and she would watch this special with my siblings and me every year. We’d turn off all the lights except the Christmas lights, find a spot around the tv, our cat included, and laugh and enjoy twenty-five minutes of fun.

And when I got older, we continued watching every December. And while she may no longer be with us, I try my best to watch it wherever I can to relive that memory of enjoying it with my mom once again.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, five animated specials that warmed my heart during the holidays. I continued to watch most of these up until 2019. But I think this yeaI’llll restart the tradition once again just for the memories.

Share some of your favorite animated Christmas specials from your childhood that you still watch in the comments down below. What makes them so special? And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, @thesilenttorch, for daily affirmations, weekly challenges & check-ins, updates, and positive words.

Until next time this is Tammy saying keep strong, keep positive. And Happy Holidays!!!