by Debora Dyess
Now that the grandbabies are bigger, I’m taking a new look at animated Christmas movies. These films created treasured memories for me when I was young. I’m hoping they have the same magic now. With a bag of popcorn, a hot chocolate and your favorite little ones cuddled in your lap, there’s no better way to spend a cold December evening than watching some of these favorite family holiday movies.
T’was the Night Before Christmas – (1974) – I remember the feeling – wondering if Santa might forget the date … might forget our house … might forget me. I’d close my eyes for nights before Christmas, silently praying, “God, please let him know I believe in him.”
The characters in this movie know it, too. Put off by a letter from Albert Mouse, Santa decides to skip his town. The inhabitants have to work together to convince the Jolly Ol’ Elf that they do believe, and do want him to visit their town. As if the plot isn’t clever enough to make you tune in, the film has a winning soundtrack, including “Even a Miracle Needs a Hand”. Watch for a happy ending, making this a wonderful seasonal movie.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol – (1983) – There is probably no one better suited to play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge than Scrooge McDuck … in the animated version anyway. Throw in Mickey Mouse as faithful and loyal Bob Cratchit and the rest of the Disney gang to round out the cast and you have a Christmas winner. Another animated Christmas movie with a super soundtrack. With Goofy, Jiminy Cricket and the Giant as the Ghosts, it’s not too scary for the little ones and enjoyable for all ages. A lovely adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale.
A Charlie Brown Christmas – (1965) – This has to be one of the all-time best animated Christmas movies. Full of traditional Peanuts music and antics, this movie needs no other pull to be a charmer. Schultz played a trump card, however, with Charlie Brown’s search for the true meaning of Christmas, Linus’ center-stage recitation of Luke 2 (the story of the nativity) and the re-birth of a scraggly tree. “Charlie’s search for the truth is the same search we all go through,” a preacher told me once. “The transformation of the tree is what happens in our lives with God’s love.”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – (1966) while the Whos in Whoville prepare for a big Christmas celebration, the Grinch does not like Christmas one little bit. The trouble that ensues makes for one of the most beloved animated Christmas adventures ever created. In an effort to stop the special day, Grinch schemes and dreams and devises a wickedly elaborate plan … and some pretty good songs and chuckles, to boot. Even watching every years since the show first came to TV, I wait in anticipation for the Grinch’s heart to grow and for his harried trek back to Whoville. An animated tale of redemption and joy, all bundled up in Dr. Seuss’ weird words and crazy pictures this is the nation’s choice as number one.
Take your pick, or watch them all. They are as much a part of Christmas for our culture as a tree, Santa and the nativity. And, while new animated Christmas movies may appear, none will take the places of these beloved favorites.
