10 Christmas Specials that are Less Spoken Of

 

There are those Christmas specials and movies that are a staple of the holiday season, and there are those that come and go without much discussion. As such, I wanted to stop and highlight 10 alternative Christmas specials and movies that I rarely see others discuss. To clarify, I’m not trying to make any kind of official list, as these are in no particular order, I just think 10 is a nice number. Nor is this a list of underrated holiday specials, it’s just meant to be a conversation starter for some Christmas offerings that for better or worse, I just don’t see openly discussed that often.

 

#10 “Prancer” (1989) 

When an injured reindeer finds its way to a little girl’s home farm, she is convinced that it’s one of Santa’s sleigh team, and as the title suggests … it’s none other than Prancer. Here’s one of those family films that had a positive impact upon its release but has faded away over the years. While I can’t make any persuasive argument for the film as any kind of underrated family classic, I still feel it represents something humble that’s lacking in kid’s movies today. 

It’s simply a light and gentle little Christmas offering, which doesn’t offer much, but what it’s got is very sweet, especially with its enduring child lead Rebecca Harrell Tickell at the helm. The other cast members of Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman and Abe Vigoda likewise convey reliable screen appeal.  

 

#9 “Pinocchio's Christmas” (1980) 

Pinocchio is one of those characters who always seems to reappear with varying results. His 1980 Christmas outing is an admittedly mixed offering, yet a novelty item of sorts for fans of the Rankin and Bass Christmas universe. The premise follows our wooden boy as he goes off looking for a special gift for his dad, and gets roped up into a holiday adventure, in which his virtues are put to the test. This was Rankin and Basse’s fifteenth Christmas special, and it’s definitely one of their more obscure entries. Pinocchio oddly enough translates to Christmas quite well, as he’s essentially a toy that comes to life, which in-of-itself is a winning formula for Christmas specials. 

Being a late Rankin Bass production, this special admittedly doesn’t have the same quality and merits of the classics. Yet, it’s undeniably an imaginative spin on the source material, rearranging events from the book, and giving them a lightened tone, while set against an atmospheric Christmas back-drop. The animation is also quiet appealing, with some of the studio’s most detailed and colorful sets on display. I wouldn’t place it among the best of the Rankin and Bass Christmas offerings … but it’s so different that I feel it’s worth some acknowledgement.  

 

#8 “Spirited” (2022) 

Time for yet another rendition of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol”, this time with a wildly original presentation, and featuring the talents of Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds and Octavia spencer. Despite the big names and overstuffed production … I barely see any talk about it. Similar to Bill Murray’s 1988 picture “Scrooged”, this film sets the events in modern times, with a comedic overtone, and lots of singing and dancing. At times, it’s almost too overstuffed for its own good, but I can’t dismiss the unique presentation and general enjoyment on display. 

It’s certainly not one of the best films to tackle the classic Charles Dickens material, and it’s not showing any signs of a strong cult following in the same way Bill Murray’s “Scrooged” endured, but for any long-time fan of “A Christmas Carol” or Christmas musicals, I’d still encourage you to give “Spirited” a single viewing experience, just to determine for yourself if it belongs with any other Yuletide favorites.           

 

#7 “Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa” (1990) 

We all know about Santa Claus, right? Well ... let’s hear his story from the point of view of the historical Saint Nicholas for once … that only seems fair. In just 30 minutes, and with a small animation budget, “Nicholas” conveys a touching story about giving to those around you, standing up for your beliefs, and depicts Santa as more than just a colorful holiday icon.  

It’s perhaps the most religious depiction of Santa you’ll ever see, and yet, he conveys his morals in a way that feels universal … at least for me. While this has always been a personal favorite of mine, it’s obviously one of the lesser-known Christmas titles. In short, I highly recommend checking it out, just to sample something from Saint Nicholas the man, as opposed to Santa Claus the mascot.

 

#6 “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003) 

From the late animation legend Satoshi Kon, we get an impressively animated, and ambitiously different holiday offering. It’s the journey of three homeless people who discover an abandoned baby, learn it had previously been kidnaped by a desperate woman, and then set off on a holiday adventure to get the baby back home to its real family. The narrative hits familiar beats, but the presentation is about as different as they get. It’s a confusing mix of different tones, juggling sentimental human themes, with comedic mishaps and dark overtones. 

The visual presentation likewise is equal parts off beat and beautiful, which makes it hard to categorize, but there’s certainly a heart of sorts at the center. Like many films on this list, it’s received high critical praise, and has its devoted fans, but it’s very often overlooked. Understandably, it’s not going to be a Christmas gift for everyone … but I feel it’s worth unboxing to see if it appeals to you.       

 

#5 “Joyeux Noël'” (2005) 

Based on an incredible true story set during the First World War, this film shows how even the most violent of people caught in a war can still find peace and love in their fellow man. We have three groups of solders, neck deep in the trenches, ready to kill one another, but then on the night of Christmas Eve, they all miraculously stop shooting, and decide to celebrate the holiday together. 

While this movie certainly has its followers, who’d label this as a holiday staple, it’s still not a household name like most of the other Christmas classics. Perhaps it’s a little too sentimental at times, but it’s the poignant humanity on display that really elevates the film into something special. It’s powerful, inspiring, and it should stand as a benchmark for other Christmas movies to draw inspiration from … it’s just that good.

 

#4 “Klaus” (2019) 

Through a series of events, we see a desperate postman accidentally bring about the genesis of Santa Claus in this unassuming … yet wholesome holiday offering. When this film first premiered on Netflix, it was a critical hit, nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Animated picture, and was deemed by many to be a new Christmas classic for the ages … and yet, it’s quietly faded away from public awareness, with very few people talking about it or even knowing of its existence. 

While I felt the film got off to a rocky start, it more then won me over and delivered a very original Santa origin film, with uplifting music, some of the finest hand-drawn animation I’ve seen in decades, and a heart that can match any Christmas classic.    

 

#3 “The Snowman and the Snow Dog” (2012) 

The 1982, Oscar nominated, animated short “The Snowman” has endured as a Yuletide classic over the decades … meanwhile, it’s 2012 sequel “The Snowman and the Snow Dog” seems to have vanished with the snow. While it’s an unnecessary legacy sequel, it’s still a wholly welcome continuation of “The Snowman”, with new seeds of heart, a cute new snow dog lead, and another uplifting flight scene. 

The animation captures the same look of the original, while updating it with new technology, and it looks wondrous, with warm colors that glow. As far as music is concerned, nothing can top the originals “Walking in the Air” … but this special compensates with some really nice music all its own. If you’re a fan of the original short, I highly recommend giving this sequel a fair chance.   

 

#2 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (1983) 

The 1972 children’s novel is frequently sighted as a cherished classic, and the recent 2024 movie adaptation has gotten very positive feedback from both fans and viewers calling it a potential new holiday staple. However, I don’t see as many fans discussing the original 1983 TV special. While loud and a little obnoxious at times, it's still a very sweet, even touching tale about a group of juvenile children who are touched by the light of the holiday. 

For a shortened film, made on a budget, I feel it really captures the spirit of the source material and is a wonderful Christmas offering in its own right … certainly not one to be overlooked.

 

Before I reveal my last pick, here are some honorable mentions that simply couldn’t make it on a list of 10 …

“Last Christmas” (2019)

“The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)

“Rise of the Guardians” (2012)

“Noelle” (2019)

“Arthur Christmas” (2011) 

 

#1 “The Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017) 

Closing off my list, I wanted to highlight yet another film that puts a unique spin on “A Christmas Carol”. We all know the story of Scrooge … but what about the man behind the classic story and character. Well, in this severely overlooked 2017 picture, we explore the personal journey Charles Dickens took to create his beloved novel … and just in time for Christmas. The style is very similar to the 2004 movie “Finding Neverland”, in that we take a dive into the imagination and influence on the authors creation, and we see how various people he encounters become the inspiration for his characters. 

The late Christopher Plumer shines as Scrooge, but the real star of this film is Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens. His performance half the time feels larger than life and brings to mind Tom Hulse’s portrayal of “Amadeus”. If you’re a fan of the story, do check this film out, as it gives the immortal, time tested tale of Scrooge miraculous new life, and unique perception from the creative mind of the author. With its engaging lead performance, and heart felt vision, it makes for yet another great holiday staple … and of all the specials and movies I’ve highlighted, I feel this one deserves more attention. 

Thanks for reading my list … and continue to enjoy the Christmas movies and specials you Love!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!   

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Movie Review)

 The 1843 novel “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens is one of my all-time favorite tales to be associated with the holiday season, and it’s arguably been adapted into more mediums than any other holiday themed story. Oddly enough, one version I kept my distance from for many years was the one that introduced me to the story in the first place. 

For me, and many kids from the 1990’s, we were first introduced to the Dickens tale through the 1992 classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. Despite being my introduction to the timeless story, my feelings for “A Christmas Carol” didn’t fully manifest until I saw other film versions. As such, I never really returned to the Muppets picture, and I don’t have the same childhood nostalgia for it the same way most others do. Regardless, way back in my late college years, I found myself needing to scratch that itch to give this film another chance and see if it holds up as a holiday classic. Not only was the film a delightful surprise, but I’ve found myself more drawn to this film in my adult years than when I was a kid. I don’t see it as a nostalgic novelty, but a genuinely wholesome family film. When people say, “they don’t make them like they used to”, this is the kind of movie that comes to mind … because they just don’t make family movies like this today.

 Alright, let’s do this plot recap one more time … Mr. Scrooge is the meanest and greediest man in London, who thinks little of his fellow man. Yet, one magical Christmas Eve, he’s warned by the spirit of his late partner … or partners in this version … that his soul is doomed, unless he takes to heart the lessons of three ghostly figures. 

The entities reveal themselves one by one as the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. All through the night, they explore Scrooges upbringing, the faults he made, and what can be lost if he doesn’t reform his ways. It’s a very familiar story, but the beauty of these different film versions is the presentation, and how they can stand apart with their own distinct strengths and charms. This version naturally has the distinct presence of iconic Muppets, along with distinctly new puppet characters exclusive to the film, immersive settings, and a wonderful selection of original songs. Beyond that, it’s a respectful retelling of the Dickens Classic, which references the original text, while adding or altering details in the film’s favor.  

  Of course, the big make or break deal for any “Christmas Carol” adaption is Scrooge himself, and fortunately for this film, it comes in the form of Michael Caine. Despite being surrounded by puppets, he portrays the character with great conviction and is unflinching when talking to his employee … who just happens to be a frog. 

It brings to mind Bob Hoskins in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, who never once winked at the camera, and gave a convincing performance, even when surrounded by cartoon characters. Also, since this Scrooge is surrounded by puppets half his size, the camera angles give him a towering presence and size different from any other version. Aside from his intimidating look and appearance, he certainly sells most of the emotional moments. My personal favorite moment in this film follows after Scrooges reformation, when he gives the charity collectors a respectful donation, they in return give him a scarf. Michael Caine’s delivery of the line “A gift … for me?”, is so humble and sincere, it gets me right in the feels.  

  When it comes to my feelings on “The Muppets” in general, I’ve only ever been a casual fan, viewing and admiring select properties of theirs, but never really forming any real attachment to them as a whole either. With that said, The Great Gonzo has always been my favorite of the Muppet characters, and I loved how he was utilized in this film as the always present Charles Dickens storyteller. Also, paring him with Rizzo the Rat was genius, and gratefully became a reoccurring paring in other Muppet projects. Curiously, most of the famous Muppet characters are given significantly smaller roles. While I couldn’t imagine Kermit the Frog as anyone else but Bob Cratchit, it’s still odd to have the most famous of all the Muppets disappear for lengthy scenes in a theatrical picture. Both Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear feel like extended cameo’s … although, Fozzie Bear as a Fezziwig stand in called Fozziwig is very funny.

 The best utilized characters in my view are Statler and Waldorf in the roles of Scrooges deceased partners Jacob and Robert Marley. As much as I love the different versions of “A Christmas Carol”, all the Jacob Marley encounters seem to blend together in my mind … but this one however stands out among the rest. Not only is their song “Marley and Marley” highly catchy, but the personality, tone and presentation breaths fresh air into this sequence, and gets me excited for the familiar story ahead. 

I suppose the lesser-known Muppet called Robin the Frog gets to shine as Tiny Tim, and his song “Bless Us All” is a touching highlight. On the subject of the songs, they are all wonderful in this film. The opening “Scrooge” number dose a good job getting me excited, all while showing off the impressive set design and puppets. The closing song “Thankful Heart” admittedly isn’t sung well, but Michael Caine’s jubilant performance again overcomes any shortcomings. My personal favorite song is Kermit’s “One More Sleep Til Christmas”. In general, my favorite part of Christmas is the build-up to it on Christmas Eve. In this cheerful little musical number, Kermit and friends celebrate how the most magical of holidays will be coming with the dawn of a new day. It’s a simple, yet upbeat song that always assures me … that on Christmas Eve … “There’s magic in the air!”. 

 Early in production, the classic Muppet characters were considered for the roles of the three Christmas spirits, but along the way, it was decided to create original Muppet characters … which I feel was for the better. A fan favorite creation for this film naturally is the Ghost of Christmas Present, who’s a bundle of joy, and even has a bad memory, as his mind is always on the here and now … which differs from the book, but it’s a wonderful addition to the character. His big song number “It Feels like Christmas” is another fan favorite highlight, and it’s great to see Scrooges personality gradually change through the number. The Spirit of Christmas Past has a great design, like an ageless child, and is somehow both comforting and off-putting all at once. It doesn’t match the description from the novel, but she’s just so alien and mysterious with her presence, that she might just be my favorite depiction of the Spirit of Christmas Past.  

  Speaking of the past, let’s talk about the famous sentimental musical balled “When Love is Gone”, sung by Scrooges long lost love Belle. It wasn’t part of the theatrical presentation but was once readily available on VHS home video as a special addition. Nowadays it’s an optional extended cut on some DVD’s and has garnered mixed feelings from fans. While I think the song itself is okay, I feel it adds some much-needed dramatic elements to the narrative, as Scrooges trip to the past lacks any real pathos without this number. Also, the added detail of older Scrooge doing a musical duet with his young love is another great moment for Michael Caine to shine. The pop version of the song which plays over the end credits is also worth a listen.

 Finally, we have the Spirit of Christmas future, depicted as a hooded Grim Reaper type character, which I thought was awesome as a kid, and piqued my interest in seeing what this character might look like in the more adult films. After watching so many versions of “A Christmas Carol”, this Muppet take on the Spirit of the Future feels kind of basic, and I feel it could have been a pinch more creative for a Muppet property. 

Regardless, the whole segment of Scrooge’s trip to the future is handled very well and has just the right somber tone without going too far or holding back too much. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but this was the first big Muppet production following after the passing of Muppet creator Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt … the film was even dedicated to them. As such, Jim Henson’s son Brian Henson directed the film, and absolutely sustained the spirit of these characters. When Scrooge in the film witnesses the passing of Tiny Tim, Kermit gives a speech about how life is full of meetings and partings, which is a clear, but very subtly nod to the memories of both Jim Henson and performer Richard Hunt.  

 In the end, I wouldn’t call “The Muppet Christmas Carol” the absolute best version of the classic tale … but it certainly belongs among the most favorable and re-watchable. It’s infectiously lovable, gentle in presentation, and it just leaves me smiling from ear to ear every time I watch it. Despite being so dismissive of this film for so many years, I can now see why it’s remained a beloved holiday classic. I may not call myself a Muppets fan per say, but Kermit the Frog and his band of Muppets are still a very special group of characters in their own humble and amusing way. In general, it’s so refreshing to look back on a film that didn’t overutilized CGI and instead created this magical world full of practical effects, wonderful sets, and it just feels timeless in its own right. Despite featuring puppets, this is still a warm and humble adaption of “A Christmas Carol”, and I feel it’s only gotten better with age.

Thanks for reading my review of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!