By John C.

The big day is now under a week away, and welcome to the latest instalment of our Christmas Countdown by decade.  Yesterday we talked about two classics from the 1950s, and today we’re moving forward into the 1960s, and this was a decade that brought us three of the most beloved Christmas TV specials of all time.

Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass have had their name behind numerous stop-motion specials.  But perhaps the most beloved and iconic of them all remains Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), the story of a misfit who has to guide Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve.  The 54 minute special follows a couple of misfits at the North Pole who go out to find their place in the world, only to discover that sometimes it’s the ones who are different that can make the biggest difference.  Filled with great music, this is a heartwarming classic that those of all ages can enjoy over the Christmas season.  And this brings us to the next title on our list…

Although everyone has their own personal favourites of what to watch over the holidays, one that I think we can all agree on is A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).  Originally airing in the mid-’60s and immediately becoming an absolute classic, it’s hard to believe why the networks initially thought that the religious overtones would make it a flop.  This is a crowning achievement for Charles Schulz’s beloved characters, and the wonderful messages continue to represent the true meaning of the season.  It just wouldn’t be Christmas without Charlie Brown.

The winning streak continued the following year with another classic.  The beloved books of Dr. Seuss have gotten many animated adaptations over the years, but the most famous of them all is the classic TV special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966).  There are just so many memorable moments in this wonderful 26 minute short film, that it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t rank it among the absolute essentials of the season.  Filled with great music and an iconic rhyming narration read by Boris Karloff, this is a beautifully animated classic that hasn’t faded over the years.

All three of these TV specials are worth seeing time and time again, having held up beautifully throughout the years.  Come back tomorrow for a look at the classics of the 1970s, a decade not known for many holiday films…