I’m in the holiday spirit. And whether you celebrate a holiday this time of year or not, you can’t ignore the multitude of decorations–and Christmas specials–that are flooding your world. Which leads me to our open thread:
What’s your favorite holiday special?
This can be a movie, TV special, episode–anything. I’m sure many will say A Charlie Brown Christmas. Personally, I’m a fan of Elf and, for some reason this year, The Santa Clause. But none of that can top A Muppet Christmas Carol, in my opinion, at least.
As for television episodes? Well, last year’s Big Bang was great. But nothing can top that phenomenal episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.
And keep in mind that these don’t have to be Christmas-related. We’ve got a lot of holidays going on in this time frame. I mean, if you want to say Even Stevens for their Hanukkah episodes, by all means, go ahead.
So what do you think? Got any favorites out there? Share them in the comments (and maybe I’ll even share a few more that are a bit more embarrassing).
image from tvguide.com
Raked 
You posted a picture from my favorite holiday special! I love Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. It was on earlier this month and I was so happy to be home to watch it!
It’s funny watching it now though, rather than I was younger, because it’s so politically incorrect. We have a reindeer who is different because of his red nose and everyone is so mean to him about it! Even his dad and Santa! And the coach of the reindeers too! He basically says “Ok, everyone, let’s not let Rudolph play with us because he’s different.” This totally wouldn’t be okay today! Haha.
But seriously, I love all the songs in this special, especially Clarice’s “There’s always tomorrow…” And I love Rudolph’s squeaky sounding nose. It’s just funny that it makes a noise when it lights up.
Another vote for Rudolph and Burl Ives’ narration, and also lots of love for the old animated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”! Also good for it’s songs, come to think of it. In contrast, Grinch movie has its moments, but I’m just not a fan of Jim Carrey.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation above all other Christmas movies. However, I have one fond Christmas memory of a Christmas special, but I don’t know what it’s called or who made it. Maybe someone here can help me.
A couple years ago, my parents and brother came over to Ireland to visit me in the last week of my study abroad semester. After I was done, we spent Christmas in Dublin. Late on Christmas Eve, after my parents had gone to bed, my brother and I stayed up and watched this bizarre British Christmas movie. It was animated in Claymation style, sort of like Wallace and Grommit. I don’t remember too much about it, but Rudolph was the main focus. He was a squirmy little geek of a reindeer. Blitzen was a huge, jacked up ‘roid head who had just gotten out of prison, and Vixen was a super hot, sexy reindeer. There was some bizarre plot near the end of the movie involving a soccer match, with a Yeti (I think) and a snowman with a Scottish accent providing commentary. The Scottish snowman started melting, and his broadcast partner was making fun of him as he was melting away. It was all very weird and strange, especially because we dropped in somewhere in the middle of the movie, but I remember that my brother and I both were laughing pretty hard at it.
Does anyone have any idea what I’m talking about?!
My two favorites are Mickey’s Christmas Carol and the orginal animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas. But I haven’t seen either this year. I wonder if they’ll be on when I have time to watch tv?
I haven’t seen Mickey’s Christmas Carol in eons. I wonder who might air it now…
I know it’s a little embarrassing, but I’ve really enjoyed the Lizzie McGuire Christmas episodes that were on Disney Channel. They’re incredibly bad, but maybe it was because in the vast sea of terrible Disney shows that would air Christmas specials, at least I liked Lizzie McGuire.
I like the first Full House Christmas, too, when Santa comes to the airport.
That would be Hooves of Fire, JC, for the win.
But then again, you just found it yourself and told me that…
A mystery solved!
Here’s another one I hadn’t thought of in a while. The Snowman — animated, no dialogue, gorgeous music.
Ally McBeal has some great Christmas episodes, too.
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