1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph might be the most famous reindeer of all, but in this classic special, he’s treated like anything but! The story follows Rudolph as he’s mocked and excluded by the other reindeer because of his glowing red nose. Today, the harsh bullying scenes raise eyebrows, as they send mixed messages about how to treat those who are different. It’s a beloved special, but not exactly in line with today’s messages on kindness and inclusion.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This classic special is pure nostalgia, and who doesn’t love the soundtrack? But, as much as we adore Charlie Brown, the storyline has a heavy focus on the commercialization of Christmas. Some people now feel that it lacks balance, portraying most characters as materialistic, while the show’s message comes off a bit too moralizing. Despite its charm, A Charlie Brown Christmas might get a softer approach if made today.
3. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This story about a magical snowman is one we’ll always remember. But when Frosty starts melting in the greenhouse, it’s a pretty intense moment, especially for little ones! The villain, Professor Hinkle, comes off a bit mean-spirited, too. The environmental themes of melting snow and climate change hit differently today, but the tale’s blend of magic and jeopardy would likely be toned down to avoid scaring kids.
4. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Kris Kringle’s backstory is magical, but some scenes might feel a bit too “tough love” for modern tastes. There’s the scene where he battles Burgermeister Meisterburger, a character who bans all toys, leading to a lot of kids being sad. It’s a story about overcoming oppression, but today’s audiences might find the “us vs. them” messaging outdated.
5. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
While this Christmas special has an inspiring message of giving, it’s also surprisingly heavy for young viewers. The main character, Aaron, experiences some pretty dark moments, including witnessing the loss of his family and having to fend for himself. It’s heartwarming by the end, but the emotional load and somber storyline might not be considered kid-friendly today.
6. Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
This twist on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol features Mr. Magoo, a nearsighted old man who tends to get himself into accidents. While it’s a funny take on the classic, some scenes are a bit grim, especially in how Magoo’s character laughs off the consequences of his bumbling. Today’s parents might feel it makes light of dangerous situations or presents a dismissive view of older age.
7. Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
Nestor’s journey has us reaching for the tissues every time! But there are some incredibly sad scenes in this lesser-known special. Nestor is bullied for his long ears, and there are moments where he’s made to feel like he doesn’t belong. The heart-wrenching scenes of Nestor’s mother’s passing might be deemed too upsetting for younger audiences today, and his journey would likely be softened in a modern retelling.
8. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Santa decides to skip Christmas, which in itself is a pretty intense premise for kids! The scenes with Heat Miser and Snow Miser have a campy charm, but today, this story might seem too drastic, as Santa is often portrayed as endlessly jolly and resilient. The concept of him giving up could be seen as too cynical for a holiday special in 2023.
9. A Garfield Christmas (1987)
Garfield’s sassiness is a big part of his charm, but in this Christmas special, his attitude towards the holiday feels a bit mean-spirited at times. There’s a storyline about Garfield discovering a sentimental side, but for modern audiences, his sarcasm might come across as too negative, especially for a Christmas message.
10. The Snowman (1982)
This British special has stunning animation, and the flying scene is unforgettable. But there’s no denying that the ending is sad, as the snowman melts and disappears. The loss is part of the story’s beauty, but some might find it a bit too heartbreaking for younger viewers today. It’s a powerful piece, but it might get a different ending if reimagined in a modern context.
11. Olive, the Other Reindeer (1999)
This quirky special follows Olive, a dog who thinks she’s a reindeer and heads to the North Pole to help Santa. It’s funny and charming, but the themes of deception and Olive’s complex journey could be considered confusing for some young viewers. Modern viewers might want the story to focus more on straightforward messages of friendship and loyalty.
12. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
Based on a story by L. Frank Baum, this Rankin-Bass special is an imaginative take on Santa’s origins, but it’s a pretty elaborate tale. The themes lean into mythology, magic, and supernatural beings, which is fascinating but might feel like a lot for today’s younger audience. The darker elements of the story would likely be edited to keep things lighter.
13. Jack Frost (1979)
In this Rankin-Bass special, Jack Frost falls in love with a human and considers becoming mortal. The themes are more mature than typical holiday specials, focusing on love, sacrifice, and longing. Some scenes might feel too nuanced for a modern children’s special, and the idea of giving up immortality could come across as confusing or sad to kids.
14. Christmas Comes to Pac-Land (1982)
This one’s a nostalgic gem for fans of Pac-Man! The story involves Santa crashing in Pac-Land, and Pac-Man helps save the day. While it’s a fun concept, today’s parents might find it strange to mix a popular arcade character with the classic holiday icon. The plot is a bit over the top and might feel too much like a commercial for Pac-Man than a true Christmas story.
15. A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
This stop-motion special is a collection of Christmas carol vignettes, hosted by clay dinosaurs! The music is fun, but the quirky characters and offbeat humor might feel outdated or confusing to kids today. There’s a randomness to the storyline, and the humor might come across as too abstract for children accustomed to more structured holiday tales.
