As a kid growing up in the 80's, one of the highlights of my Christmas season was watching the Rankin & Bass Christmas specials. Once I was old enough to read, I would eagerly mark the TV Guide to indicate which shows we would be watching. My family was okay with this ritual because it was just once a year that I could see these magical movies.
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| The Complete Rankin & Bass Christmas Collection DVD |
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was my favorite. I related to Rudolph in ways I didn't fully understand at the time. His story of being bullied and feeling like an outcast resonated deeply with me. Rudolph's journey to find acceptance and his place in the world mirrored my own struggles. The charming voice of Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman brought a warmth to the story that made it even more special.
The Little Drummer Boy had a beautiful song, but I found the story a bit boring. Still, I watched it every year, simply because it was part of the tradition. The voice talents of Greer Garson as the narrator and José Ferrer as Ben Haramed brought the characters to life, even if the story didn't captivate me as much as the others.
Frosty the Snowman was a lot of fun, but it always made me cry when he melted. The joy and sorrow wrapped up in that story were a powerful combination for a child like me. Jackie Vernon’s voice as Frosty gave the character a lovable, jolly personality that made his temporary departure all the more heartbreaking.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town was another favorite. The Santa in the film looked remarkably like a man who worked at the K&B Drugstore we frequented. He was always super nice, and I had a little crush on him, as far as little kid crushes go. Perhaps that's why I have a soft spot for gingers to this day. The film featured the voices of Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle and Fred Astaire as the narrator, which added a layer of charm and nostalgia.
Over the years, these specials remained a cherished part of my holiday routine. Even as an adult, I continue to watch them whenever I get the chance. The characters and their stories have a timeless quality that brings back the magic of childhood every time I see them.
One interesting tidbit about the Rankin & Bass Christmas specials is that many of the original figures used in the stop-motion animations were found years later. These figures were incredibly detailed and usually scaled to about six to twelve inches in size. Finding out someone found these figures was like rediscovering a piece of my childhood, a tangible connection to those magical moments spent in front of the TV.
The magic of Rankin & Bass Christmas specials endures, continuing to bring joy and nostalgia to countless viewers year after year. They are more than just movies; they are a bridge to our past, a reminder of the wonder and innocence of childhood.
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