Festive holidays were filled with cozy evenings snuggling on the couch, drinking hot cocoa while watching Christmas specials. Our notions and interpretations of what constitutes screens have changed as time passes.
These beloved classics might remind you of childhood, but it may shock you to learn that they don’t appear on holiday viewing lists anymore. Here are 17 Christmas specials that have been shelved and reasons why they ended up there.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A stop motion classic produced by Arthur Rankin Jr., and Jules Bass that tells the story of a reindeer with a shiny red nose who saves Christmas. It’s undoubtedly heartwarming.
Modern viewers slam the special for its outdated bullying themes, with Rudolph being mocked by the rest of the reindeer, which is something we’re more conscious of today. The conversations that have followed centered around how acceptance, or being kind, is portrayed.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A Lee Mendelson-produced animated special follows Charlie Brown in his quest for the genuine meaning of Christmas. Critics point to the outdated animation and depiction of certain characters that don’t fit the standard of today’s, more inclusive, media.
It also shifted licensing rights and is now mostly available through Apple TV+ streaming. In some circles, the nostalgic value of this special is still cherished.
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Based on the story by Gene Autry and Ted Geisel, Frosty the Snowman magically comes alive. Critical comments have been made on the representation of some characters and a straightforward narrative not conforming to today’s audience taste for more depth and diversity in children’s stories.
This special is also limited to streaming or airing on fewer networks.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic tells the story of the Grinch, who tries to take Christmas away from the Whos of Whoville. It was produced by Chuck Jones.
Unfortunately, the story’s redeeming message can be obscured by the Grinch’s mean-spiritedness and lack of diverse characters.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
This stop-motion special, produced by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., chronicles how a boy’s faith in humanity is restored after he meets baby Jesus.
Viewers have drawn criticism over the years for its exclusive religious nature and portrayals of Middle Eastern characters which are accused of lacking cultural sensitivity and depth.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
This is a Rankin/Bass production of the origin story of Santa Claus, voiced by Fred Astaire. The film portrays Santa Claus as a hero who goes against law and establishes his own order to give children joy.
Long popular, this special has become a bit controversial in recent years, thanks to how its portrayal of a villain and his authoritarian’s rule uses imagery and symbolism echoing Nazi Germany. That has led to questions about whether this show is appropriate for children’s holiday specials.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, produced by Walt Disney Productions, features Mickey Mouse and Friends. However, some critics argue that the roles may overpower the original story’s actual characters and intent.
People have also cited the lack of diversity, and outdated character portrayals which fail to meet the most basic of values for inclusivity in modern media.
Babes in Toyland (1961)
This is a live-action musical produced at Walt Disney Productions based on Victor Herbert’s operetta. Critics complain that some of the casting and portrayal of characters aren’t necessarily the ‘correct’ look for modern times in terms of representation and cultural sensitivity.
It has been criticized for being a simplistic narrative that does not meet today’s storyline standards of strong, multidimensional characters in complex plots.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
Dickens’ tale is reimagined here in an animated special about Mr. Magoo. Mr. Magoo starts out for a Broadway theater where he is starring in a musical. Due to his nearsightedness, he arrives 30 minutes late and unintentionally injures the director.
Despite having a comedic take, some present audiences believe that the representation of disabilities through Mr. Magoo’s nearsightedness lacks sensitivity.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
This animated special, produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, is about a town trying to get Santa’s favor back. Letters to Santa Claus sent by the residents are returned unopened. Santa is angry because a letter published in the local newspaper says he doesn’t exist.
It’s criticized for being visually outdated and for not including enough diverse characters. Availability is also limited by licensing issues.
Christmas Comes to Pac-Land (1982)
This animated special was produced by Hanna-Barbera. Pac-Man and friends find out the true spirit of Christmas.
Modern critiques have centered on the special being commercial, promoting products over storytelling and not appealing to 21st-century audiences looking for authenticity in holiday media.
The Snowman (1982)
An animated special produced by John Coates tells the tale of a snowman’s advice for a boy on a journey into a magical world. Although loved for its cozy story and enchanting music, the melting and disappearing snowman, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for death or loss, is the subject of some criticism.
Opponents say that the special reminds us to appreciate moments and memories that are timeless and universal.
Jack Frost (1979)
This stop-motion animated special, produced by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., tells the story of Jack Frost falling in love with a human girl. Though a classic to many, others have criticized its depiction of romantic relationships and gender roles as outdated.
It may not speak to modern audiences with the same resonance because of its traditional values.
A Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)
This special produced by Will Vinton, contains many clay-animated holiday stories. Though it was innovative for its time, some aren’t sold on the humor or characterizations in a way that meets contemporary inclusivity and depth standards for such content.
This animation and storytelling may not be what other viewers might expect from more recent holiday specials, but it is still a holiday classic to many.
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
This stop-motion special, produced by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, follows Santa Claus as he decides to skip Christmas.
In the story, Santa Claus is dejected by the lack of Christmas spirit and almost doesn’t deliver presents, which critics argue could depress kids who are looking for a happier message.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (1985)
This animated special loosely recounts Santa Claus’s early days and the difficulties he endured to become St. Nicholas and finally Santa Claus. Some viewers have noted that it doesn’t play quite as nicely as some traditional depictions of Santa Claus and seems more serious than festive.
As a whole, this special presents a unique perspective on this beloved, seasonal figure and has become a tradition for many families.
The Christmas Tree (1991)
An animated special directed by Flamarion Ferreira tells the story of a group of orphans and their caretaker. Its critics complain of its poor animation quality, which makes it look less like the professional, polished cartoons found in other holiday specials.
The show aired just once on USA Network, which is why the special isn’t quite as well-known as some other holiday classics.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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