As a mother of two energetic little ones who seem to have an insatiable appetite for cartoons, I can confidently say that these holiday specials are a Godsend during the long winter break. Each one offers a unique twist on classic tales and characters, keeping my kids entertained while also teaching them valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and the true spirit of the holidays.
As a devoted parent, I yearn to share the magic of classic Christmas movies with my little one, but alas, her youthful enthusiasm is boundless and her focus fleeting. Today’s kids are blessed with an abundance of entertainment options, and although she finds joy in our shared screen time, she inevitably craves novelty. Recognizing that many children share this trait, we embarked on a mission to find condensed Christmas specials tailored for the young viewer who can only spare a limited amount of attention.
As 2024 draws to a close and the TV lineup for 2025 approaches, it seems there isn’t much left but to enjoy holiday specials. With winter vacation approaching for many school students, perhaps set reminders to stream these Christmas specials as a fun distraction for the kids during their free time.
A Garfield Christmas Special
To be honest, I hesitated showing my little one “The Garfield Movie” earlier this year, but we truly enjoyed the holiday spirit with “A Garfield Christmas Special”. This time around, Jon takes Garfield to his farm, where we were introduced to several members of the Arbuckle clan. While it wasn’t Garfield’s ideal Christmas plan, being a cat, I guess his creative visions can be somewhat limited.
I found this particular one quite charming because it presents a touching story that showcases Garfield in a more compassionate light than usual. Furthermore, its vivid colors make it stand out compared to typical holiday specials, effectively capturing the interest of children.
Stream A Garfield Christmas Special on Peacock
Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue
During the festive season nowadays, if you’re a parent, you might be joining in with the popular tradition of Elf On A Shelf. Although I secretly wish Thanos would magically end our participation in this trend for my own sanity, my child adores it and is captivated by all things related to the series. To put it simply, she was the one who discovered Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue, and she strongly recommends it.
If you happen to own an elf figure and a Netflix account, it might be worth giving this show a try when the household becomes overly lively. To put it frankly, I didn’t find much in it that appealed to me personally, but my daughter found it delightful watching the elves frolic and sing since she seldom sees her own elf do such things. And seeing her enjoyment made me content as well.
Watch Elf Pets: Santa’s Reindeer Rescue on Netflix
Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas
Initially, I had doubts about “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas“, given that I hold “Elf” in high regard as one of the best Christmas movies. Moreover, I generally don’t enjoy musicals. However, upon discovering it was a stop-motion production, my curiosity piqued, and I chose to watch it. To my amazement, Jim Parsons from “The Big Bang Theory” lent his voice to Buddy, and from that moment on, the experience only got better for me.
As a fan, I found that the musical adaptation followed the same general tale, enriching it with additional scenes primarily designed for song integration. While Alan Parsons’ humor didn’t quite pack the punch that Will Ferrell delivers, the animation transformed this movie into an entirely unique experience distinct from the original film. It even sparked my daughter’s curiosity about the actual Elf movie, and who knows? This time around, she might actually watch it all the way through.
Watch Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas On Paramount+
The Smurfs Christmas
Initially, my daughter exclaimed, “This isn’t the Smurfs I’m used to!” Given that I’ve primarily encountered reruns of the show, which aired before my time, her reaction was entirely reasonable. However, I thought she might enjoy The Smurfs Christmas, and sure enough, she did!
Heed this: The animated film “The Smurfs Christmas” has an edge to it. In one instance, I was certain Gargamel would meet a gruesome end by a wizard’s hand – something that seems unlikely in the modern version of The Smurfs. However, considering children’s programming from the 1980s, this intensity might have been more common. I’d say it’s suitable for kids to watch and enjoy within a reasonable timeframe, before moving on with their day.
Watch The Smurfs Christmas On Paramount+
The Legend Of Frosty The Snowman
Unfortunately, “Frosty The Snowman” (and “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”) won’t be streamed this year, but a sequel produced in the mid-2000s is available instead. Although it’s not the original classic, it matches up well in terms of quality. This new installment allows viewers to enjoy Frosty’s antics and his holiday spirit, which brings laughter to kids. In my opinion, that’s more than satisfying!
In a mild complaint about this particular show, I find it somewhat overbearing with its lectures on how today’s youth don’t enjoy themselves as much as they once did, which honestly rubbed me the wrong way. To be frank, I can’t recall ever needing to instruct my child to throw a snowball or snatch one away because I deemed it unsafe. The show seems to be filled with such antics, perhaps due to the creators feeling that a third children’s special, after 30 years, needed a fresh angle.
Watch The Legend Of Frosty The Snowman On Peacock
Trolls Holiday Special
In my household, the character of Poppy from the Trolls is adored by all, making the Trolls Holiday Special a no-brainer. The story revolves around Poppy’s realization that the Bergens don’t celebrate holidays, prompting her to persuade them to adopt the numerous holiday traditions observed by the Trolls. As usual in such escapades, Poppy embarks on this mission with good intentions, but soon finds herself struggling to maintain control as events take an unexpected turn.
I rate this one as the top among all the specials, primarily due to its genuine feel. Many voice actors from the Trolls movies participate in it, and it’s quite amusing. Notably, if you enjoy this one, there’s another holiday special (Trolls: Holiday In Harmony) available for your viewing pleasure!
Watch Trolls Holiday Special On Netflix
During the winter season, streaming services become an ideal destination for holiday specials, especially as children look forward to their extended breaks. Explore these offerings and more on their individual platforms, which might assist in helping children adjust to longer movie durations.
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2024-12-13 16:37