A Very Merry Christmas: How to Watch Your Favorite TV Specials
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by revisiting some classic Christmas TV specials? From “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “Frosty the Snowman”, these beloved animated shorts have been a staple of holiday traditions for generations. But with so many wonderful options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to include Christmas TV specials in your holiday schedule. Whether you’re a nostalgic adult looking to recapture the magic of your childhood or a parent wanting to introduce these timeless classics to your little ones, we’ll show you how to make room for these special treats amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season.
So grab some hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fireplace, and get ready to relive (or experience) some of the most iconic Christmas TV specials of all time. In this article, we’ll take you through the best ways to plan your holiday viewing schedule around these beloved animated masterpieces, ensuring that everyone in the family has a Very Merry Christmas!
Deck the Halls with Classic Christmas TV Specials
Planning the perfect holiday viewing schedule is a task that requires some thought and consideration. With so many classic Christmas TV specials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to include. From nostalgic favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman” to more modern classics like “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Elf: The Christmas Special”, there’s something for everyone.
One of the key things to consider when planning your holiday viewing schedule is the age range of the people involved. If you have young children, classics like “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” or “Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy” are great choices. However, if you’re watching with adults only, shows like “A Christmas Carol” starring Michael Caine or “Scrooged” starring Bill Murray might be more suitable.
It’s also worth considering the type of viewing experience you want to have. If you’re looking for something light-hearted and fun, a cartoon special like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” or “The Smurfs Christmas Special” is a great choice. However, if you prefer something more sentimental and heartwarming, a live-action special like “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas” or “A Christmas Carol” starring Jim Carrey might be more to your liking.
Another important factor to consider when planning your holiday viewing schedule is the timing of your watching. If you’re looking for something to watch on Christmas Eve, a classic special like “Miracle on 34th Street” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” might be a great choice. However, if you prefer something to watch on Christmas Day, a more modern special like “A Christmas Prince” or “The Christmas Chronicles” starring Kurt Russell is a great option.
In addition to considering the type of viewing experience and timing, it’s also worth thinking about how you want to incorporate your favorite TV specials into your holiday traditions. For example, some families have a tradition of watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve every year. Others might prefer to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Christmas Day with their loved ones. Whatever your preference, the most important thing is to make time for the things that bring you and your family joy during the holiday season.
Make Merry Memories: Scheduling Holiday TV Favorites
Make Merry Memories: Scheduling Holiday TV Favorites
Incorporating Christmas TV specials into your holiday schedule can bring joy and nostalgia to your family’s celebrations. Start by creating a watchlist of your favorite classic shows, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, or A Charlie Brown Christmas. You can also include modern favorites like How Murray Saved Christmas, The Smurfs Christmas Special, and The Muppet Christmas Carol.
Once you have your list, plan a viewing schedule around it. Consider setting aside dedicated time on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to watch these beloved specials with family and friends. You can also make it a fun tradition by creating a holiday viewing marathon, where each special is paired with a specific snack or activity. For example, watching Rudolph while enjoying hot cocoa and making s’mores.
If you have younger children, consider incorporating educational and entertaining specials like Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, or Norbert’s Birthday. These shows not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about the true meaning of Christmas. Make sure to schedule breaks for snacks, games, and other activities to keep the little ones engaged.
To make your holiday viewing experience even more special, consider creating a festive atmosphere by decorating your TV-watching area with holiday lights, garlands, or a Christmas tree. You can also set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and other toppings. This will add an extra layer of fun to your movie night.
Finally, make sure to include some nostalgic value by watching classic TV specials that you grew up with. Re-watching these favorites as an adult can be just as enjoyable as it was when you were a child, and it’s a great way to relive fond memories and create new ones with your own family. By incorporating Christmas TV specials into your holiday schedule, you’ll have a fun and memorable celebration that will leave everyone feeling merry and bright.
A Very Special Time: How to Plan Your Holiday TV Marathon
Step 1: Gather Your Holiday Classics
Before you can start planning your holiday TV marathon, you need to make sure you have all of your favorite Christmas TV specials in one place. Start by gathering a list of the classics that you and your family love, such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” You can also include more modern favorites like “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and “Shrek the Halls.”
Step 2: Create a Viewing Schedule
Once you have your list of favorite TV specials, it’s time to create a viewing schedule. Decide which days and times work best for your holiday marathon, and make sure to leave some downtime in between each special for snacking, chatting, or even baking holiday treats. You can also consider creating a themed day, such as a “Classic Christmas” day with only the original TV specials from the 1960s and 1970s, or a “Modern Marvels” day featuring more recent favorites.
Step 3: Involve the Whole Family
To make your holiday TV marathon truly special, involve the whole family in the planning process. Ask each member to contribute their favorite Christmas TV specials, and take turns choosing which ones to watch on different days. This will not only ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their own favorites, but also create a sense of excitement and anticipation for each day’s viewing.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Nostalgia
A holiday TV marathon wouldn’t be complete without some nostalgic classics. Consider including some retro-style TV specials that will transport your family back to their childhood, such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.” These timeless tales of Christmas magic are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face and create lasting memories for years to come.
Step 5: Make it a Tradition
To make your holiday TV marathon truly special, consider making it an annual tradition. Invite family and friends over each year to join in on the fun, or take turns hosting different households. You can also create a “Christmas movie night” ritual by serving hot cocoa, baking cookies, or even decorating the living room with festive lights and decorations. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will become a beloved tradition for years to come.
Jingle Bell Rock: Nostalgic Christmas TV Specials to Enjoy
Christmas TV specials have been a staple of holiday traditions for generations, offering a mix of music, comedy, and heartwarming storytelling that can transport viewers back to their childhood memories. If you’re looking to include these nostalgic gems in your holiday schedule, here are some classic Christmas TV specials worth revisiting:
For those who grew up in the 70s and 80s, shows like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964) and “Frosty the Snowman” (1969) are a must-watch. These stop-motion animated classics from Rankin/Bass have been delighting audiences with their charming storylines, catchy musical numbers, and lovable characters for over 50 years.
Another holiday favorite is the classic sitcom “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965), which brought the Peanuts gang to life in a heartwarming tale of friendship and the true meaning of Christmas. This special has become a staple of holiday viewing, with its memorable score, witty dialogue, and timeless themes that continue to resonate with audiences today.
For those who prefer live-action specials, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970) and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974) are two gems from the Rankin/Bass stable. These stories feature delightful characters like Kris Kringle and Winter Warlock, along with catchy musical numbers that will have you singing along in no time.
In more recent years, shows like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (2000), based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved book, have brought a fresh and fun spin to traditional holiday viewing. This animated special features Jim Carrey as the grumpy Grinch and boasts impressive visuals, catchy musical numbers, and a heartwarming message that will delight both children and adults.
To include these Christmas TV specials in your holiday schedule, consider setting aside dedicated time for family movie nights or marathons. Invite friends over, grab some hot cocoa, and get cozy with your favorite classic shows. You can also make it a tradition to watch one special each year, rotating through the classics so everyone gets to enjoy their own favorites.
Tradition in a Box: Incorporating Holiday TV Classics into Your Schedule
As you plan your holiday schedule, consider incorporating Christmas TV specials that have become an integral part of many families’ traditions. These classic shows are often nostalgic and sentimental, making them perfect for cozying up by the fireplace or gathering around the TV with loved ones.
Begin by making a list of your favorite Christmas TV specials, such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” This will serve as a starting point for creating a viewing schedule that suits your family’s preferences.
Next, consider the age range of those in your household. Some classics, like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolph,” may be geared towards younger children, while others, such as “It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie” or “Shrek the Halls,” might appeal more to adults and older kids.
To make the most of your holiday TV specials marathon, try to schedule them around other festive activities. For example, you could watch “Elf” while baking cookies or enjoy “The Muppet Christmas Carol” while decorating the tree. This will help create a cohesive and immersive holiday experience that feels like a special treat.
Don’t forget to make time for newer classics as well! Shows like “The Santa Clause,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” have become modern staples of holiday viewing. Be sure to include them in your schedule, alongside the old favorites that bring so much joy and nostalgia.
Finally, consider making the experience even more special by incorporating snacks, drinks, or other treats that fit with the theme of each show. For example, you could enjoy some “snowman” marshmallow treats while watching “Frosty” or indulge in some hot cocoa while enjoying “The Grinch.” This will add an extra layer of fun and festivity to your holiday TV specials marathon.
As you’ve learned throughout this article, incorporating Christmas TV specials into your holiday schedule can add an extra layer of magic to your festive season. From classic favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty the Snowman”, to modern treasures like “Elf: The Christmas Special” and “Noelle”, there’s a wealth of wonderful content to explore.
Included in our discussion were expert tips on how to prioritize these beloved specials, from creating a cozy viewing schedule to sharing them with loved ones. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or introducing your little ones to the enchantment of Christmas TV, we’ve highlighted ways to make this holiday season truly special.
So, take a cue from Scrooge himself and transform your holiday into “A Very Merry Christmas” by incorporating these time-honored TV specials into your festivities. Invite friends over for a screening marathon, or simply snuggle up with family members and enjoy the nostalgic charm of these timeless classics. With their blend of whimsy, wonder, and heartwarming stories, Christmas TV specials are sure to leave an indelible mark on your holiday memories – making this season one for the ages!