Holiday Family Bonding Around the TV

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

If someone is getting paid to write an article about television and children you can bet that the tone of the piece likely won't be very positive. TV generally gets a bad rap, especially when it comes to children being overexposed to it. However, this time of year I don't think there's anything wrong with children spending a bit more time in front of the boob tube--with their parents--watching holiday classics like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Frosty the Snowman."

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"--these are national treasures as far as I'm concerned and each year I grab my young daughter and we watch them together huddled under a toasty warm flannel blanket, the same way I did with my own mother more than 30 years ago.

No matter what your mood, it's hard to resist these animated TV specials:

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

This classic Rankin & Bass special tells the tale of the most famous reindeer of all. Originally broadcast on NBC, it has aired on CBS since 1972, and is currently the longest-running annual TV special. These days my daughter's Build-a-Bear Rudolph (complete with battery-powdered red shiny nose) sits with us as we watch Rudy power through dense fog and save Christmas with his illuminated schnoz.

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

How can you resist the pairing of Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney (both Hollywood icons lend their voices to this holiday tale) in this Christmas classic? This is the show that teaches kids the legend of Santa Claus and how he began delivering toys to children on Christmas Eve. Sombertown, the bitter Burgermeister Meisterburger, a mayor who hates toys... you can't make this stuff up. Can you?

"Frosty the Snowman"

This is another Rankin/Bass-animated special that's deliciously sappy and withstands the test of time. It features Frosty, of course, magician Professor Hinkle, his rabbit Hocus Pocus and sweet little Karen. Plus, you've got Jimmy Durante belting out "Frosty the Snowman" as the kids march through town. What more could you ask for?

What's your family's favorite Christmas program?

Related Articles:

What Kind of Parents Take Their Kids Shopping on Black Friday?

Tales from the Holiday Kids' Table

Countdown to Christmas: The Letter to Santa

My Daughter's Letter to Santa

My Daughter's Very Merry Christmas Eve

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger