10 Underrated Holiday TV Specials You Forgot Existed

The holiday season is filled with classic TV specials that many look forward to each year, but there are plenty of hidden gems that often get overlooked. These lesser-known specials offer unique stories, unforgettable characters, and heartwarming messages that deserve a spot on your holiday watch list. If you’re looking to switch things up this year, these underrated holiday TV specials are perfect for adding something fresh and special to your seasonal traditions.

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“The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” (1972)

This special tells the story of a young boy named Billy who worries that Thanksgiving will be ruined after a series of unfortunate events, including a cooking disaster and family squabbles. While most people focus on the big holidays like Christmas, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” stands out for its rare attention to Thanksgiving, a time when families come together, share meals, and reflect on gratitude. The animated special mixes humor and holiday warmth, capturing the true spirit of Thanksgiving, with an added layer of suspense as Billy works to save the day. It’s an underappreciated gem that highlights the value of family unity and problem-solving during the holiday season.

Although it’s lesser-known compared to popular Christmas specials, this charming story speaks to the importance of overcoming obstacles in family life. The simple but sweet narrative, paired with the relatable scenario of Thanksgiving stress, makes it easy to forget how much fun this special can be. The combination of nostalgia, humor, and genuine heart ensures it stands the test of time, yet it often gets overshadowed by bigger names. This special is the perfect holiday treat for those looking for a feel-good story about family traditions.

“A Garfield Christmas Special” (1987)

Garfield, the iconic comic strip cat, brings his own brand of sarcastic humor to the holiday season in this Christmas special. The story follows Garfield as he spends Christmas at his grandmother’s house, where he quickly realizes the importance of family and the true meaning of the season. While Garfield’s wit and humor keep things light-hearted, the special also explores emotional moments, like the relationship between Garfield’s owner, Jon, and his grandmother, and Garfield’s own unspoken fondness for his family. The balance of humor and heartfelt moments makes this special much more than a typical animated holiday show.

Despite being a beloved character in comics and TV, Garfield’s Christmas special often gets overshadowed by more traditional holiday cartoons. The delightful animation, combined with a genuine message about family bonding, makes it a forgotten gem that deserves more attention. The underlying sentiment in “A Garfield Christmas Special” goes beyond the usual holiday tropes, making it an ideal choice for viewers looking for both humor and heart during the holiday season. It’s one of those specials that becomes even more enjoyable with age, as the layered messages resonate more deeply over time.

“The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)

This stop-motion classic stands as one of the most touching holiday specials, telling the story of a young boy named Aaron who is invited to see the newborn Jesus. With his drum in hand, Aaron plays a simple but heartfelt song for the baby, offering his gift despite his lack of material wealth. The beautiful animation and serene pacing give the story a sense of reverence and warmth that perfectly complements the holiday season. The song “The Little Drummer Boy,” which accompanies the special, has become iconic over the years, adding an emotional layer that elevates the entire production.

However, despite its rich storytelling and touching music, “The Little Drummer Boy” often gets overshadowed by other Christmas classics. Its slower pace and the religious undertone may make it less appealing to younger audiences, but it is a beautiful piece of animation that emphasizes the theme of selfless giving. The heartwarming message, combined with the stunning visuals, makes it one of the most underappreciated holiday specials, deserving of more attention every December. As people revisit older holiday specials, this one often gets lost in the shuffle, but its significance should not be overlooked, especially for those who appreciate the beauty of traditional Christmas storytelling.

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

This stop-motion holiday special offers a unique take on the holiday season, focusing on the moment when Santa Claus decides to take a year off due to feeling unappreciated. The characters of Heat Miser and Snow Miser, two brothers who control the weather, are some of the most memorable and beloved parts of the special. Their hilarious rivalry, paired with the catchy songs they sing, makes this special unforgettable for anyone who has watched it. The whimsical animation and quirky characters add a sense of fun that’s distinct from other, more traditional holiday specials.

Despite its popularity among those who have seen it, “The Year Without a Santa Claus” doesn’t always get the same level of recognition as other Christmas classics like “Rudolph” or “Frosty.” The idea of Santa taking a break challenges the usual narrative of Christmas cheer and good spirits, providing a refreshing twist. The special not only delivers a sense of holiday magic but also explores important themes such as the importance of kindness, generosity, and appreciation. It may be slightly underappreciated when compared to its peers, but it remains an entertaining and thoughtful holiday show that deserves more love every year.

“Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” (1962)

This charming, animated version of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” features Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge, bringing an unexpected and delightful twist to the traditional story. The animation style, typical of the 1960s, gives the special a nostalgic feel that pairs beautifully with the music and songs featured throughout. Mr. Magoo’s comedic misunderstandings and his eventual transformation from miser to warm-hearted man add an element of humor, while still conveying the deep moral lessons of the original story. The blend of comedy, holiday spirit, and memorable songs makes it an underrated holiday classic.

While “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” might not be as widely recognized as other versions of Dickens’ tale, its uniqueness in casting a nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Scrooge makes it stand out. The special’s clever use of humor and song creates an atmosphere that’s fun yet still delivers a poignant message about the Christmas spirit. It’s an underappreciated holiday special that deserves more recognition for its original and heartwarming approach to a beloved classic. For those looking for something different, this version of “A Christmas Carol” provides a delightful mix of laughs and holiday cheer.

“Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” (1977)

“Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” is a lesser-known holiday special that tells the heartwarming story of Nestor, a donkey born with unusually long ears, who ends up playing a pivotal role in the birth of Jesus. The special, like many holiday classics, has a beautiful stop-motion animation style that captures the tenderness of the story. Nestor’s journey is one of loneliness and self-doubt, but through his determination and kindness, he finds his true purpose. This touching tale reminds viewers that every individual has something valuable to offer, no matter how different they may seem.

Though it has never reached the same level of recognition as other holiday specials, “Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey” offers a meaningful lesson in acceptance and finding strength in one’s uniqueness. The special’s melancholic tone and uplifting resolution make it a standout holiday tale that, despite its emotional depth, often gets overlooked. Its lesser-known status should not overshadow the heartwarming message of kindness and selflessness that resonates with viewers of all ages. It’s an underappreciated holiday gem that deserves more attention during the Christmas season.

“The Polar Express” (2004)

While “The Polar Express” has garnered attention over the years, it is often passed over in favor of older, more traditional holiday films. Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie follows a young boy who travels to the North Pole on a magical train ride. The stunning animation, along with the powerful music score, helps create a magical atmosphere that immerses the viewer in the holiday spirit. The movie’s theme of belief and the magic of Christmas resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a special treat to revisit each year.

The film’s innovative animation style, though groundbreaking at the time, has received mixed reviews, which may contribute to its underappreciation. However, “The Polar Express” provides a heartwarming reminder of the importance of belief in the magic of the holidays. It’s a holiday movie that’s both visually captivating and emotionally moving, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate magical tales during the season. Despite some mixed reviews over the years, it remains a unique and underappreciated holiday classic.

“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973)

While “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a perennial favorite, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” often flies under the radar. This special focuses on Charlie Brown trying to create a Thanksgiving feast for his friends, and like many Peanuts specials, it balances humor with deeper messages. The relatable themes of friendship, gratitude, and the true meaning of the holiday are explored through the charming Peanuts gang, with Snoopy’s antics providing plenty of laughs. This heartwarming and simple special reminds us of the importance of coming together, no matter how chaotic the holiday preparations may be.

Although overshadowed by its more famous sibling, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” deserves more recognition as an essential holiday classic. The simple yet thoughtful approach to the holiday, combined with the unforgettable music by Vince Guaraldi, gives the special a timeless quality. It’s a gentle reminder of how Thanksgiving is more about togetherness than perfection, making it a delightful and underappreciated gem that brings joy to viewers year after year.

“A Miser Brothers’ Christmas” (2008)

A sequel to “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” “A Miser Brothers’ Christmas” brings back the beloved characters of Heat Miser and Snow Miser, who are causing chaos once again in their efforts to control the weather. While it doesn’t have the same iconic status as its predecessor, this special offers a fun continuation of the story with plenty of new songs and humor. The animation style, which sticks to the stop-motion technique of the original, gives the special a nostalgic feel, and the return of these quirky characters brings a sense of joy and familiarity.

Despite being a sequel to a much-loved holiday classic, “A Miser Brothers’ Christmas” is often overlooked by viewers in favor of the original. However, it offers the same quirky humor and whimsical charm that fans of the original special adore. The introduction of new characters and the continuation of the familiar rivalry between the Miser brothers keep the story fresh and fun. For anyone who enjoyed the original, this special offers more of the same holiday magic and humor, making it an underappreciated gem.

“The Happy Elf” (2005)

This animated special, created by Harry Connick Jr., tells the story of an overly enthusiastic elf named Eubie who wants to bring Christmas cheer to a town where no one believes in the holiday spirit. Though it has a unique concept and catchy music, “The Happy Elf” remains one of the lesser-known holiday specials, which is a shame given its heartwarming story and vibrant animation. Eubie’s journey to make the holiday merry for the residents of the gloomy town provides a feel-good message about perseverance, hope, and kindness. It’s a special that combines humor and uplifting moments, making it a refreshing alternative to more commonly aired holiday specials.

Despite its vibrant animation and cheerful music, “The Happy Elf” doesn’t often make the list of must-watch holiday specials. Its lower recognition may be due to its late release and the overshadowing presence of other holiday classics. However, the lovable characters, catchy songs, and meaningful message about believing in the magic of Christmas make this special one worth rediscovering. For families looking for a newer addition to their holiday viewing, this special is an underappreciated treasure.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.