The 7 Lost Shows of Christmas Past

Reminder: Christmas is nigh. Prepare yourself to passive aggressive relatives and a hopeful surplus of Christmas cookies. We’re entering the last two days when you can carve out time to squeeze in a viewing of your favorite Christmas movies, like It’s a Wonderful Life or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. But in between the marathons of these evergreen classics, what about those Christmas specials that have been ‘lost’ or shuffled off to an early morning slot when only toddlers and over-productive family members are awake?

Quick! Here are 7 Christmas shows to rediscover in the next 48 hours. Don’t let the cartoons fool you, either; you will need tissues. Where available, I’ve included links to watch the specials online. (Unless, in the case of one, you want to go old school and watch it on your VHS player. That’ll be $80.)

Have I missed any shows? Should a show I listed remain lost in the past? Tweet at me.

Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey

It’s not quite forgotten…yet. But the only time we get to see Nestor this year is bright and early Christmas morning.

In some ways similar to Rudolph, Nestor’s long ears “that drag the ground” are the source of his shame, partial cause of being run out of his home, and of course, assisting in a very important journey.

Noel

“My name is Noel and I have a happiness.” Even years later, I can still hear that little phrase ringing in my ears. Even if his cheeriness isn’t quite suited to the season this year, you have to admit Noel is the cutest talking ornament. He’s probably also the only one.

Small One

Think of Small One as the alternate version of Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey: an animal who is deemed not ‘useful’ in some way is sent away only then to find its true purpose in the Christmas story.

Even as a kid, I remember crying to this Disney special. There’s nothing quite as upsetting as seeing a young boy accidentally walking his pet donkey into the tanner’s shop.

The Little Drummer Boy Book II

Not nearly as dark and upsetting as the first Drummer Boy special, the show focuses on Aaron and his animals assisting a bell maker announce the birth of Jesus. What’s stuck with me most is the Roman soldier’s ode to money though. (If you’ve seen this, you are probably singing “Money, money, money” now.)

Annabelle’s Wish

The animals-helping-people theme continues with Annabelle, the calf who wishes she could fly with Santa’s reindeer, who then gives away her ability to speak to her owner’s mute grandson.

This also continues the theme of get your tissues ready.

The First Christmas Snow

Snow really has very little to do with this special, which is really about kindly nuns taking in a small shepherd boy blinded by lightning. There’s a bit of sheep-napping, a pageant, and of course, a miracle. Personally, this is my favorite of the list. And again, tissues.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

It’s not a cartoon, and not ‘lost’ per say, but every list needs an absolute dud. While it may seem fun to try and laugh at the absurdity and awful makeup of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, it’s not worth it. Unless you have a stead supply of egg nog at home. Otherwise, go with the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version, and have your eggnog too.