A merry (animated) Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” according to a popular Christmas song, and it truly is a great time, what with the warm parties with loved ones and beautiful lights sparkling and shining all over the city. An interesting thing to do during the season is to watch Christmas-themed onscreen offerings, especially the animated ones. Although many of them are from years ago, these movies and TV specials remain timely and perfect for the whole family during the holiday season.

The Polar Express. Is Santa Claus real? Take an exciting ride on The Polar Express and find out. A group of kids is invited on the train that’s headed for the most wonderful Christmas destination — The North Pole.

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. This was an earlier version of A Christmas Carol, but as a TV special shown in 1962. After its airing, all the other Christmas animated TV specials followed.

Scrooge (Mickey’s Christmas Carol). Yet another adaptation of the novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Disney characters bring to theaters this classic story. It is about a man (Mr. Scrooge) who doesn’t seem to care about anything but his money. However, something happened one Christmas Eve that changes it all.  

A Charlie Brown Christmas. Since its debut in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas has become part of the Christmas celebration in the US. Almost every year, it is shown on TV for people to enjoy. There are DVD releases, too. Of course, the film features the adorable characters from the famous Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It was first shown as a TV special in 1966, then was released in cinemas in 2000. Based on the children’s book Dr. Seuss, the movie is about the Grinch who spoils the Christmas celebration in Whoville. One girl believes that she can help the Grinch to become a happier being.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The title does sound strange, doesn’t it? Just by the look of the poster, one may say that it’s not for Christmas, but actually it is. The film is about a man, Jack Skellington, who lives in Halloween town, which explains his appearance. He discovers a way to Christmas Town and decides to find his place there. Will he fit in?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. First it was a poem, then became a popular song and finally turned into a TV special aired every Christmastime. It tells the story of Rudolph, the famous red-nosed reindeer. Although this one didn’t make it to the cinemas, it has become a classic best enjoyed during the holiday season.

Frosty the Snowman. Also another TV special, this is about how Frosty came to be: How is it that he’s alive, how he landed in the North Pole and how he came to know Santa Claus.

Shrek the Halls. Shrek plans to give his family the best Christmas ever. As Shrek puts in so much effort, his friends Donkey, Puss in Boots and Gingy, on the other hand, seem to be wrecking Shrek’s plans. Will they be able to celebrate the season peacefully? Shrek the Halls was a TV special but it was released on video as well.

Arthur Christmas. The 2011 Christmas animated film tells about Santa’s son, Arthur Christmas. After discovering a failed gift delivery, Arthur together with an unlikely group will set off on a mission to deliver a girl’s Christmas present. Will it be a successful mission or will he be calling on his dad for help?