Claymation Christmas Celebration

This little show has been a constant in my life for nearly every Christmas.From when I was very young to my teenaged years, to now in my early twenties.

It's thoroughly enjoyable for everyone who doesn't despise the holidays. The humor isn't so simple that adults can't enjoy it, and its not over anyone's head. It always seems to get me in the mood even when I've had it with the season.

You can't really purchase it, and its not something they show on TV anymore, which is a shame, but if you can somehow find it I suggest you pick it up, for the kids, or just for you.

Finally a Christmas special that doesn't inspire a gag reflex. Well done animation and story that makes you just want to wassail. The camels really rock as do the California Raisins. Music is original with redone Christmas favorites. Find the kids and a big lump of clay and enjoy! (along with some waffles:)

This may cost me my artistic street credibility as a reviewer, but here it is : I've always liked "Claymation Christmas Celebration". Moreover, I owe a debt of gratitude to it, since it has served me well while babysitting the young ones of friends and neighbors. I've yet to meet a child that didn't ask for a second viewing.

The claymation may not be one hundred percent perfect, but it's lively and expressive. There's an admirable sense of adventure about the work - where else do you find two dinosaur presenters introducing a series of beautifully sung Christmas carols ? Or where else do you find a maestro Quasimodo directing an orchestra of living bells ? There's also a sense of festive abundance and generosity, as in the "wassailing" segments that celebrate a variety of culinary treats. After a while the viewer feels as though he's been admitted to one of the famous Christmas dinners of queen Victoria. (Now THAT was a lady who knew her way around a plate.)

Viewers will pick their own favorites from among the various segments ; me, I'm rather fond of "Carol of the Bells", "O Christmas Tree" and "Joy to the World". Pour yourself a cup of eggnog, and enjoy !

This truly is one of the Christmas Specials I cherished not only as a child but as an adult as well. It went forgotten in my mind until a couple of years ago when I started my collection of Christmas movies to get me into the "spirit". It was a little costly ($50) because I had to special order it but I definitely think it is a must have for anyone who remembers it from their childhood. Not only is the animation fantastic but is great for the whole family and holds true to the Christmas spirit. Great songs and also quite funny. The only downside to this special is the sound quality ( original stereo from TV broadcast and the fact it is only 24 minutes long. All in all a great collector's item.

And then finally found it on DVD! I recall watching this on T.V. often when I was young. Everything about it is produced well, from the clay animation to the restructured songs, it's a perfect and short holiday film for the entire family. Good humor with plenty of parts that will create future nostalgic memories.