The Nostalgic Charm Of Old Claymation Christmas Specials

Ah, nothing quite compares to the charm and nostalgia that comes with watching old claymation Christmas specials. From the iconic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to the Rankin/Bass production of The Year Without a Santa Claus, these classic programs have become staples of holiday programming for generations of viewers. With their creative storylines, charming characters, and imaginative art style, these claymation Christmas specials offer timeless entertainment that can be enjoyed by all ages.

From stop-motion animation to puppet shows, Christmas specials featuring claymation have captivated viewers of all ages since the start of the television age. Whether it's Santa's misadventures in Frosty the Snowman or Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, these beloved specials continue to entertain families and children of all ages year after year. In this article, we'll take a look back at some of the most popular claymation Christmas specials, explore their unique production techniques, and discover why they've remained such an important part of our holiday traditions.

The Making of Claymation Christmas Specials

Claymation is a type of stop-motion animation which uses clay figures to create a seamless animation. In the early days of claymation, animators would create detailed models of characters or sets and then use stop-motion photography to capture the action. This type of animation was time-consuming and labor-intensive, but its unique look and feel made it appealing to filmmakers and audiences alike.

In the 1950s and '60s, the Rankin/Bass studio developed a method of claymation that allowed them to produce Christmas specials quickly and cheaply. Using a combination of "Supermarionation" (a technique developed for their earlier series, Thunderbirds) and traditional stop-motion animation, Rankin/Bass was able to create specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman in a fraction of the time it took other studios.

Classic Claymation Christmas Specials

For many viewers, the best way to get into the holiday spirit is by watching classic claymation Christmas specials. Here are some of the most beloved claymation specials that you should check out this year:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): This is arguably the most beloved claymation Christmas special of all time. The story follows the misadventures of Rudolph, an outcast reindeer who is teased for his red nose. With the help of newfound friends, Rudolph learns to accept himself and helps Santa save Christmas.

Frosty the Snowman (1969): In this classic tale, a magical snowman comes to life and goes on an adventure with schoolchildren. Along the way, they meet a villainous magician who wants to steal Frosty's magic hat.

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970): This special follows the origins of Santa Claus as he battles the town's evil Burgermeister Meisterburger. With the help of a ragtag group of woodland creatures, Santa Claus must deliver gifts to the children of the town and defeat the Burgermeister before Christmas morning arrives.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974): The Rankin/Bass production of this beloved children's book follows the adventures of Heat Miser and Snow Miser, two rival brothers who must come together and help Santa Claus on his mission to deliver gifts to children around the world.

The Little Drummer Boy (1968): This Rankin/Bass classic follows the story of Aaron, a young orphaned drummer boy who meets the Three Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem. To show his appreciation, Aaron plays his drum for baby Jesus, and the music moves the hearts of all who hear it.

Why Claymation Christmas Specials Are Still Popular

These classic claymation Christmas specials remain so popular even today, and there are a few key reasons why. For starters, these specials have a timeless quality to them that appeals to viewers of all ages. Not only do the stories contain important messages about acceptance and friendship, but the whimsical animation style captures the joy and excitement of the holiday season.

Another reason why these claymation Christmas specials have endured is because they evoke a sense of nostalgia in viewers. Many people have fond memories of watching these specials with their families when they were growing up, and watching them again brings back those memories. Watching these specials is like stepping into a time machine and being transported to a simpler time, when Christmas was more innocent and exciting.

Finally, these claymation Christmas specials have stood the test of time because they offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a heartwarming story or a lighthearted comedy, these specials have something for every viewer.

Conclusion

Old claymation Christmas specials are timeless pieces of family entertainment that bring joy and nostalgia to viewers of all ages. From Santa's misadventures in Frosty the Snowman to the classic story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, these beloved specials continue to entertain and captivate viewers year after year. With their unique animation style, charming characters, and timeless messages, these claymation classics are sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.

The Definitive List Of Rankin Bass Christmas Claymation S