When the subject of Christmas specials comes up, Charlie Brown’s Christmas is usually the first thing that comes to mind. That sucks because there are other cartoons and specials that are just as smart, intelligent and/or creative.

For whatever reason, you never see these shows on television during the holiday season and so most people don’t even know about them. Well, they do now.

Merry Christmas everyone!

================================================= 

A Wish For Wings That Work (1991)

The animated special was released on December 13, 1991. It was directed by Skip Jones and produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblimation animation studio for Universal Cartoon Studios. Unfortunately, legendary comic writer Berkley Breathed did NOT like this adaptation of his comic and regularly panned it for it’s writing and direction. Notable actors involved in the project include Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and voice actor Micheal Bell.

Ziggy’s Gift (1982)

Ziggy’s Gift is short film directed by Richard Williams. It was written by Ziggy’s creator Tom Wilson and animators included Eric Goldberg and Tom Sito with music by Harry Nilsson. The film won an Emmy award.

A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)

This is one of the very few Muppet productions to feature Muppets associated with all four of the major Muppet franchises: The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and Muppet Babies. Check for the Jim Henson cameo.