Television’s holiday classics

The face of our home television screens has changed and been transformed drastically in this era of DVDs and downloadable programs on demand.

As the holiday season is upon us, I suggest slowing down the fast-forward pace of our viewing habits with some traditional Christmas programming. Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, the Grinch and Kris Kringle have come to represent shared family experiences that seem to remain timeless. We’ve seen them all before, we know the plots, and yet for some magical reason we remain glued to the screen when they pop up year after year.

Earlier this month when ABC broadcast Charles M. Schulz’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, for the 41st consecutive year, it drew 13 million viewers. Its continuing annual success represents not only our craving for nostalgia, but the importance we put on our families having a sense of tradition in front of the tube, be that flat-screen, plasma or HD.

So as you trim the tree and wrap the final gifts, here are my top five suggestions for holiday fare: Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer (CBC Dec. 21, 8 p.m.): Burl Ives’ distinctive narration adds charm to this classic tale of a rejected reindeer who goes on to save Christmas. The songs are predicable but guaranteed to evoke a smile.

Miracle on 34th Street (CTV Dec. 24, 9 p.m.) Made in 1947 this black-and-white classic of a department-store Santa Claus claiming to be the real Kris Kringle remains as fresh today as in 1947, when it was first released in theatres. Avoid the updated colourized version that pops up on some airings.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (YTV Dec. 17, 7 p.m.) The animation is basic, but the underlying values are timeless as Lucy tries to convince a depressed Charlie Brown to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

It’s a Wonderful Life (NBC- Dec. 24, 8 p.m.) This is yet another black-and-white favourite, coincidentally made in the same year as Miracle on 34th Street. It’s a Frank Capra morality tale about George Bailey, portrayed by a youthful James Stewart, showing the world what a difference one person can make.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (CBC Dec. 18, 8 p.m.) Grinch is a mean soul who lacks the holiday spirit, but is also hard to resist in this tale of a grouch turned good. Boris Karloff’s narration and Dr. Seuss’ text add wit to this cartoon feature, celebrating its 40th anniversary on television this year.

Traditions evolve and new holiday programs are produced every year, but few have the impact of my five classic picks. One exception, which you might consider watching, is the Christmas episode of the homegrown runaway comedy hit Corner Gas. Called Merry Gasmas, last year it drew 2.2 million viewers, making it Canada’s most watched holiday special. It is worth a second peek on the Comedy Channel this Friday at 8 p.m. Happy viewing and happy Holidays.

Your comments are welcomed at

patakfalvi@videotron.ca.