A lot can be said about this episode. It brings to light the parody of every special ever made. It also includes a mini-special itself with "KISS Saves Santa" (which I would really like to see Seth McFarlane make into an episode). It also shows Stewie's toil with having to be a good boy in order to receive his beloved plutonium.
Good ol' Stan Smith and his Christmas shenanigans. Nothing makes me smile more than the "Heaven Gun" and that Jane Fonda ruined Christmas.
This is a British favorite of mine. We see a reversal of "A Christmas Carol" done here. Rowan Atkinson plays a shopkeeper who is descended from the other Blackadders. On Christmas Eve, A ghost visits him to show how nice he is compared to his ancestors and that his life is more rewarding. Comedy ensues more when the ghost completes Blackadder's vision.
Who did not love Mr. Bean while growing up? Always a victim of his own traps and then ingeniously through fault or circumstance comes out unscathed. Well, it's Christmas and Mr. Bean is getting everything ready for his Christmas dinner with his lady friend. A definite watch for sure!
5) Doctor Who (Various)
The Doctor Who Christmas Special is a staple in Britain. Not every Christmas special is about or revolve around Christmas. It is simply aired on Christmas Day, hence it is technically a Christmas special. However, I find them quite enjoyable (as well as other Doctor Who episodes). A good mix of sci-fi, Christmas, and fun.
6) A Christmas Carol (1999)
Now, this has been done more times than Jenna Jameson. However, I do find Patrick Stewart's version to be the best. An excellent depiction of the novella with an actual British Scrooge.
7) A Christmas Story (1983)
Another movie on my list, but TBS does play it for 24 hours starting on Christmas Eve every year, so it is sort of a special. I don't think I really need to elaborate on why this is an awesome Christmas treat.
8) Vicar of Dibley (Various)
British comedic genius Dawn French plays a vicar in the fictional town of Dibley. Having to deal with the local parishioners and the local council to many of the church's goings-on. You can see this show on PBS if you feel so inclined.
9) Little Britain Abroad (2006)
Another British Gem. This one has really nothing to do with Christmas other than it was aired as a "Christmas Special". The two-part episode shows many of the characters travelling to various countries where hilarity ensues.
10) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
You can't really call this a full length movie considering it is only an hour long, but it is by far my most favorite of the Rankin/Bass stop motion movies. Definitely fun and entertaining. Also, a little cruel considering in the beginning Santa sounded like he wanted to take Rudolph to the slaughterhouse.
11) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charles Schultz's classic Peanuts alum, Charlie Brown frets over the over-commercialization and growing secularism of Christmas. He finds the true meaning of Christmas and all is right with the world.
12) It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Some might laud that this is the best Christmas movie ever. And it does live up to its merits. Down on his luck, George Bailey contemplates suicide, gets a visit from his guardian angel, Clarence. He sees what it was like not to be born, sees people are affected by his presence for the better, and it is a Merry Christmas to all.
13) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
And now some might laud this as the best Christmas movie. It has the comedic approach to the family gathering holidays and trying to deal with it the best you can.
14) The Simpsons: The Simpsons Roasting Over and Open Fire (1989)
If I started the list with a cartoon I hold so dear, I might as well as end with one that shares my affections as well. The Simpsons has had many Christmas specials, but this was the first. Homer attempting to scrounge up enough cash for the holidays by playing a mall Santa. He gets talked into betting everything on a dog race. The dog loses, but in turn, the family gets a new member of the family by adopting Santa's Little Helper.
Honorable Mentions:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Alvin & The Chipmunks Christmas Special (1981), A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), and a Muppet Family Christmas (1987), Robot Chicken Christmas Specials (Various), and South Park Christmas Specials (Various.
Well, I hoped you all enjoyed the list. Pour a nice warm glass of hot chocolate, grab a blanket, and watch some holiday classics.
