Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Dr. Seuss + Chuck Jones + Boris Karloff = Pure Win. This undeniable children’s classic remains just as relevant every year. It’s one of those specials where you know what’s coming and you can anticipate every move, but it doesn't detract from its enjoyment at all. I forgot how much of The Nightmare Before Christmas was inspired by this. Seuss’ rhymes are fun and the moral of the story (Christmas is in our hearts, blah blah blah) is as pertinent as it was 45 years ago.

5 roast beasts out of 5

A Chipmunk Christmas (1981)

It's not Christmas without high-pitched, sped-up voices. This lovely animated tale finds Alvin giving away his prized Golden Echo Harmonica to a dying child only to find himself in a dilemma when he's asked to perform a solo at Carnegie Hall. He attempts to raise money for himself to buy a new one, much to Dave's dismay (who thinks Alvin is doing it for selfish reasons). It's such a well-meaning story, it's hard to regard it with anything but warmhearted optimism.

4.5 hula-hoops out of 5

Bugs Bunny's Looney Christmas Tales (1979)

This offering includes three original 8-minute shorts. In Bugs Bunny's Christmas Carol, Bugs dresses up like a ghost and harasses Yosemite Sam's Scrooge character. Freeze Frame is a Wile E. Coyote/Roadrunner short and one of the weakest entries in the series. The Tazmanian Devil drops in on Bugs in the telling of The Fright Before Christmas. Not the best that Looney Tunes has to offer, but it does feature Friz Freleng/Chuck Jones animation and Mel Blanc characterizations, so not all is lost.

2.5 white-stricken Sylvesters out of 5