Six childhood Christmas specials that deserve a rewatch

4.  A Garfield Christmas

Year: 1987

Production company and Network:  Paws, INC/CBS

The sassy, tell-like-it-is fat tabby Garfield (created by cartoonist Jim Davis) takes a road trip with his human Jon and frenemy Odie to the Arbuckle family farm for the holidays.  While Garfield prefers the comforts of his own home, he realizes that he can find as much comfort (and food) on the farm.  Additionally, Garfield does have a soft side underneath the sarcastic exterior as he gave Grandma a special gift.  Moreso, there is nothing like spending Christmas with loved ones, even if they are imperfect.  In 1991, when CBS reaired the special, bonus scenes were added, including Grandma rocking out on the piano.

What is memorable:  Garfield’s classic one-liners, the family bonding, the music, and the impressive voice cast.  Pat Harrington, David Lander, and Pat Carroll lent their voices to the characters and harmonized with Lorenzo Music (Garfield) perfectly.  Also, Odie demonstrating on the hand-crafted scratcher he gifted Garfield was just too precious.

The adult observation:  Garfield will always remain a top favorite and with the simple storytelling, 1980s animation, sarcastic whims, and the fat cat himself, along with the family bonding, it is the epitome of a Christmas special classic.

Where to watch: A Garfield Christmas can be found on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Youtube, along with being released on DVD, and if you are lucky enough, VHS.