Six childhood Christmas specials that deserve a rewatch

1.  The Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire

Year: 1989

Production company and network:  Gracie Films and Fox

If you were lucky enough to watch The Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire with your family, you were unknowingly witnessing television history.  The series is adult-orientated mostly, but it a was treat when the kids got involved.  The story for the pilot of The Simpsons was a hilarious twist on a realistic holiday ordeal.  It was also heart-warming but encompassed classic outtakes and quotes still relevant to this day.

Depressed that Homer will not be getting his Christmas bonus from work, he woefully depends on Marge’s money jar for a nice Christmas.  When that is spent on Bart’s tattoo removal the tattoo itself was in good intentions), Homer takes a job as a mall Santa to provide gifts for his kids.  His secret is discovered by Bart, but he keeps his dad’s secret identity safe.

Shocked by the low pay on Santa check, thanks to tax cuts and training withdrawals, Homer, Bart, and friend Barney head to the dog track in hopes to triple or even quadruple the check amount by gambling on the greyhounds.  When Barney wins big, Homer loses big time due to his last-minute bet on a new entrant, Santa’s Little Helper.  He thought he was a sure win, given his name and the ‘miracle’ of Christmas.

But the greatest miracle and win is that Santa’s Little Helper became a member of the Simpson family.  And Bart and Lisa’s joy.  That not-so-fast and easy-to-catch greyhound got the gift of renewed life and just by watching Santa’s Little Helper over the years, he is grateful for it.

Which is far more than we can ask for.

This past Friday (December 17th) marked the 32nd anniversary of The Simpsons premiere.  Thanks to the legions of fans across the globe and Disney, may there be many more years of the funny family.

The adult observation:  The special was in several ways relatable to the working-class family, and how financial disappointment can sever holiday hopes and plans.  In The Simpsons case, the light over the shadows was gaining a new member and the experiences that they’ll share.

Where to watch:  The Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire will have a permanent home on Disney+, but FXX shows it in rotation with their “Every Simpsons Ever” block, and Freeform airs it during the 25 Days of Christmas event.  The episode can also be streamed on Amazon Prime with the purchase and cable companies such as Xfinity offers it On Demand.

What do you watch during the holidays?  Do you have a favorite on the rewatch list?  Would you allow your kids to watch The Simpsons Christmas special with you?