Most of these 30-minute-long throwbacks, which typically preempted regular programming, can be a bit heavy on the schmaltz and saccharine (and often have a lesson to be learned at the end), but such things are a staple of the "most wonderful time of the year."
We've been watching these Christmas-themed cartoons and television programming since we were wee tykes and have compiled a list of some of the best and most memorable holiday specials. Read on for a rundown of our favorites, which includes a few surprises.