The Greatest Lessons from Children’s Christmas Specials

BJ Foster

Relationships

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The air is crisp, decorations are going up, and a fire is blazing in the fireplace. I can’t think of anything about this season that I don’t like. There is something about the Christmas season that immediately brings back the excitement and innocence of childhood. As a kid, I remember changing into dry clothes after playing in the snow and watching children’s Christmas specials as I warmed up next to a fire.

There is something about the Christmas season that immediately brings back the excitement and innocence of childhood.

I think it’s even more enjoyable to watch these specials now with my kids. The looks on their faces and their enthusiasm is priceless. More than just the fun, there are some rich life lessons that they can learn. Here are some of the greatest lessons from children’s Christmas specials.

True friends put their friends before themselves.

There are several examples of this noble act of selflessness. In Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rudolph goes out on his own to save his friends from danger. Likewise, Rudolph’s friends, Cornelius and Ernie, refuse to leave him. They eventually risk their lives to save Rudolph and his family. We also see it in Frosty the Snowman. Frosty carries Karen into a greenhouse to keep her warm, risking himself in the process.

Treat others well, even though they are different.

The entire theme of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer is about the treatment of others. We are all uniquely made with different gifts, personalities, and looks. That is a wonderful thing. Those differences should be celebrated and enjoyed rather than ridiculed as misfits. There is a great opportunity to reiterate the golden rule.

“Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

This line from the Grinch points to the fact that Christmas is not about getting presents and putting up decorations. While it’s also a great time to be with family and friends, it’s even more. When an exasperated Charlie Brown asks the question, “Isn’t there anyone who can tell me what Christmas is all about?”, Linus gives the assured answer. Christmas is about God’s gift of His Son, Jesus. We were separated from God because of sin and rebellion. God sent Jesus to show us what a right relationship with God looks like and to eventually bridge the gap between man and God. It is what is sung about at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas: “Hark! the herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled.”

Questions for Kids After the Specials:

Frosty the Snowman

1. What did Professor Hinkle care about the most? Why is that not the best way to act?

2. How did Karen and Frosty treat each other well? Why should we treat our friends the same way?

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

1. Why was everyone mean to Rudolph? How did it make him feel?

2. How was Clarice’s reaction to Rudolph’s nose different from everyone else’s?

3. What do you think the word “misfit” means? What do you think they need the most?

4. Do you know any “misfits” or have you ever felt like one?

5. How are you different from others and what is good about that?

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

1. What did the Grinch think Christmas was about?