Dang, now I understand why I'm currently so fudged-up at 75 yrs old.
A Few Christmas Specials We Loved But Are Not Allowed Today
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph might be the most famous reindeer of all, but in this classic special, he’s treated like anything but! The story follows Rudolph as he’s mocked and excluded by the other reindeer because of his glowing red nose. Today, the harsh bullying scenes raise eyebrows, as they send mixed messages about how to treat those who are different. It’s a beloved special, but not exactly in line with today’s messages on kindness and inclusion.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Kris Kringle’s backstory is magical, but some scenes might feel a bit too “tough love” for modern tastes. There’s the scene where he battles Burgermeister Meisterburger, a character who bans all toys, leading to a lot of kids being sad. It’s a story about overcoming oppression, but today’s audiences might find the “us vs. them” messaging outdated.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
While this Christmas special has an inspiring message of giving, it’s also surprisingly heavy for young viewers. The main character, Aaron, experiences some pretty dark moments, including witnessing the loss of his family and having to fend for himself. It’s heartwarming by the end, but the emotional load and somber storyline might not be considered kid-friendly today.
Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol (1962)
This twist on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol features Mr. Magoo, a nearsighted old man who tends to get himself into accidents. While it’s a funny take on the classic, some scenes are a bit grim, especially in how Magoo’s character laughs off the consequences of his bumbling. Today’s parents might feel it makes light of dangerous situations or presents a dismissive view of older age.
Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)
Nestor’s journey has us reaching for the tissues every time! But there are some incredibly sad scenes in this lesser-known special. Nestor is bullied for his long ears, and there are moments where he’s made to feel like he doesn’t belong. The heart-wrenching scenes of Nestor’s mother’s passing might be deemed too upsetting for younger audiences today, and his journey would likely be softened in a modern retelling.