The Yule Tide Joy Of A Christmas Episode

 It is that time of the year, lights, gifts, and in many places, falling snow. The holiday season brings so many great things, time with loved ones, and, of course, traditions such as baking or watching movies. There are movies that come on this time of year that we know by heart, the songs, lines, and scenes, so much so that some of those famous moments are seen plastered on several pieces of merchandise every year. me I have some favorites, such as the original "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", "Elf", "Home Alone", and more, but I usually don't start off the holiday season with those. I usually begin by watching television episodes that are Christmas-themed, and I thought, Why not talk about those.

These are a tradition to me because I associate them with this time of year, whether I saw them when they first aired when I was a child or watched the episode during the season later. Many shows come to mind, SpongeBob SquarePants, Chowder, Justice League, and it's not just animation, Brooklyn 99, Community, and many of my other favorite shows have an episode that takes place during the most wonderful time of the year. Some are musical episodes, some have multiple plots, but each one that I watch every year stands out.

I have a nostalgic feeling bubble up inside as if it were when I first saw some of these episodes, reminding me of great times waiting for Christmas to come, as school had let out. These episodes usually aired back then with special bumpers or advertisements, and if I wanted to view them again, I would have to wait for this time of year to come around again. There are so many specials that people would wait for before streaming, or Christmas meant breaking out the VHS or DVD of some yuletide favorites.

The same feelings that so many classics, both old and new films, become holiday staples, are feelings I have when watching these episodes. They remind me of Christmas time, and many of them can be similar in terms of plots or lessons, usually in the case of Cartoons, either someone obsessed with getting a specific gift, or something that could ruin the holiday season. There may be a villain to stop, or the characters may have to take Santa's place in delivering presents to those in their world. 

Many have a song or even multiple, and some of those songs are very catchy. I still love "This Christmas Feels Like The Very First Christmas To Me" from the first SpongeBob holiday outing. Some of these episodes would be double-length or even longer, and sometimes in the case of shows like Rugrats, they would tackle different holidays that come up this time of year, and acknowledge more than just Christmas, which is really cool.

The Hey Arnold Christmas episode is especially special. I remember the first time I saw it, and I still love it even though I did not understand it as much as I do now. It was moving, with beautiful music, and is a must-watch. Many of these, when done well, can be funny or even heartfelt. As I stated, many of these fill me with that Christmas feeling. With one of the best messages I have ever seen in an episode of a cartoon. 

I usually begin the season with a movie or two, and many of these episodes, and then watch more movies as we get closer to Christmas morning. They are a perfect way to set the mood while not burning out on some of your favorites early on in the month. This has been a tradition for me for a couple of years now, and I highly recommend it, small and short little pieces of joy to help get the yuletide feelings started. They may not be as long as a movie, but they still get me ready for Christmas, even reminding me why it's so great to give, share joy, and enjoy the season. I did a post last year on some of my favorites, if you would like some recommendations. Not just another episode in the season, these episodes can bring warmth on these cold days.