For TV viewers of a certain age, the mention of holiday specials probably brings to mind stop-motion animated Christmas specials produced in the 1960s, but holiday themes are irresistible subject matter for TV producers, and new holiday specials spotlighting not just Christmas, but all the big special days, are still hitting the air a half century after Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer first took flight.
Those early animated specials are still beloved and popular, however. Rudolph, Frost the Snowman and all the other old favorites are still in demand every Christmas season, but they've been joined by newer holiday offerings from more contemporary characters, like the Muppets and characters from popular movies like "Ice Age" and "Madagascar."
The musical Christmas special has an even longer tradition than the animated special. In the early days, crooners like Perry Como and Andy Williams dressed up in sweaters and invited viewers to join their musical holiday celebrations. These days, modern crooners from Michael Buble to Mariah Carey to Lady Gaga bring their talents to their very own Christmas special.
Of course, it's not just Christmas that gets the special treatment. From "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to "New Year's Rockin' Eve," the entire holiday season is filled every year with annual programs that hope to keep viewers in a festive mood.
