Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas
VIDEO
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas isn't as well known as some of the other entries on the list, and since it uses puppetry rather than animation, I'm cheating a little by including it here, but it has such a special place in this editor's heart that I'll break a few of the 'rules.'
Based on a children's book and brought to life by the masterful Jim Henson, the special follows Emmet Otter and his Ma, two kindhearted woodland creatures who make ends meet by doing laundry and other odd jobs for the town's richer residents. When they hear of a local talent contest, they put together a jug-band in the hopes of winning a some extra money to buy presents for one another come Christmas time. Unfortunately, their folksy tunes are up against the rock and roll thrashings of the Riverbottom Nightmare Band.
The film is sweet, well made, has some wonderful folk tunes, and is a perfect addition to your holiday television watching.