A Garfield Christmas Special

Sadly this is our last Garfield holiday special, however we can look forward to eventually delving into the animated t.v series!

This time around Garfield is celebrating Christmas and we start off in the furry felines mind as he dreams that it is Christmas day. Dream Garfield not only gets to eat his breakfast lasagnas all the way to the tree, but also receives a special chair that pops out any gift he can think of. We are treated to a short song over the opening credits that show Garfield loves Christmas and is largely concerned with getting presents.

However, Jon wakes Garfield with the news that it's Christmas Eve morning and that they will be going all the way to the farm to spend the holiday with his family. Of course, Garfield isn't all that happy about it since he would much prefer to stay in his nice warm bed. Jon's family is an interesting bunch largely the wonderfully entertaining Grandmother and Jon's Mother who sure does love to cook multiple types of potatoes and pies. I rather enjoy the subtle rivalry between the Grandmother and the Mother when it comes to the cooking, at least subtle as the Arbuckles can be.

After a large dinner the Arbuckles, sans Grandma, finish trimming the tree and Jon entrusts Garfield with the important task of putting the star atop the tree. Jon's Dad does however stop to question why the star had to be put on last. We're promptly treated to Doc Boy attempting to play piano though he is shoved aside in favor of a fast paced song from Grandma and a more sentimental one played by the Mom. With the song playing in the background, the Grandmother shares fond memories of her deceased husband with Garfield. The scene is rather nice and gives the special it's first touching moment.

Once the slightly sad bit is passed we move along to a more comedic tone as the Dad is forced to read "Binky: The Clown Who Saved Christmas" and actually has a rather good impersonation of Binky up his sleeve. Jon and Doc Boy seem to have outgrown this tradition yet keep it going if not to tease their Dad a bit. During this whole short Odie isn't overly present as he works on a mysterious project out in the barn and only after the story is over do we get a glimpse of what he is up. While spying on the pooch, Garfield comes across some fifty year old letters. He shares these with the Grandma the following morning after all of the presents have been exchanged, cheering her up. Before all is done though, Odie gives his mysterious project to Garfield, a backscratcher intended for the orange feline who is touched by the gift and learns it's not the giving or the getting but the love that makes the season so great. A short country styled Christmas song plays out as the Arbuckles dance and the credits roll.

A Garfield Christmas special is a lot of fun and balances rather well the comedic tones and the sentimental aspect of the season. The plot centering on the Grandmother and Garfield is charming and gives it that little bit extra to keep it from being just another comedic holiday for Garfield. Definitely a yuletide favorite this time of year.

Garfield's Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, what better holiday for the lovable feline to celebrate than this?

Garfield's holiday specials are much like the Peanuts in a couple ways. The first is that the animation is pretty simplistic, which suits it really well given how it is based off comic strips. It also does not detract from the story and characters by having overly ornate backgrounds. Even if the ornate ones look nice. A second way is how timeless it can feel. I've been watching these specials as long as I can remember, and I know that I will continue to watch these in the years to come. Even if both are a bit plain, they keep straight to the point generally and have a charming quality.

Moving on though to the special at hand, we are given a pretty common bunch of Garfield strips that are pieced together to form this 24 minute short. We find that Garfield is, shockingly, overweight after a trip to see Dr. Liz and is put on a diet. Sadly for Garfield, this is right in time for Thanksgiving. Also taking place at the vet's office is Jon as he attempts to woo the poor doctor, and actually manages to score a date.

What soon follows is a somewhat slow middle part as we watch Garfield suffer through his diet. We also find that Jon isn't all that great of a cook when it comes to Thanksgiving at least, and manages to mess things up greatly no thanks to Garfield who adds a zealous amount of garlic so that everyone else must suffer with him.

After a few more minutes of slow paced comedy, Garfield is finally given the ok by Liz to eat again. Of course, with the food ruined and Jon's culinary skills lacking it's time to call in Grandma! Before you can say Biker Blues, the Grandma is there and ready to help secretly while Jon distracts poor Liz with the history of Thanksgiving.

While it's not quite as well known as Garfield's Halloween or Christmas specials, Garfield's Thanksgiving is still a rather nice addition to the holiday lineup. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and despite a weaker middle bit it still holds up rather well overall for me.

Countdown: Top Ten Halloween Specials/Episodes

Continuing with the Halloween-themed countdowns, I now present my ten favorite Halloween specials, episodes and shorts. Sadly there are a lot more out there that most likely deserve a spot on here, but I have been unable to track them all down.


10) Halloween (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2)

While it's a tad odd to see a Halloween episode in a show that's always got monsters running amok, this one is rather enjoyable and seems to fit right in with the rest of the episodes in the season. Despite having more time to tell the story, it just doesn't quite have that extra bit to earn a place higher on the list.

9) Eye of the Beholder (Gargoyles Season 2)

Ah, Gargoyles. This was quite fun since the our heroes actually get a chance to walk amongst the humans without causing a stir. This provides some fun opportunities and interactions. Though a fair amount of time is directed towards the trouble that Fox is in as Goliath and Xanatos work together to help.

8) Headless Horseman Of Halloween (Scooby-Doo)

While I have already reviewed this not too long ago, this episode is a lot of fun as we see a Scooby version of the Horseman. Even if the story is pretty straight forward, and the villain obvious it's still pretty fun especially with the inclusion of Scooby-Dum.

7) It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester (Supernatural Season 3)

Much like Buffy, having a Halloween episode on a show known for it's monsters can be a tad odd. But also a bit fitting since we can explore Samhain and the holiday itself a bit more. As it turns out Samhain is featured in this episode as one of the many Seals locking up Lucifer. The twist on Samhain was rather fun to see as well as the take on the holiday from a more Supernatural perspective.

6) Broomstick Bunny (Bugs Bunny Short)

One of my favorite Bugs shorts, this trip features our favorite rabbit as he matches wits against Witch Hazel. While the Halloween theme is only referenced largely in the beginning to set things up, the short itself is quite enjoyable from start to finish.

5) Trick or Treat (Donald Duck Short)

Much like the previous entry, this short features a Witch Hazel who is even voiced by the same actress as Broomstick Bunny. This Donald short features the poor duck as he battles against Witch Hazel who is intent of teaching him to be less stingy with the candy. The addition of Huey, Dewey and Louie makes this a perfect short, especially with the song we have included.

4) When Halloween Was Forever (The Real Ghostbusters)

Who you gonna call? Ghosbusters! Once again we find a twist on Samhain in the form of a spook with a pumpkin for a head. I remember this cartoon from when I was younger and have always loved the character as he's surrounded by the ghosts flying up to him. Definately a favorite that is viewed not only every year at Halloween but still enjoyable any time.

3) Garfield's Halloween Adventure (Garfield Special)

I've always loved Garfield, adding in my love of Halloween and we have a recipe for success. Watching our hefty as trick or treats with Odie is enjoyable to watch, especially with the catchy songs that can stick in your head. The pirates who are surprisingly scary for a Garfield cartoon are a definate highlight and pretty well handled. Worthy of it's place on this list.

2) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (Peanuts Special)

.....I got a rock. This short, much like the others on this list is rather timeless. The fact it's lasted this long is a testament to it's high enjoyability as we watch our favorite Peanuts characters celebrate Halloween. Getting to watch Sally be duped into sitting with Linus as they wait for the Great Pumpkin still earns laughs.

1) The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad)

From the creepy atmosphere, the fun songs to the great characters, Disney's telling of Sleepy Hollow has it all. The Horseman chasing Ichabod through the forest can be quite creepy and is well animatd. The suspense built up through the night as Ichabod is exposed to the legend by Brom Bones at the party is well done. Definately my favorite Halloween special even if it may not take place on the day itself.


Honorable Mentions. While some of these may be questionable for where they are from, I felt the following deserved at least a slight nod for their use of Halloween.

- Things That Go Bump In The Night (Tiny Toons)
- Hyde and Hare (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Transylvania 6-5000 (Bugs Bunny Short)
- Trick or Treat (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Life's A Masquerade (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
- Fear, Itself (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
- The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (Flintstones)
- Treehouse of Horror series (Simpsons, much thanks to Garethil for pointing out they were missing :) )

Garfield's Halloween Adventure

One of three holiday specials that stars Garfield, the Halloween special is one of my favorite themed shows to date.

We find Garfield has candy fever right in time for Halloween. After deciding that taking Odie along means more candy, the orange feline dupes the poor mutt into dressing up to come with him out on the town. What follows is a fun adventure as Garfield sings a bit as he and Odie hit the town collecting candy...candy...candy!

Soon though, the two ride a rowboat out to a haunted looking home. Upon exploring the find an old man who tells them a pirate story. Before they can escape the home, the ghosts of the pirates come knocking to seek their treasure. All is well in the end, as they escape with their lives and their candy.

Garfield's Halloween Adventure is a pretty fun short, with enjoyable characters and story. The music can be rather catchy, though the songs are fairly short and change often. The backgrounds and animation are pretty basic, though this suits it well since it is based off a comic strip character. The ghosts animation, and scenes are my favorite part of the short by far.

Highly recommended to all those who want something to watch this Halloween.