I Watched Every Cartoon Christmas Special Ever Made

[@EntertainTheElk]

If you’re struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor. Click betterhelp.com/elk for a discount on your first month of therapy.

[@superzigzagoon]

Were you aware of the multiple controversies surrounding BetterHelp before taking them on as a sponsor?

[@CrazyGoth631]

Promoting this has ruined your reputation.

[@evanmorkert9109]

betterhelp has faced backlash from the FTC over lax privacy controls for user data, including health data, as well as backlash from therapists due to a lack of documentation requirements and an inability to form productive relationships with clients. as a business model it further commodifies an essential health service, diverting potential clients away from more proven mental health care options and prioritizing convenience over quality care. I know you gotta get your bag, but surely there are less scummy advertising offers out there.

[@GodzillaPowerPuffFan]

Absolutely not I will never take better help. Better help is a terrible sponsor.

[@miscleaf]

My Better Help therapist tried to hit on me and was really mean after I pointed out that it was inappropriate. BetterHelp themselves brushed off my report. Please don't accept their deals, now this video is depressing

[@jessetorres8738]

I'm paraphrasing, but there's a quote that basically goes "Stories need a sad beginning to have a happy ending."

[@EntertainTheElk]

I like this.

[@robbiewalker2831]

@@EntertainTheElk Friendly reminder: it’s the Winter Solstice, and at that time, sunlight becomes less and less. We end up using lights this way. I don’t see how melancholy wouldn’t play a role for that time of year, especially before entering the New Year. I’m guessing people wishing others a “Merry Christmas” would be a way of saying to be happy for what you have that’s most important, like those you love still being with you. BTW, Mickey’s version of “the Gift of the Magi” improved on the original tale’s message; as instead of the woman’s hair being cut just to get a chain for her lover’s gold watch, leaving only the male to be screwed of a complete present as she gets to use her comb after her hair grows, yet he gets no use of his present after already selling his Gold Watch, Mickey and Minnie are *both* screwed, because Mickey has no use for a case when he already sold his harmonica, and Minnie has no use for a chain when she already sold her watch. Whoever looked at the original story and said “let’s screw both of them so they are even” is a FREAKIN’ GENIUS!!!

[@Mysterialic]

Not Betterhelp, mate. Just not them.

[@eyelessjack2660]

Are you going to explain yourself or just hit us with the most vague statement of all time?

[@Hoopergames]

​@@eyelessjack2660like 8 years ago, they got caught not having fully licensed therapists, which is kind of common even outside of better help. My therapist was a student

[@SilverScribe85]

@@eyelessjack2660 Some people claim BetterHelp does more harm than good for people

[@samiwilliams4022]

Just wait; we'll find out something awful out about a certain sock company too

[@rockytakeout]

​@@eyelessjack2660 the company has had a lot of scrutiny for not being very reputable. Not vetting their therapist/counselors and in a prior terms of service they stated they didn't require the chosen helpers to be vetted, unprofessional therapists/counselors, not providing the service to a quality they should charge their high costs for

[@MJJ1390]

I do love how the live action show Community has an animated Christmas episode

[@EntertainTheElk]

They pulled it off so well.

[@Brond.]

I was literally saying to myself, “I swear please don’t give me a better help ad”

[@drezdendolla.9143]

Better Help is such a scam, I'm disappointed when creators I enjoy promote them....

[@DragonballBlack]

I’m sorry for you loss brother

[@EntertainTheElk]

Better after years of therapy! :) Thank you

[@thesixfootsixexperience8781]

A big part of the depression, for me, is the unfulfilled feelings that come with the year ending. Great video. I always love your work. Happy Holidays!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much! That means a lot. :)

[@leobien0717]

I also remember the proud family holiday special when they met that homeless family. And as a kid, I didn’t understand that there were people that had nowhere to go in that kinda always stuck with me. So I am appreciative of everything I have especially during these holiday season. Thanks to all these Christmas specials growing up.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Totally. As children, they were an introduction to a lot of these problems.

[@Poopustheclown]

I went to Betterhelp for a manic episode and I was matched with Bethany, who proceeded to instruct me to make a “potion” out of the cleaning agents under my sink. I’m pretty dizzy but I AM feeling more centered!

[@Poopustheclown]

It’s true, I was there!

[@BrunoMarafigo-b4k]

​@@Poopustheclownme too, I AM THE CHEMICALS UNDER THE SINK

[@christiancountryboyilovejesus]

Frosty The Snowman gives me depression. The Charlie Brown Christmas specials make me smile or cry in a good way with the singing at the end.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Smile and cry in a good way is a great description.

[@ArtisticHH57]

They’re emotional and depressing because they also offer hope.

[@theadaptationstationmaster]

"A pretty remarkable scene from a children's cartoon." FWIW, I don't think Peanuts was necessarily aimed at children. It just starred them.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I think it's that perfect balance. It speaks to children, but doesn't talk down to them.

[@colewrld901]

Depressing, grey and difficult themes make for way better stories and when u combine it with Christmas, which should be a happy time in theory, it hits different

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Love your videos, but BetterHelp is not it.

[@douglasdoyle8944]

I agree

[@eyelessjack2660]

Are you going to explain yourself or just hit us with the most vague statement of all time?

[@jacksonmcquade7888]

​@@eyelessjack2660 Don't be lazy, Google it

[@coolhappygenius]

iykyk

[@superzigzagoon]

@@eyelessjack2660 You can do the tiniest bit of research rather than trying to relay on youTube comments to tell you about it.

[@Mavarik]

I have far too much respect for you to see you do ads for companies like better help

[@EntertainTheElk]

I understand. Had no idea that people felt this way about BetterHelp. I just wanted to talk about mental health, especially around the holidays.

[@Mavarik]

@EntertainTheElk I completely understand and of course therapy is a great thing, and I suggest anywho who is struggling to seek help but BH is a predatory company that only takes advantage of people that need help

[@Mavarik]

@EntertainTheElk I hope you are okay btw

[@duanmcinnes]

I like to think that Elk chose the advertiser as much as they chose him.

[@carlkeane2549]

If you're struggling, consider slice-of-life anime and low-barrier community hobbies. And of course, if you can afford it, real licensed therapy.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Preach

[@Cyberbrak]

I'm such a fan of your videos but... betterhelp, after all that still is coming out about them? I understand you need to make money, but I can't follow the channel while they are a sponsor. I will still watch if they come up in suggestions! Hopefully you locate a sponsor to replace them that lives up to your content.

[@ebcooper]

Beautifully put. One of your best videos. The holidays are difficult for me but this video helped remind myself that I’m not alone. Merry Christmas!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow. Exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you for that. So glad you enjoyed it.

[@pdzombie1906]

Great as usual!!! Thanx and Merry Xmas!!!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you!

[@TheDanishGuyReviews]

I'd say one of the first depressing Christmas stories was the Little Matchgirl. Complete with happy ending.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Haven't heard of this. Thanks for sharing.

[@forrestihler504]

I found you on TikTok this last summer. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and takes. Keep it up.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! So glad you like the videos.

[@caitlyn2580]

As someone whose father passed away last year, the grief around Christmas weighs heavy on my heart. I appreciate that these shows can provide a sense of community for those who've lost someone important. I love animation's unique gifts.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Sorry for your loss. I know what you mean about the holidays serving as the heaviest reminder of their absence.

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

Because we know the holiday season is fleeting and most of the rest of our lives suck!

[@EntertainTheElk]

I definitely feel the melancholy the most on Christmas Day because it's all over.

[@MilmorInc]

ive been working on my own animated Christmas movie for the past few years and it's finally almost done, ready for next holiday season. I'm just so amazed at how I accidentally unintentionally struck on all these points that you highlighted. ALso this is the first holiday season where I haven't been depressed. It's because I moved the midwest from Los Angles and now I'm surrounded by family and community. this video brought a tear to my eye. great work.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Wow! That's amazing. So happy for you!

[@dmapes159]

Melancholy Christmas...my favorite! Our family watches "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", every December 9th, which is the day it takes place. Thanks for the episode.

[@EntertainTheElk]

That's awesome!

[@AshleePond]

thank you for putting so much effort into your videos, they're always incredible and much appreciated. Hope you have a Merry (if a bit melancholy) Christmas🎄

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much. What a nice thing to say. :)

[@SLMCatch22]

Some of these shows I haven't thought about for years but immediately could recall some of the episodes shown. This is an awesome video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!

[@leobien0717]

I think just this time of the year is usually a depressing time. But I hope everyone has a good holiday, a safe new year. And thank you elk for dropping just in time for the holidays.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Agreed. Hope everyone takes care of themselves.

[@Yensid951927]

Great selection of different shows and specials, they help give different perspectives on the subject and if you haven't seen one of them you can relate it to another that you have seen.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks! I knew I'd miss some, but tried to pull as many examples as possible.

[@kelleyceccato7025]

Thank you for this video. "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (Karloff version only), "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" are among my regular Christmas viewing. I also love the animated features "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Arthur Christmas," and "Klaus."

[@EntertainTheElk]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jimmyjohnson1351]

Great video as always Elk

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you! :)

[@katnipp4029]

Growing up I always made it a tradition where me and siblings would watch Rankin/Bass or any Christmas cartoon special every holiday season from VHS and DVD. I never really thought of them as depressing before as a kid and even to this day. I always knew they tackled sadness. My mom always thought the Christmas specials were so depressing to her. She would always avoid watching the Little Drummer Boy with us especially because it reminded her of her Grandma (my great grandma).

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@maskcollectorshika]

Christmas Cartoons i watch each year are: Some The Simpsons episodes, (especially Roasting on an Open Fire). Some Batman TAS episodes. Some Family Guy episodes, (especially Road to the North Pole). Klaus. The Grinch. Some others i watch, but not every year.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Great list.

[@jorgerosado2087]

Surprised at the amount of specials brought up in this video. Garfield and Life with Louie are definitely deep cuts, but my go-to will always be Olive the Other Reindeer. It’s got a cut-out pop-up book look to it that’s just so charming. Produced by Matt Groening, animated by DNA Productions (before Jimmy Neutron) and starring Drew Barrymore. Give it a watch. You won’t regret it.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Haven't even heard about this. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sakunaruful]

Olive is available on KZbin.

[@brennonbeecher1351]

One of my favorite works of fiction is charlie brown christmas. I love linus's recitation of Luke 2, specifically that he quotes the angelic visitation. While we may not agree on the birth of Jesus Christ, the idea of a savior for all of us to save us from our grief and unite us as one is a perfect message. There is hope for us all, you may not find it in Jesus, but what you said about community and hope is universal. Thanks for this episode Elk!

[@EntertainTheElk]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@shoyuramenoff]

Well, this is the episode I needed rn.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hope it helps!

[@Tyoxy]

Great video man!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!

[@Lucky_9705]

The Doug episode still brings me to tears

[@EntertainTheElk]

Really really heavy.

[@VisuallyImpairedGamer1987]

I watch a lot of Christmas cartoons during the holidays. King of the Hill's Christmas episodes, The classic Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Snowflake Day episode of Clown High, the criminally underrated Bump in the Night Christmas Special and the Simpsons, particularly Marge Be not Proud, as I've always felt like the black sheep in my family, and I've also been caught shoplifting like Bart. I understand as I've gotten older, that I did it in order to try and gain attention for my parents because my brother appeared to be getting the lion's share of attention while he was following the wrong path, which led to him spending time in prison. Fortunately he is on a good path now, but at that time I felt the only way I could be noticed was to act like my brother was, and receive negative attention instead of none at all. I also am working through depression, anxiety and PTSD, and Christmas is hard as it brings back memories of my childhood, which involved growing up in a house of addiction, and being a father now myself I always stress about giving the gifts to my son, wife and stepson that they deserve. It has been a long road, and some of this feelings remain, but I do find that the best part of the holidays is that time I have with family, in particular spending time with my son.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks so much for sharing all this!

[@oops6876]

Christmas was the last day I was able to see my mom out of the hospital I understand people’s struggles through the holidays, as much as I don’t want to

[@28Pluto]

Thanks for another great video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@SilverScribe85]

Sure, Christmas may not be easy for everyone...but something about it almost always sparks some glimmer of joy in people

[@RJKYEG]

Part of the importance of Christmas is that it is a remedy to our deepest poverty, and whether or not you believe in Christmas you will come to believe in our poverty.

[@hunter12555]

Elk never misses!!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@RJKYEG]

It seems to go often unsaid, about "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" that the Grinch is the misanthropic Christmas cynic; his antagonism toward the Whos for their shallow materialism is something he just projects upon them. When he finally sees that taking all the material and festive trappings from them did not stop Christmas he repents and joins them.

[@morglag800]

interesting take on holiday specials. thanks!

[@EntertainTheElk]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@silentsigher]

I have to watch The Year Without a Santa Claus every single Christmas. Its one of my favorites and for some reason I don't get into the Christmas sprint without it.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Love it

[@therantster]

How many times is the title of this video going to change?

[@Polycomical]

Not a cartoon but I love Blackadder's Christmas Carol (basically think the traditional story but in reverse!)

[@JosephDavies]

I feel like there's a strong element of personal eucatastrophe in a lot of these specials that plays an important role in the catharsis they provide.

[@eyelessjack2660]

Because we're all Charlie brown

[@angelagokool9514]

Best animated holiday specials: A Charlie Brown Christmas How the Grinch Stole Christmas Rugrats Hanukkah Special (I'm Jewish!) Tiny Toon Adventures It's a Wonderful Christmas Special Any of the Animaniacs Christmas Specials A Pinky and the Brain Christmas Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Frosty the Snowman Santa Claus is Comin' to Town The Year without a Santa Claus A Garfield Christmas

[@EntertainTheElk]

Great list! Where were you when I was looking for examples?? :)

[@dansonfinklesheetz]

A few years ago, my Granny passed the week before Christmas, infact 3 years ago today, my Granny was my best friend, i told her my problems and we made each other laugh. The day she passed, my dad took me to spiderman no way home, a film id been looking forward to for months. After the movie, my father explained what happend and i was crushed. It was a confusing day, so i get pissed when people make fun of me for liking NWH calling me a nerd yknow. And i can't trauma dump on them everytime. So Christmas is a hard time for me personally.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I'm sorry to hear that. We all process in our own way. Hope you're finding a healthy way to do so.

[@dansonfinklesheetz]

@EntertainTheElk thanks man💚 and thanks for replying. I've been watching your videos for years, and Merry Christmas

[@EntertainTheElk]

I try and reply when I can! :)

[@powercore2000]

I saw a snippet if this video from the short, glad i found the full thing!

[@ethansexton2590]

Geez, 8 years? That’s wild

[@EntertainTheElk]

Right??? I swear that I started doing this just like 3-4 years ago.

[@e.lycopersicon9720]

Excellent work

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you so much!

[@MajorYass]

Here's to 8 more years!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!!! :)

[@matthewdrummond1340]

I didn't realise how sad some Christmas cartoons are but it makes sense now 😊

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Riley_Says]

Great video, minus the sponsor

[@9ramthebuffs9]

its mostly lack of sunlight for me.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I'm looking to move to Portland Oregon so that's going to be a new experience for me. Lots of gray and rain.

[@kaceywade3604]

Tbh i think the "depressing" notes are the point of a lot of classic holiday jems. Watching something, especially for kids, that starts with asense of reality is grounding for both adults and children. Shit happens. I love Jim Carreys Grinch, resonate with homie way more as an adult than as a child. The frustatrauon is real for one way or another. But, with the end being pure love and hope. That feeling is also real, and why I think the good XMas movies start off bleak a bit.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I think you're totally right.

[@erikbihari3625]

Home alone ends really happily!

[@isaacwilliams7133]

I’ve always gotta watch the Family Guy Xmas special, south parks Xmas snow, Charlie Brown, Justice League I watch several times, and of course Simpsons. There’s too many to list honestly. Like as soon as it’s Xmas time I only listen to (good) Xmas music and my favorite movies and shows.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Great list!

[@v-rex6262]

one of my favorite Christmas specials is the Rugrats episode Babies in Toyland. Check it out if haven't seen it. And if you have check it out again.

[@EntertainTheElk]

I haven't seen it! I need to check it out.

[@f0ry0u81]

For the algorithm! ✊

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@avocares]

I don't really click with the classic cartoons anymore except for Mickey Mouse Christmas Carol. But we always watch the Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes around the holidays. I also love the movie Klaus and watch it every year.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Bob's Burgers has Thanksgiving on lock.

[@zachbutler338]

I always watch Charlie Brown around Christmas time. But my must watch is It's a Wonderful Life.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Both beautifully melancholy in their own way.

[@Lovehandels]

This was very touching1 I love Olive the other randeer and ll the old stop motion Christmas events!

[@EntertainTheElk]

Haven't heard of that one! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@skbeaganrules]

Awesome video

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you!

[@joshbecka6110]

Good grief Charlie Brown

[@tmamone83]

Good ol' seasonal depression: making the most wonderful time of the year also the most depressing! BTW, Better Help sucks. Might not want to partner with them anymore.

[@rejoyce318]

I'm about halfway through your video so far, and am enjoying it. I prefer watching most of the animated specials & episodes - not so much Rudolph, since even as a small child the reindeer bullying, especially. from the coach, disturbed me - for the more honest message than for the Hallmark-style perfect-people romances that so many of my friends enjoy. Or maybe I'm just a snob - I did spend yesterday watching Astaire/Rogers movies with their gossamer plots and omigosh dancing. Onward with the video!

[@Dat_Guys_Wise]

I watch Charlie Brown Kwanzaa every year

[@MrMax2898]

Can't believe i never noticed this

[@EntertainTheElk]

Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@AnAbsurdExistence]

Comment for the algorithm good video.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Salute! Thank you

[@stephenfeld772]

Don't listen about the anti-Better Help comments, my man. You were trying to get a good word out there and I've never actually heard any solid arguments against BH as a whole, just that people lambast anyone who has them as a sponsor. Heck, if Mugglecast - the woke-est and most 'love-me, love-me!' podcast that I listen to is sponsored by them, they can't be that bad. Hey, I love Mugglecast and listen weekly but I have my problems with how 'Let's view this thing from 30 years ago strictly, and I mean STRICTLY, through the eyes of today' they are. But! Back to the vid! My wife is always asking me why Christmas music is so depressing. I'll be sure to ask her to watch the vid. Here's to many more years,EtheElk!! As a vehement defender of the series, one of my least favourite moments in television was when I misinterpreted Abed's slander of LOST until he later explained that Christmas is what you make of it. And I've viewed every 'special day' in that way ever since.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the video. :)

[@guardiansolcana64]

You really need to watch Klaus

[@EntertainTheElk]

I have! It's great. I just didn't count it as a TV special.

[@mathieuleader8601]

the dad from Life with Louie reminds me of George Bush Snr.

[@DourMessor]

We wish you a turtle Christmas

[@timmy18135]

Christmas anime isn't depressing ... O wait!

[@EntertainTheElk]

:)

[@bradleylauchlin]

Claymation Christmas

[@duanmcinnes]

Cheers

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks!

[@wstine79]

If only Charlie Brown would use Better Help to find a better psychiatrist. Even if it cost more that 5 cents.

[@FS_Scott]

a the holidays in which contemplate loneliness, selfishness, and the fall of Saigon.

[@evanmorkert9109]

I like cartoon

[@Sebastian_Niedermeier]

A yearly christmas cartoon? No I don't think so, while I watch most of the cartoons you mentioned for christmas, none of them is really a yearly tradition. Cartoons I watch more frequently besides them are probably the Moral Orel Christmas Special (any kind of animation counts, right?), the refrigerator day episode of the dinosaurs, and the TAS episode Christmas with the Joker - but even those at best every other year or so. What I do watch every holiday season without fail though is A very sunny Christmas, the X-Files two parter Christmas Carol/Emily, Babylon 5s The long night of Londo Mollari (which at least thematically though not textual, has the setup of a christmas story), and the forth season of Black Adder (that doesn't relate to Christmas at all). How odd is that?

[@EntertainTheElk]

The Always Sunny episode is fantastic.

[@3L_B4R7O]

NICE

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks!

[@AFishNamedBob]

Ooof. Do not thank Better Help. I love your content, and you're an amazing KZbinr. But BH is not good. Don't take their money.

[@DjVanillaGuerilla]

This is the funniest thing! You ad for Betterhelp!? They are a scam. The therapists are not even professionals. Some OF model who spent 1 year in psych class and think she has everyone figured out. I would disagree with that statement 100%. If you have a negative outlook on life and things in general, yeah, Christmas movies are sad. If you actually follow to story, it has it's ups and downs, like all movies and things in life. If you only focus on the negative then that's all you are going to experience. Happy Holidays.

[@EntertainTheElk]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@antbox1992]

Christmas is a pegan holiday, a psyop to make Christians celebrate the winter solstice

[@pizdrinkah]

I can't believe jesus being born near the solstice is a conspiracy. clearly the Irish government trying to get us to go to Newgrange

[@eyelessjack2660]

Seasons greetings from antbox1992

[@Sebastian_Niedermeier]

Almost mate. It's the other way around. Christmas is a Psyop to trick newly converted pagans, who are still unwilling to abandon their heathan traditions, into dressing them up in christian clothing until they are forgotten altogether. And it worked, the medieval churches got that one right to the t.

[@darthrex6267]

Pagan, and I'm not Christian and not really celebrating anything religious. Just a holiday to be with my loved ones. Stay mad.

[@TheRealFlurrin]

Glad to see everyone in the comments also knows betterhelp is trash. They don't want to help, they want your data.

[@BAM01230]

Can you link or place all the shows and episode titles so we can watch? 🥲🎅🏼

[@EntertainTheElk]

A Charlie Brown Christmas Garfield Community King of the Hill Bojack Horseman Hey Arnold! The Simpsons How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Little Drummer Boy Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Frosty the Snowman Santa Claus is Coming to Town Life With Louie Doug Static Shock Justice League Bob's Burgers Ed, Edd and Eddie Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas The Snowman I think that's everything!