Ziggy's Gift

[@federicoz4165]

The first time I met Ziggy I was seven years old, it was 1986. I remember that at the time it was one of the characters chosen by an important Italian publishing house (I'm Italian) for a line of school products. It was love at first sight! ... I had my backpack, the diary in which to write down my homework and several notebooks. I drew it all the time, and I'm sure Ziggy was a huge part of making me an illustrator. ... I love Ziggy!!

[@TheSLK66]

Never ceases to remind me that Ziggy had nothing... nothing but the essential things to be happy.

[@trismaccarran9950]

It's why I watch it every Christmas ⛄

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Good for you.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Likewise.

[@RestrainingHollywood]

I used to watch this all the time in the 80s with my family. I just watched it for the first time in ages. The brought back all the best memories. Tears are literally running down my face.

[@hatchetmouth8211]

I thought this comment of yours was really cringy until I finished watching it. Now I'm fighting tears too, dammit.

[@kleptosepto1848]

dude, the last 10 min or so has me a wreck. @@hatchetmouth8211

[@dianebranson8441]

The first time I saw this was the first Christmas after I got married in 1986... a new husband, new life...on our own...we made it a tradition to watch it every year. I had it recorded on an old VHS recorder, then found a copy on DVD on eBay years later...makes me warm and fuzzy just as much now as it did back then. Love it!!

[@jeremycarrano10]

This is my all time favorite Christmas cartoon.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Very interesting.

[@stevesanzari7294]

I watch this cartoon every Christmas season since my daughter was 3 , she's 33 now . It is a great Movie , and oh boy this country certainly could use Ziggy right now more than ever ! 11/15 2018 !

[@IamChloePrice]

They don't make classics like this anymore

[@brennamorene8978]

Yes your Sooo right my friend!!!.

[@metepec20092012]

Brenna Morene there can be exceptions

[@squil613]

Thank GOD

[@kindbeats]

Man, this one brings me back to Christmas as a little kid. Merry Christmas, everyone!

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

My family watched this in 1982 on the same day my oldest son selected his very first HO scale electric train set, and he was only six at the time.

[@CyndiHilston]

My dad recorded this and tons of the old Christmas specials on VHS in the 80s when I was a kid. I still have the two full tapes with these classics, although no VCR anymore. My brother and I always laughed at the part with the crazy angels and the big mechanical Santa, then the part when the cop's pants fall down...oh, and Ziggy letting loose all the turkeys!!! 🦃😂

[@grumpyphoenix]

You could probably get that transferred to DVD

[@Amy-Bo-Bamy]

You mean "tourkees" 😂 🦃

[@macair747]

me too! I think off Showtime or HBO. Still have the VHS tape but no VCR so I've taken to KZbin to find them.

[@Harpyr1031]

My mom did the same in the 80s and 90s. I still have the VHS tapes as well. I’m hoping to transfer them someday.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

And all the better to serve goose at Christmas Dinner; leaving the turkey strictly for just Thanksgiving only.

[@q.bandit9612]

I was born around 1985. I was at one set of my grandparents in the late 80's. This really impacted me as a child and I am filled with so much joy and nostalgia to see it again. Thank you so much.

[@livinginhawaii1971]

It's that time of year to watch Ziggy's Gift, a yearly tradition.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

It would still be raking in the ratings if only certain lunatics out there hadn’t turned WGN into NewsNation to compete against the likes of CNN.

[@angie8088]

One of the best Christmas specials of all time, and a little overlooked. Thanks for posting. :)

[@caseystelken3849]

WAY overlooked, and definitely one of the all-time best.

[@cmrwrite]

One of my favorites...I watch it every year

[@chrisnizer5702]

Never knew they made a animated Ziggy Christmas special. Thanks for posting this classic episode my friend, good stuff! 👍 👍

[@TheHeavensFellen]

i seem to only recall the cartoon strip or single square really that is in the newspapers, and I love Ziggy regardless.

[@chrisnizer5702]

@@TheHeavensFellen How could anyone NOT love Ziggy? I used to look for Ziggy in the comics all the time when I was a kid. Nothing got under his skin or frayed his nerves, always cool as a cucumber!🥒

[@TheHeavensFellen]

@@chrisnizer5702 But his face always showed his emotions, sometimes extremely frustrated by the silliness of the world but yeah he never snapped, but he never did much because in the papers it was a single drawing or maybe two squares at the most.

[@chrisnizer5702]

@@TheHeavensFellen That was part of the charm of Ziggy. Rarely more than Zig caught in the moment of some problem that we could all relate to then shrugging it off without blowing his top 😡 or losing his cool. Ziggy was ALL heart but dude had ice water in his veins!

[@Darkgrass]

This special is directed by Richard Williams (who also supervised the animation for Who Framed Roger Rabbit movie) and animated by Eric Goldberg (among other animators). With Richard Williams involved in Ziggy's Gift, it's no wonder the animation is so fluid!

[@scottmoore1614]

Growing up, we used to have this touching classic recorded with a bunch of other Christmas specials. Watched it every year until we just about wore it out!

[@SithasUl]

that was truly heartwarming

[@worldsgreatestimpressionis6462]

This for me rivals stalwarts Like The Grinch and Charlie Brown Christmas. Great art and voice work. I like the Frank Welker animal sounds.

[@mohansiva1686]

Give, love, joy what an amazing song at the beggining and the end. Loved the cartoon and the song from my 80s childhood till today. The simplicity of an 80s Xmas cartoon with a beautiful story touching you to the core. A nostalgic, timeless classic. Thank you so much for the beautiful soul who uploaded this on KZbin years ago. My kids watched it with me today and loved it as well.

[@driloc]

Haven't watched this in years! A big favorite....the homeless man Ziggy gives his scarf and coat to, his "Bless, You" in a quivering voice....man, that got me then and NOW.....

[@wallychampen1695]

Yes, the homeless man sheltered next to garbage cans with the snow falling. All alone on Christmas Eve and Ziggy gives puts his Santa suit and cap on him makes me tear up. His gracious reply to Ziggy touches my heart ❤️ as thought Ziggy did this for all lonely forgotten people 😢.

[@armymedic_bnw]

How have I just seen this & I'm in my 30s?! It's so cute & wholesome! 🥲🥹

[@IssanCaliRefugee]

I'm 45 and I just barely missed this. I didn't start paying attn to TV until like '83-'84, when I only saw the Snoopy and Garfield specials.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Then how come the Garfield Christmas special has a 1987 copyright date?

[@jwelch5742]

This special won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program.

[@RestrainingHollywood]

Well deserved

[@shawneldridge4465]

I miss seeing this Ziggy Christmas cartoons and other Christmas classic ones on television as well.Back in the day they use to jam pack them and now they barely play any Christmas cartoons anymore. Watching this is like taking back when I was 13 years old again. So many good times and great memories, would love to go back to the '80s again and relive them

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

TV channels are afraid to put anything remotely Christian on TV these days. There are hints of Christianity in this Ziggy cartoon so it'd never be aired on network TV today (it would offend too many non-Christians).

[@CaseyChristopher]

How did they craft this story and animation so perfectly? It is like the perfect balance of adult stage existential terror of the depressing state of reality right snug up against an innocent and youthful earnestness for good to be done against it. Everything around Ziggy in his world is decrepit and falling apart. The people are completely self absorbed and everything is under the most base of stress and needs being unmet. Somehow the moral of the story is that even just the slightest... most minute effort towards a spec of good can win against the endless depression available. I feel spoiled to the core having had this as a routine cartoon to watch as a kid when my grandma recorded it off tv on her first VHS machine in 1982. The sentiment here has always stuck with me.

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

It is quite a memorable cartoon...and, as you said, had the perfect blend of adult and child appeal. Parents could easily enjoy watching this with their kids, unlike some of the other specials. My aunt was a big Ziggy fan.

[@sparkyfive4340]

THANKS FOR THIS "ZIGGY" Special, he's my Hero; I can relate to his outlook On life ( if it weren't for bad luck, he wouldn't have ANY luck at all ) I once had a ZIGGY Calender ; & one of the Captions & Picture said ; "MY SHIP FINALLY CAME IN "!!! " A GARBAGE SCOW " !! I can SOOOO relate !! .... L O L ...

[@jaketucker2559]

I friggin love the cop cause he’s not a stereotypical cop even though he’s got an Irish accent

[@MeaghanEdwards]

This is a really sweet, overlooked little special :)

[@VideoGameMetal01]

I wouldn't say it's overlooked. It did win an Emmy, but its been a loooong time since they showed it on TV.

[@maverickhunter1381]

god bless the man who created this beautiful masterpiece.

[@monserratahumadahernandez3590]

oh man, i used to cry with this beautiful short back on 1995

[@bosswomantt]

Monserrat Ahumada Hernández 💙

[@susannajamieglenney_1]

Thank you for posting Ziggy's Gift. 😊❤

[@TheWaitingFlame01]

I hadn't seen this since my childhood in the 90's, when my belated Grandmother recorded things like this for her grandchildren. Thank you for bringing back cherished memories.

[@paulachristopher9451]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us!! ❤❤

[@itzorin600]

Rip Richard Williams probably such a powerful and great animator

[@teresasmith3468]

Haven't seen this in decades. Thank you.

[@hearttoheart4me]

Never really paid much attention to Ziggy cartoons in the paper. This is my first time watching this. I was 25 when this came out. Beautiful and simple story of Ziggy's love for all.

[@MrZELIG9]

🎄Perfect Christmas tale...with a delightful Harry Nilsson score🎄

[@ericachristian4012]

I think this is one of the main reasons I love the original comic strip so much!!! I really can't complain!!!

[@coffeeandpumpkin4699]

My favorite!! I grew up in the eighties!! Oh what memories. I would go back in a heartbeat.

[@beauwalker9820]

8:40 The freaky animatronic Santa made me laugh my head off as a kid. Now it's funnier now that I noticed all the ads around it for fake products. I think this special is very underrated.

[@MatthewPhillips-lb6xu]

I love watching this cartoon once each holiday season. So sweet and cozy. I love it. Takes me back to my early childhood. 1982. Before I even started school. We certainly had problems in those days but the entertainment industry sure made some magical memories.

[@kellciwages3917]

I​ forgot all about Ziggy sweet nostalgia

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

I haven’t, and furthermore I think that maybe it’s just about time that Ziggy made a debut on theatre screens in a good crossover story of an animated movie version of “KING OF THE HILL”. Besides, I think that maybe he could use the companionship of Texas propane salesman Hank Hill.

[@jackdumpster8657]

This is my all time favorite Christmas special (and that's saying something!) and I've only known it since about 2011...thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story. And thanks to the late great Harry Nilsson for his contribution to "Ziggy's Gift" as well!

[@OrchidKiller]

I saw this when I was a little kid, I didn't know who it was until now. Thank you!

[@YukonCornelius67]

+Alee ~ You're welcome.

[@specterkev]

Damn this made me cry

[@RestrainingHollywood]

Same..

[@wizzwamf]

loved this it was on the uk in the early 80s probably bbc 2 , remember the horrible santa and the window displays that broke down thanks for posting

[@Globee2]

I had a copy on VHS that I made for my baby back in the 80's. it's full of vhs scars and I would love to get a new dvd but, the only place that has it want $399.99 for the DVD. So, Thank you for posting it here.

[@vbscalice]

+Globee2 Amazon has it for 24.99

[@JellyBabie1984]

This was my favourite Christmas special as a kid, damn near wore the tape out even had a ziggy doll as a kid. Happy to find it so I can share it with my niece and nephews. Just such a great message.

[@stephenhubber9184]

Watched this for years.

[@SaviourV]

I remember watching this on TV when I was younger. Thanks for immortalising it here on KZbin. A little saccharine sweetness to warm my somewhat jaded adult heart, these days. Maybe there's still hope for mankind yet.

[@robinh.rogowski9660]

This sweet little cartoon means so much to me. I watch it every year without fail.

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

Thanks so much. Currently watching in HOT AUGUST 😅, 2024. Saving it to my Christmas file to watch it again, and again, and again. ❤

[@eluweniestargazer2570]

I was 10 years old when this cartoon movie was aired on television. It still makes me tear up today, 2018. One of most tender holiday cartoon short films. Should be a top 10 holiday cartoon movie. Thank you for posting. Peace!

[@kevsomeone]

One of the most underrated Christmas specials ever. Humorous, beautifully animated, heartwarming, and ends with a great message in the form of a song we all can learn from. I’d even go as far as to say this is better than many other specials such as Peanuts or Grinch.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Now, if only we could possibly get someone to do a Blondie & Dagwood Christmas special for tv as well as a Beetle Bailey Christmas special for tv, then we could truly have a good old fashioned American Christmas again, even if Clark Griswold finds out that his daughter-in-law would rather serve goose instead of turkey for the Christmas poultry dish.

[@tangerine4294]

man, I used to cry my eyes out when I was three years old and watched this Ziggy's special

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Later on that skinny guy with the moustache who followed him around like crazy that day winds up at the police station wherein he confesses to trying to pin the wrap on Ziggy.

[@_WillCAD_]

IO haven't seen this since I was a kid back in the early 80s. "Ho boy, mister police-guy!" always stuck with me as a hilarious line, along with the cop saying "Torkeys, uh, turkeys..." Heartwarming, simple, and delightful little Christmas special.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

First chance that the butcher gets, he’ll probably order in goose at Christmas from now on.

[@ACoss72]

Been looking for this for 34 years now. Thank you for bringing it back.

[@mrgamer21799]

This was wholesome, and the animation was top-notch! I wouldn't expect anything less when Richard Williams is involved. I'm going to watch this every Christmas from now on lol

[@debbieschiphof3932]

Mr. police guy!. I love it! This special really is special!

[@XX-gy7ue]

thank you so much for posting this treasure ! MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄 ! - it's an extremely dark and adult Christmas Special - but ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT , IN EVERY WAY A MASTERPIECE ! heart-breaking , heart- expanding , heart-healing !!!!! SOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL !!!!!

[@missmainecoon544]

One of my favorites, thanks so much!!!

[@spudskie3907]

16:15 my favorite part. I remember that scene as a kid. It still gets me. Oh that we could always see such spirit through the year…

[@williammorahan4907]

You can find it anywhere there’s kindness and love. You can always give something to someone who needs it.

[@theamericanshepherd5378]

Poor Ziggy, he's so kind-hearted, friendly an all-around good guy, so why does he always have such hard luck? The fates should be kinder to him.

[@GreenHillsZone]

Seeing this again, on after so many years... thank you for the upload!

[@debralerner8298]

this is the sweetest of all christmas specials ziggy has aways been my favorite strip thank you for the posting🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂!!!!!!!!

[@sherondagross409]

Thank you for this upload. This is one of my favorite Christmas animated story.

[@littlefrog13]

I’ve been looking for this for years. Thank you for having such a great, clear version of it. Lots of memories here. 💗

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Now all we need is to have someone make an Andy Capp Christmas special, and then the holiday season would have itself a virtual barnburner.

[@justbulma]

This came up on my KZbin recommendations and I’m so glad it did what a wonderful classic and a lovely surprise Merry Christmas to everyone far and wide 🎄❤️and Peace on Earth and goodwill to all humanity

[@michaeln1950]

Who would give this amazing video a thumbs down? Love this!

[@cryslove114]

Thank you so much for sharing will watch with my daughters this Christmas 2018♡

[@darthgillez1272]

I have a Ziggy Santa stuffed animal. Had it since I was like 2 years old. What a great episode. Gotta love these Christmas Specials they are so good !! ⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️🎄🎅🎁⛄️

[@SophieCrane-o7v]

It's now been 42 Years since this Magical, Emmy Award-Winning Christmas Cartoon aired on our Screens!

[@jacobcraft123]

omg this was n still is my fav christmas movie ever!!! i still have the VHS i wish i could find it on dvd so i could watch it i first seen this when it was in i think 1995 or 1996 love this movie i hope to watch this with gf n our kids someday

[@sherondagross409]

My favorite Christmas animated movie. Thank you!

[@aspalovin]

The news guy talking to the dad... 'How long have you been waiting? This is a microphone.... Well, I couldn't do that" Pretty sure he told the reporter where to stick it LMFAO

[@michaelanderson5301]

Same!

[@desi1790]

Did not know this existed Love the Ziggy comic strip growing up

[@vidgameman73]

Man,they don't even play a fraction of 80's X-Mas specials anymore, I think this one was on maybe twice :(

[@barbaradixon9123]

W 0 w 4

[@voiceover-impressionist]

That's why I don't own a TV anymore. I watch what I want, when I want. Not what they think I should watch.. Like the Filth today..

[@NikkiMcNair]

One of my FAV christmas cartoon 😁❤

[@krisen316]

love is the answer!

[@MarioBlooperCHANNEL]

You meet a lot of crazy people in this torkey business

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

That’s why it’s much better to have goose for a Christmas poultry dish, and leave the turkeys just for Thanksgiving only.

[@LeafyNebula]

Nice to find another Nebula in the wild lol

[@evicencio31863]

It was the Emmy's Awards Winner for Special or Variety Show that won on ABC Television 📺 in December, 1983.

[@SuperKat1029]

THANK YOU so much. Grew up with this and I have the DVD, but I’m watching w FireStick now. 😺🤙🏽

[@gfasos]

The greatest Christmas movie!

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

And right up there with “KING OF KINGS” from 1961.

[@Stephen10528]

Ziggy's tree looks like Charlie Brown's.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Good observation well noticed.

[@Stephen10528]

@@LindaCooper-i3f Pretty 😄 considering Ziggy’s bald l& round headed like CB and his dog’s small & white like Snoopy.

[@nymalous3428]

I haven't seen this is almost 20 years. Thanks!

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Likewise.

[@NolaChick82]

This first aired not only on the day I was born, but likely AS I was being born. (I was born 12/1/82) at 8:30 pm.

[@ryann8680]

thats cool, now i am going to embark to find out what was on tv as I was being born in 1973

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Earlier that day in the afternoon, my late mother and I were in the Maloney’s retail store in Morehead, Kentucky, with my oldest son, and he selected for a Christmas gift that year, a Bachmann HO scale electric train set with a Chessie System U36B locomotive, which was wrapped up in Pink Panther wrapping paper at my mother’s house on Christmas Day, and he was only six at the time, even though the printed writing on the package for the train set read ages 8 years and up? Now, they all read ages 14 years and up. It kind of reminds me of the scene in the movie “A CHRISTMAS STORY” in which the character of the old man replies, “I had one when I was eight years old.”, in reference to the Red Ryder 200 shot range model air rifle that Ralphie Parker wanted for Christmas.

[@hatchetmouth8211]

My favorite part is when the cat trots in from the snow and attacks the ball of yarn.

[@PqV72MT4]

Heartbreaking masterpiece.

[@vincentfranklin17]

This is a gem!

[@TheEpisodesShow]

haven't seen this before today. really sweet special.

[@janellirving4625]

The last time I saw this, I was 10.

[@jacqwolk]

I have no idea how I missed this, given my history of intense animation dorkdom, but it clearly still holds up. Thank you for sharing it!

[@daveerhardt1879]

Good story, very heartwarming.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

We need a good Christmas special involving Beetle Bailey as well as Blondie & Dagwood.

[@jenniferschillig3768]

In a more just world, this would be every bit as well-known and beloved as A Charlie Brown Christmas.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

At least Ziggy doesn’t have to worry about anyone trying to pull a football away before kicking it. Anyway, how do fellow fans feel about the possibility of Ziggy marrying the comic character of Cathy?

[@redbutterflyprincessgeanne4620]

Beautiful,just beautiful.

[@dancingdev1088]

RIP Richard Williams

[@dankachmer6056]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mcgannahanskyjellyfetti1663]

The Greek guy who sold Ziggy the turkeys looks just like Mr. Wilson from the Dennis the Menace comics...

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

If he’s supposed to be Greek, then how come he’s got a Sicilian accent in his voice?

[@christophercorrado2406]

Its my all time fav !!

[@bdpickett]

The con-man sounds like a mix of Marvin the Martian and Mr. Bean.

[@triciaann4086]

Ziggy where did u go? Please come back! Loved him...