It's embarrassing, but I can admit that it's happened to me. On more than one occasion, I've teared up while watching a children's holiday special on TV.
I mean, I don't break down and sob or anything. But sometimes it's hard not to get a little verklempt during classics like "A Charlie Brown Christmas" or "Frosty the Snowman." Let's be real: the peeps at Rankin Bass know how to tug a heartstring.
With that in mind, here's my list of the 10 moments in kids' Christmas specials most likely to make a parent cry:
10. Cindy Lou Who Questions the Grinch in "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
There is something about the way that little Who (who is no more than 2) says, "Why are you stealing our Christmas tree? Why?" that makes me emotional. (Fast forward to the seven-minute mark in this video to see it.)
9. "Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey"
There isn't one moment in this one that makes me especially sad. It's just the sight of a poor little mule tripping over his ears that breaks my heart.
8. Santa Claus Cries in "Christmas Comes to PacLand"
The tears in my ears are actually the byproduct of laughter. A Pacman Christmas special? Sorry, that concept cracks me up every time. The fact that Santa has a mini-breakdown only adds to the absurdity (fast-forward to the 40-second mark to see Mr. Claus lose his s---).
7. When the Doll Cries in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
I couldn't find a clip of this exact moment, but we all know the one I mean: the misfit doll -- who technically doesn't have anything wrong with her, but whatev -- breaks down and cries stop-motion-animated tears. Ah, stop-motion-animated tears ... they can melt the heart of even the cruelest Scrooge.
6. Imogene Herdman's 'Silent Night' Moment in 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'
We all know the book, and some of you even may have seen the play. But in the '80s, a TV version of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," starring the one and only Loretta Swit, aired. Just like in the book, the tear-inducing moment comes when the unruly Imogene Herdman has a holy moment during "Silent Night." (See if you can spot a very young Fairuza Balk in this clip.)
5. The 'Blue Christmas' Song in 'The Year Without a Santa Claus'
Said it before, and I'll say it again: It's impossible to resist stop-motion-animated tears.
4. The Conclusion of 'Ziggy's Gift'
Okay, this is pretty humiliating. But I remember crying my little elementary-school-aged heart out when I watched this animated special back in the '80s. Something about the homeless guy got to me.
3. When Frosty Melts in 'Frosty the Snowman'
Karen cries over a puddle in the greenhouse. And America cries with her. (The tears fly at about the 2:25 mark.)
2. The Ending of 'The House Without a Christmas Tree'
This is another special based on a popular children's book, and one that rarely airs. But you can find it on DVD. It's worth watching to see Jason Robards's affecting portrait of a widower who doesn't want to give his daughter a Christmas tree. If you can watch the scene where Robards' character finally talks about his late wife and not cry, well, you're a better person than I am.
1. Linus's Monologue in 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
As far as I am concerned, this is the quintessential kids' Christmas special weeper, and one that you can catch tonight when the classic airs on ABC. To quote Linus himself, "This is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."
