Oh, the magic of Christmas past! For anyone who grew up in the 60s and 70s, the holiday season wasn't just about presents; it was about those special animated Christmas movies that flickered onto our screens. I remember the anticipation, the hushed living rooms, and the shared warmth with family. But as the years went by, many of these cherished animated 70s movies and 1960s Christmas cartoons seemed to vanish, becoming mere echoes in our memories. You might wonder, like I did, why we rarely see them now, or why some were even labeled banned Christmas classics by some fans. The truth, I've learned, often comes down to less dramatic reasons than outright bans. As the OCR images hinted, it was often a mix of things: different rights changing hands, schedules got tight on TV networks, and bigger U.S. specials crowding it out. Many of these were not tied to huge brands, so when rights moved or lineups changed, they simply slipped off the big channels. It's why finding gems like A Cosmic Christmas (1977) or The Little Drummer Boy Book II (1976) often means digging through old tapes or deep cuts rather than tuning into mainstream TV. I still vividly recall the otherworldly charm of A Cosmic Christmas. That feeling of it felt like Christmas in a secret meeting when those glowing aliens stepped out, like wise men from the stars. It wasn't the slickest animation, but the colors feel cool and blue, and the story was so unique. Then there’s The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas. I felt so grown up watching that Teddy Bear explore the big city, seeing skyscrapers instead of toy villages. People online sometimes say it was banned, but it truly just slipped out of the big rotation as newer specials took its slot. It felt sweet, modern, and a little lonely in a good way. And who could forget Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey from 1977? The OCR captured it perfectly: it's tender, windy, and a rare TV visitor. I remember how quiet the room would get when Nestor's story unfolded, especially when Nester turns a flaw into a gift. It's a message that hits hard but gently, and it truly created a hush that shines brighter than tinsel. It's a shame that some stations chose lighter shows instead, causing it to air less and less over the years. Even Ziggy's Gift (1982), though slightly past the 70s, belongs to this era of heartfelt, often overlooked animated 70s movies (and early 80s). The OCR mentions the room smelled like pine and tape from wrapping, and Ziggy's tiny nose made me smile. It was a gentle glow in a noisy season, not tied to a big brand, and its quiet charm just couldn't compete with the louder specials that crowded the schedules. These christmas cartoons from the 60s and 70s offered such diverse storytelling, from outer space adventures to introspective tales. They weren't just entertainment; they were part of the holiday ritual, shaping our understanding of Christmas cheer and kindness. While modern holiday programming is wonderful in its own way, there's an undeniable magic in rediscovering these 1960s Christmas cartoons and christmas cartoons 1970s that time has nearly forgotten. It’s like finding a hidden treasure, a piece of your own childhood holiday spirit, waiting to be unwrapped again. So, if you ever spot one of these on a DVD or a streaming niche, embrace that summer sparkle for Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979) or the quiet bravery of Nestor. They are worth the hunt.