Christmas TV History: Christmas in July 2013: Animation!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Christmas in July 2013: Animation!

1966's How the Grinch Stole Christmas

It's that special time of year again! I'm starting to get ready for our annual summer party here on the blog--a time I like to invite readers to participate in sharing their favorite Christmas entertainment memories. Just as in past years, we'll all focus on one topic: this year, let's write about our FAVORITE ANIMATED CHRISTMAS episodes, specials or movies. (It can be Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or New Year's too!) Doesn't that sound like fun?

1965's A Charlie Brown Christmas

Instructions:
(1). Reserve your title with me first. It won't be as much fun if we have 15 or more people writing on the same thing. Email me with the title of what you want to write about at: Joanna [at] 1701press dot com. Let me know if you will eventually be sending photos with your essay--if you can't send photos, I can get them for you. However, I need to know ahead of time.

(2). Your essay should consist of a brief summary--just 2-5 sentences. It should be just enough to remind readers of the plot--we've all seen these before so just describe it enough to make it distinguishable from all other Christmas animated programs.

Then write a paragraph or two about WHY this is your favorite animated program. What does it remind you of? What makes it especially meaningful for you? or describe one scene that is emotionally satisfying or meaningful. Just connect with the animated program personally and share it with us.

(3) Email your essay and photos as an attachment to me at the above email address. Your deadline is June 30th. The party begins July 1st--and I need to organize the order of the essays ahead of time.

(4) During July, come back READ everyone else's favorite animated program essays. It's not a party if we're not interacting. But mostly, just have fun with it.

Sound good? I'm hoping that everyone who has participated in previous years will join the fun again this year--and we'll get some new voices to join our regulars. I've specially selected the topic of ANIMATED ENTERTAINMENT as a broad category so we encourage some newbies to join the party.

1964's Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

If you'd like to participate but don't know what to write about--just email me! I'll be glad to make suggestions. Also, just as in years past, if you're nervous about writing for the blog, I'll be glad to preview your essay and work with you to edit your essay to your satisfaction before posting it. Whatever makes you comfortable with participating. There's lots of room here for many voices. Come join the fun.

1969's Frosty the Snowman

You are welcome to select a title that is old or new, Animagic (stop motion) or traditional animation, an episode from a Saturday morning cartoon series or a feature-length animated movie. One of the things I love about guest bloggers during Christmas in July is that we get an amazing amount of diversity--keep it coming! You can write about something rare (aired only once) or something that has aired on prime time network TV every year since 1964. Just pick something. And, of course, I'll be glad to make suggestions if you're stumped.

2007's Shrek the Halls

Need to re-watch your animated title? I'll be glad to make suggestions on WHERE to find your title too---that's very easy for me to do. Generally speaking, don't forget your local library, Netflix--streaming and DVDs, Blockbuster.com, Hulu, Youtube, Vimeo, and your own personal collection.