Christmas Comes But Once a Year (1936)
3This is a lesser known classic by Max Fleischer Studios, that I used to see played on TV around Christmas as a kid in the 80s. It was part of their "Color Classics" series, far lesser known than their great Betty Boop, Popeye and Superman cartoons.
It is about a kooky old man who happens to be an inventor, who happens across a run down orphanage on Christmas Eve. Seeing that the children are sad and bound for an unhappy Christmas Day, he decides to take matters into his own hands! Utilizing all sorts of odds and ends sitting around the Orphanage, while the children are asleep he plays "Santa Claus" and builds them a bunch of makeshift toys, to surprise them all with on Christmas morning.
Certainly not the very best of the "Golden Age" Christmas themed cartoons, but a classic worth remembering. To me, it really embodies what the spirit of Christmas is supposed to be about. Whether you're Christian or not, even just on a "secular" basis, Christmas is about the spirit of generosity, giving, compassion, and love for your fellow man. It's about the joy of togetherness, and the warmth of human kindness. And especially in light of the many out there every year who do NOT have such wonderful things in their life, who feel especially lonely or sad around the holidays, the world could use more things like this cartoon, to spread a little "Christmas Cheer".
Happy Holidays everyone, and have a very Merry Christmas!
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