The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas (1973)

"The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas" is a 25-minute animated short film from December 1973, which means not only that it is already 44 years old, but also that it is of course a Christmas-themed work as you may have guessed from the title already. I will not bother you with all the names of the writers and directors here as you can check these out for yourself. Same about the voice actors, but I must say I am not familiar with any of them. My loss I guess as here everybody's doing a decent job. The story is sweet too and I am not surprised at all about the name Freleng being linked to the project. Plus, the visual side is among the film's biggest strengths. The characters and locations/landscapes look really retro, really traditional and it goes well with the story of a rougher Winnie the Pooh finding out about Santa and the spirit of Christmas despite obstacles getting in his way like other bears who don't like Christmas at all. Oh yeah, the comedy in terms of plays on words here was great too like the one reference about the bear symbolizing bad times in the world of finance or the comment about building something with one's bear/bare hands that actually had me laugh out loud. So yeah, this is definitely a good choice for a harmless little fun film for the holidays. It also has a pretty nice message and I recommend this well-rounded effort. The one area where it came a bit short for me was the music, but that's entirely subjective. I'm sure many will like that aspect too. Go check it out.

This is my absolute favorite Christmas special. I have not gone a year without watching it. There are several stories about bears not wanting to hibernate through Christmas. But this one is unique and not one of the others holds a candle to it. I have a VHS but would love a DVD. This special is cute, funny, and catchy. Ted is my favorite character ever (aside from Mickey). In fact, I still have a plush Ted E. Bear that I got when I was one for Christmas. I wouldn't give up my Teddy for anything! I seem to be the only person out there who has one of these bears. My poor Ted lost his clothes and bow-tie. But he looks great for being almost 30 years old!

I recorded this made-for-TV holiday special and later purchased the VHS video. As a bear collector, I enjoyed the animation in this story about a bear who searches for Christmas. The main character, Ted Edward Bear (Ted E. Bear), decides not to join his fellow Bear City community who are getting ready for their long hibernation. Instead, he sets out on a journey to find out if there is such a thing as Christmas music, lights and a fat human who goes down chimney's. Ted tries to buy a plane ticket to "Christmas" and soon learns that Christmas is not a destination. He sets out on a long walk, fighting to stay awake. He wonders into a big city and starts asking where he can find Christmas. Confused and frightened, he finds the big Christmas Tree with all its beautiful lights and hears some Christmas music. In delight, he gets into a store window and plays with all the animated toys. He wonders if this is what Christmas is. The toys tell him that he is close to it. They tell him if they don't get bought, they will not find Christmas. To his dismay, he gets locked in the store but accidentally gets out. He runs into Santa and tells him he's trying to find Christmas. Santa tells him Christmas isn't a place, or a thing, or even a time. It's something you carry around in your heart and something you give. Thinking he doesn't have anything to give, Santa tells Ted he has very much to give and helps him find the true meaning of Christmas.

I grew up watching this movie from 3 years old until I was about 12. At the time I thought it was a great cartoon, but 10 years later, after losing my original tape and paying $20 for a new copy at a pawn shop, I love this movie even more. Now I understand the story and it is the most touching Christmas special and it completes my Christmas holiday. If anyone is lucky enough to see this, please do, it will be worth it.