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Yes Virginia, Holiday Videos Make Perfect Gifts

© F. Colin Kingston

Looking for that perfect holiday gift? Try giving holiday television specials and movies that are available on home video!

Suite101.Com surveyed dozens of these holiday related videos. Most were made specifically for television but a select few are holiday movies broadcast each year. The following recommendations represent the Cream of the Crop. Each also makes an excellent gift or stocking stuffer. Prices quoted may vary depending on holiday store sales or where you live.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER is the Rankin/Bass animated puppet production of the classic Christmas song made famous by the late Gene Autry. Famed folk singer Burl Ives lends his vocal talents and plays the part of the snowman/storyteller in this musical tale. Available from Broadway Video, it is priced at $14.95. Length: 53 minutes.

finds the Peanuts gang, and Charlie Brown in particular, in search of the true meaning of Christmas. Written by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, this is the most heartwarming of all the Peanuts specials. Available from Hi-Tops Video it is priced at $9.95. Length: 23 minutes.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS finds the nasty Grinch trying to stop Christmas from coming to Whoville. The late, great Boris Karloff is perfectly cast as the voice of the Grinch in this animated classic written by Dr. Seuss (real name Theodore Geisel). Warner Brothers and Bugs Bunny cartoon alumnus Chuck Jones co-produced this special. Available from MGM/UA Home Video, it is priced at $14.95. Length: 23 minutes.

ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE is the 1946 film classic that seems to get better every year. A guardian angel shows a man whois about to commit suicide (played by James Stewart) what life would be like had he not been born. While the plot seems a bit hokey, Stewart and fellow cast members Donna Reed, Ward Bond and Lionel Barrymore pull it off beautifully. This was James Stewarts personal favorite of all the films he made and it is easy to see why. Available from Republic Pictures it is priced at $19.95. Length: 129 minutes.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL has been adapted more times than just about any story I can think of. The 1951 theatrical version starring Alastair Sims remains the best and truest adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Patrick McNee of television1s THE AVENGERS fame plays a young Jacob Marley. Available from Good Times Home Video, it is priced at $7.95. Length: 86 minutes.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is notable for several reasons. This holiday classic stars Edmund Gwenn in his Oscar-winning role as Kris Kringle. A young Natalie Wood plays a girl who does not believe in Santa Claus. Oscars also went to screenwriter Valentine Davies and Director George Seaton. Available from Playhouse Video, it is priced at $19.95. Length: 96 minutes.