Two hosting prehistoric dinosaurs guide you along a typical small town's Christmas choral celebration. There's just one catch, the entire town population is made out of clay! Special Guest Stars: The California Raisins! Apparently today this special is hard to track down, with the only DVD release having some pretty awful sound quality (a shame considering this is basically a musical with clay over the top). And yet, it seems to be well-remembered by those who saw it all those year ago.I was able to track down a copy and was impressed by what I saw. Some, like the Raisins, were how I recalled them. But there are some very interesting interpretations of Christmas songs that need to be heard.

In an age of computers, it is refreshing to go back and watch something like this. Nowadays it would be CGI but back then they knew the value of stop motion. Witty, charming and enjoyable, the comedy of Herb playing against his straight man Rex works wonderfully. The songs are stylish, and the religious overtones are of course present, but not dominant, allowing people to choose to believe in what they will and still enjoy the show. The Californian Raisons are held back until the end, with a questionable carol to their lips (is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really a carol?) and the work in expression on these characters is simply wonderful. I think there's only one way to summarize this programme: Joy to the world.

This is a must-see-movie in our household. The clamation wonderfully animates classic Christmas Carols. It is full of humor and it enjoyable for all ages. We wore our tape into oblivion and it took me forever to find another copy.

Finally a Christmas special that doesn't inspire a gag reflex. Well done animation and story that makes you just want to wassail. The camels really rock as do the California Raisins. Music is original with redone Christmas favorites. Find the kids and a big lump of clay and enjoy! (along with some waffles:)