"Ziggy's Gift" is an animated television special from 1982, so this one has its 35th anniversary this year. It runs for 25 minutes and was directed by Richard Williams, who was already an Oscar winner at that point and is way into his 80s today. The story and script are by Tom Wilson, his only credit sadly as Ziggy never returned to the screen despite the strong reception here. This one won an Emmy and rightfully so. To me, there is something really charming to this one in terms of animation, comedy and the spirit. First of all, you really can't not like Ziggy and the supporting characters are all great fun to watch, like the police officer, the turkey salesman, the other Santa etc. There are hilarious moments on several occasions, most of all the one when Ziggy gets pulled away near the end while holding on to his magic bag and pulling the other Santa with him. The animals in this scene provide additional hilarity that culminates when the police guy sees what's going on before everybody starts singing a Christmas song, so the film delivers in terms of the music too. Speaking of animals, the turkey release scene was a nice one for an animal lover like myself, even if the life in the city may not suit them. But at the very core, it was really effective and I also like how the turkeys are not depicted as cute little birdies or anything. It's not a cringeworthy sob story or anything. The realistic comedy element is never left out of sight. All in all, an amazing watch and a definite contender for one of the best short films I've seen in all 2017. Highly recommended, especially during the season.

Ziggy is is a silent character who always tries to do the best that he can but always comes across trouble. Ziggy gets a job working as a street Santa for a crooked fly by night who plans to take all the money raised from the fake Santas.Ziggy goes out with his dog and collects money in his donation pot and hands money out to a Salvation Army band, buys Christmas turkeys and sets them free. He also keeps a vagrant warm by giving him his clothes, takes in a cat. However there is also a thief who is after his pot and a cop who is rounding up all the phoney Santas. They all realise the value of giving when they end up in an orphanage.The animation is rather average, some of the voice work is annoying in fact it seemed to be ethnic caricatures but yet there is something heartwarming about the story and I liked Ziggy's dog doing his best to protect his master from the thief.

I recently got to watch "Ziggy's Gift" on DVD because I had not seen this on TV since the 80s. For a holiday special it's quite simple and understated. It's setting is modern with a few of the things that make the holidays depressing mentioned.Ziggy is a plain and simple guy with a cute pet pup. He lives alone and it's never clear if he even works but he's in obvious financial straits in having to take a job as a street corner Santa. He doesn't have much but he still has room in his heart to be giving towards others.His timing for this occupation is unfortunate because the police are combing the city to find crooked Santas that are collecting money for themselves.Not knowing,Ziggy is followed by a really creepy looking guy who's really a sleaze. He's also followed by an officer who is suspicious of his activity. The holiday spirit seems lost until Ziggy,The policeman and the creep meet up in front of the local orphanage. They scuffle but then see they're being watched and quickly break into a Christmas Carol. They are then invited in and Ziggy,the cop and the creepy guy end up helping the kids with gifts and holiday cheer.It's a great special and it something that should be watched each year to remind us that,no matter how bad it gets in the world,we can't let those things destroy our humanity or our hearts. Here's to you Zig,you are not forgotten (END)

This is a classic Christmas cartoon that deserves to be watched every year. Why it's not shown anymore is beyond me, but I bought this on video YEARS ago. It's a typical feel good story, like Charlie Brown or The Grinch... but it's simpler. Ziggy wants to help others during the holiday season. He takes a job ringing a bell, dressed like Santa and collect for the poor. But the man who hired him is running a scam and keeping the money. There's also a thief, who's after Ziggy and his money. And a cop... who's after the phony Santas. But more than the money, the thief wants the kettle, for it seems to have magical powers. The thief reaches in for something for himself and finds the kettle empty. Ziggy uses it to help others. It will make you feel great and want to watch it every year!