The 1977 holiday special Cosmic Christmas has become a December comfort entertainment for many viewers, with its retro animation style and unique storyline. Produced by Nelvana, a Canadian animation powerhouse, the cartoon follows the character Peter, a young boy with a pet goose named Lucy, who encounters three aliens who have landed their spaceship on Earth. The aliens are seeking to learn the true meaning of Christmas after seeing a new star in the sky 2,000 years ago.
In the town preparing for Christmas, Peter’s grandma, a gang of colorful teen delinquents, and Lucy the goose drive the plot forward, leading to an exciting climax that is suitable for viewers of all ages. Clocking in at 24 minutes, Cosmic Christmas does feature some weird musical interludes, but the core action of the story keeps it moving towards a satisfying conclusion. The animation style of the special is a mix of Mad Magazine’s Don Martin and classic animator Ralph Bakshi, giving it a hand-drawn chaos that is rare in modern cartoons.
Despite a brief mention of Jesus Christ and the “Star of Bethlehem,” Cosmic Christmas largely approaches the holiday from a secular perspective. The true meaning of Christmas, according to Peter in the special, is love, peace, and caring for others. The humor in the story comes from the town’s outrageous mayor and befuddled police chief, who provide some of the best jokes in the special. The gang of tough-talking teenagers who are after Peter’s goose, Lucy, also add to the comedic elements of the narrative.
For those who enjoy retro animation or are looking for a different holiday viewing option, Cosmic Christmas is available to watch for free on Tubi. The special offers a nostalgic and heartwarming take on the holiday season, with a message of love and peace at its core. Whether it’s the quirky characters, the impressive alien designs, or the heartwarming resolution, Cosmic Christmas continues to be a beloved holiday classic for many viewers who rediscover it each December.
