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4 childhood Thanksgiving specials to watch with your kids this year

The holiday is all about tradition and family.

By Evelyn Ulrich

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING - The ABC Television Network will kick off the holiday season with the classic half-hour animated PEANUTS special, ÒA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,Ó Wednesday, NOV. 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. In the 1973 special, ÒA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,Ó created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However, the dinner he arranges is a disaster when the caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock, prepare toast and popcorn as
A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING - The ABC Television Network will kick off the holiday season with the classic half-hour animated PEANUTS special, ÒA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,Ó Wednesday, NOV. 27 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EST), on ABC. In the 1973 special, ÒA Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,Ó created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown wants to do something special for the gang. However, the dinner he arranges is a disaster when the caterers, Snoopy and Woodstock, prepare toast and popcorn as /
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The holidays were a big deal to me, as they were with most childhoods. You had nearly a week off for Thanksgiving and almost three for Christmas. It was a great time to savor the time with your family and unwind from the stress of school. And what are the holidays without the specials? They make up a huge slice of our memories, and now we're able to share them with the new generations of our families.

Classics like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Garfield Thanksgiving will remain at the top of my family watch list. While I wasn't born yet when the former first premiered, I was still able to enjoy it. Thanks to the wonderful invention of repeats and annual broadcasts, I was mystified by Snoopy's holiday antics and his friendship with Woodstock. Serving savory snacks in lieu of turkey and pie may not be our idea of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but it worked well for Snoopy and his friends' storylines.

As a child of the 1980s, Garfield was a staple of my childhood, and seeing how the fat and snarky tabby revived his popularity in the present day, is awesome. More than 40 years later, Garfield's still offering his sardonic, tell-like-it-is humor and making us laugh.

In addition to Garfield and Snoopy, there are a couple more specials to enjoy with your kids this Thanksgiving!

Charlie Brown Snack GIF by Peanuts - Find & Share on GIPHY

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Thanksgiving isn't just for family get-togethers; it's also time for friends when Charlie Brown is bombarded with an unexpected invite from Peppermint Patty to come over, in a pinch, Snoopy swoops in and prepares a meal of toast, popcorn, pretzels, and sweet jelly beans for the guests, which has multiplied with Linus, Franklin, and Marcie.

Naturally, Charlie is concerned about whether he can pull off two Thanksgiving meals, with the other being at his grandmother's. Yet, with the help of Linus and Snoopy, he's able to do both and even brings his friends to join him at his grandma's.

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Food Cooking GIF by Boomerang Official - Find & Share on GIPHY

A Garfield Thanksgiving (1989)

Jon Arbuckle wants to prepare the best Thanksgiving dinner to impress Liz the Vet as she has been invited over. Meanwhile, Garfield is placed on a diet and can't enjoy any of the traditional food. Jon's meal prep is seemingly done for until Grandma steps in and magically fixes everything. Liz relieves Garfield from his diet so he can celebrate Thanksgiving with everyone at the table.

With some 1980s irony and Garfield's humor, your kids will find this classic hilarious with a side of warmth.

Where to watch: Peacock and YouTube via the Garfield and Friends channel

Season 2 Happy Thanksgiving GIF by The Simpsons - Find & Share on GIPHY

The Simpsons: "Bart vs. Thanksgiving" (1991)

In the first Thanksgiving episode of The Simpsons, Bart throws a tantrum and leaves home, causing concern among the rest of his family. He (and Santa's Little Helper) walks around Springfield and absorbs everyone else's holiday. From the very wealthy Mr. Burns to the deeply downturned, Bart sees the societal divide and how it can impact a joyous occasion. The entire plotline has a Dickensian element and one that's often overlooked.

Bart returns home after spending time at the homeless center as he realizes how he made his family feel and apologizes to Lisa, whom he hurt the most. Following reconciliation, the Simpsons enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers.

"Bart Vs. Thanksgiving" emphasizes what some families encounter during the holidays and even makes fun of The Simpsons by sneaking in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon of Bart.

Where to watch: Disney+

Macys Parade GIF by The 96th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - Find & Share on GIPHY

The Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The famed department store's headlining event will enter its 100th year, and its accomplishment has delighted fans ever since. The parade is a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving festivities before the feast. This year, new balloons will be in the lineup, including Minnie Mouse and Gabby from Gabby's Playhouse. And we mustn't forget Bluey, for she's a fan favorite.

Aside from the balloons, there will be floats topped with musical guests and beloved characters. One of the floats that I love is Toys "R" Us, as it's a symbol of childhood. Going shopping at the store was a kid's paradise. You couldn't but get lost in the stores as you took in everything and peered at all the toys.

Where to watch: NBC at 9 AM EST/8 AM CST live and Peacock

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