Jack Frost (1979) – Rewatch

While there is a scene or two set at Christmas time, this is the rare Rankin-Bass stop-motion animated special that involves a less celebrated holiday. Groundhog Pardon-Me Pete explains the best/only Groundhog day tradition by narrating the tale of the one winter when immortal sprite Jack Frost made a bargain with Father Winter to become human. In the best Rankin-Bass fashion, it’s an attempt to explain holiday traditions with some real nonsense. There’s a whole bevy of weather making sprites whether sleet or hail or snow. The antagonist is a Cossack named Kubla Kraus whose only companions are a hand puppet named Dommy and an array of steampunk creations. It’s weird and delightful and a lovely way to celebrate a holiday that really doesn’t need celebrating.