Christmas Curios and Wonders

This year I decided to scour the Web and collect some interesting videos from YouTube which related to the holiday season in some way. The collection is varied, ranging from the very old to the bizzare. As my way of saying the best of the holidays, each day I will send out one video, including a brief overview related to that particular video, to people I know. Presented below is that collection.

The Visit of Santa Claus (1898) Historic Christmas Film by G.A. Smith



This is the first time in which Santa Claus is depicted on film.

The Insects' Christmas (1913) The Original Russian Stop Motion Animation



This fascinating stop motion animated film was produced by the Khanzhonkov Company, Moscow Russia in 1913. Originally a silent film, a modern soundtrack (from the movie, Edward Scissorhands) was added by the poster to enhance its magical, dreamlike quality.


A Christmas Dream (1946) Stop Motion Live Action Animation



Directed and created by a team of two Czech Brothers, Borivoj Zeman and Karel Zeman, this is a vintage Toy Story, so to speak. "Vánoční sen" (its Czech Republic title) was ahead of it's time and still holds up today, over 60 years old, as an impressive achievement in film. Rankin Bass comes to mind when viewing, and I am sure it has inspired many Directors through the years.

The Grinch Song



This is a compilation of excerpts from the classic 1966 animated TV show, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!", set to the song which appeared in that show, "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch".

12 Farts of Christmas



Originally released in 2002 on JibJab, a web site renown for its satirical perspectives on the world in which we live, is this explosive version of a classic Christmas song.

26,000 LED Christmas Lights Dance To Star Trek Voyager Theme



This Lauderdale.com 26,200 holiday lights display with 80 channels from 5 computerized lighting controllers. You import an MP3 off your CD, and using software, you act as orchestrated, tell the lights when to turn on or off, fade, twinkle, etc. An MP3 player inside the controller plays the music and controls the lights according to your programmed orchestration. We transmit it to people's cars via an unused radio station frequency.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock



Originally introduced to Trans-Siberian Orchestra after hearing their album, The Lost Christmas Eve, they have become one of my favourite modern rock bands. That album, The Lost Christmas Eve, is now a beloved part of my music collection and is brought out every year to be played.

In the video above, they appear in concert performing Christmas Canon Rock.

The Chocolate Carol (do you love chocolate?)



Titled, The Chocolate Carol, this song is dedicated to all those who love chocolate in all its delicious forms.