Holiday Materials
Seasonal Materials for all ages
MultiMedia Matierials
The BOCES MultiMedia library has holiday materials in many different formats. You can find DVDs, streaming materials, jackdaws and more available in the library catalog.
SWANK Streaming
DVDs
O' Christmas Tree (022629)
DVD, PIJS, 60 min.
This charming one-hour holiday special, hosted by Richard Karn (Home Improvement's "Al") traces the history of the Christmas tree from its origins as a pagan symbol of fertility to a Christian symbol of rebirth. O Christmas Tree celebrates the styles and rituals of Christmas trees all over the world and illustrates the history of the Christmas tree with funny and fascinating Christmas tree lore.
The Big Christmas Tree (021255)
DVD, PI, 25 min.
This live-action program explores the story behind the Christmas tree and how it came to be a holiday tradition. Viewers will visit a Christmas tree farm and meet a man with 14 Christmas trees and over 20,000 ornaments. The program also follows the search for the perfect tree for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Celebration. Children will discover how the giant tree is transported back to New York City and decorated with over 26,000 lights.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (021257)
DVD, PI, 25 min.
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas in this animated holiday special from creator Charles Schulz. While Snoopy decorates his doghouse and his friends happily prepare for Christmas, Charlie Brown finds himself battling the blues. In an effort to find some holiday cheer, Charlie decides to direct the school holiday pageant. The play proves frustrating until Charlie discovers a forlorn little Christmas tree that teaches the whole gang about the real spirit of Christmas. Program also includes It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown.
The Night Before Christmas (021289)
DVD, P, 6 min.
One of the most beloved Christmas traditions, the story of Santa's visit on a snowy Christmas Eve, is beautifully brought to life with exquisite illustration and festive music. No detail is missing, not even the mouse!
Holidays for Children: Christmas (021396)
DVD, PI, 23 min.
Many symbols and legends have become associated with Christmas, yet few know the meanings behind them. This program explores both the religious and legendary stories of Christmas in order to help children understand that there is more to the holiday than the department store Santa Claus. Christmas around the world is explored, with emphasis on similarities to American traditions, and the spirit of this holiday comes to life as members of the renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir sing carols. Children are also shown how to create a Christmas countdown calendar.
Merry Christmas, Splat (022569)
DVD, P, 8 min.
Splat is trying hard to be good before Santa's arrival, but he just keeps messing up. Join the fun and find out if all his hard work will be enough for him to get the big present he dreams of.
The Night before Christmas and more classic Holiday Tales (021184)
DVD, P, 73 min.
Presents a collection of animated holiday tales based on award-winning children's books. Narrated by Anthony Edwards, The Night Before Christmas is an iconographic presentation of the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore, featuring illustrations by Ruth Sanderson. An arrogant merchant learns the true meaning of Hanukkah in In the Month of Kisley by Nina Jaffe. Narrated by Alfre Woodard, Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney looks at this unique holiday celebrates family, community and gratitude for life's bounties. A young girl loses her mother's ring while making tamales for Christmas dinner in Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. Also includes Max's Christmas and Max's Disappearing Bag, written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells, and The Little Drummer Boy by Katherine Davis.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (022567)
DVD, PI, 26 min.
Dr. Seuss and the Grinch - From Whoville to Hollywood - Join us on a rapping and rhyming journey to find out the fascinating adventure of the amazing Dr. Seuss and his creation of the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Along with the story of how this all-time classic was adapted into the famous Christmas TV special.
Elmo's World: Happy Holidays (021657)
DVD, P, 60 min.
In the first-ever Elmo's World holiday special, Elmo is happily gearing up to celebrate Christmas. But what present will he give Dorothy, his beloved goldfish? As he searches for the perfect gift, Elmo is excited to learn that there are many different winter holidays. He discovers that Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa have much in common, too. His exploration sparks a journey to the North Pole, where Elmo meets Santa, who has some expert advice about the true spirit of Christmas - leading Elmo to the perfect gift for Dorothy!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (021906)
DVD, P, 52 min.
The story of the famous song is told and sung by Burl Ives, and features Animagic animation. This classic Rankin & Bass Christmas special follows the adventures of Rudolph before he had become Santa's guiding light. See how Rudolph overcomes the ridicule surrounding his glowing red nose to become the savior of Christmas and the most famous reindeer of them all.
Frosty the Snowman (021907)
DVD, P, 48 min.
Jimmy Durante narrates this classic Rankin & Bass animated Christmas special. When Frosty the Snowman is accidentally brought to life, he must weather a storm of adventures and outwit an evil magician, who is trying to melt him, in order to find safety and happiness with Santa at the North Pole. Also includes Frosty Returns, narrated by Jonathan Winters with John Goodman as Frosty. When a greedy tycoon invents a new product that will eliminate snow, a little girl named Holly fights to save the snow and Frosty.
The Polar Express (021908)
DVD, PIJS, 100 min.
A young boy takes a magical train ride on Christmas Eve in this animated feature film, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film features the voices of Tom Hanks and Nona Gaye. When a skeptical young boy takes a train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery which teaches him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Interactive Materials & Streaming Titles
Christmas (750036)
Jackdaw, IJS
This Christmas story is unusual and educational. Students will get a whole new perspective on Christmas customs with this Jackdaw. Enchanting and intriguing hands-on documents visit the roots of Christmas and its customs round the world. Students, and teachers too, will learn Christmas was once illegal, but then learn further about customs, ceremonies, folklore and festivities. All will enjoy the wonderful Victorian illustrations, games, and even full-models of a puppet and a mask.
Search the following titles for Streaming Videos
Christmas
Christmas Present
Christmas Tree
Twelve Days of Christmas
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa
Hanukkah Traditions and Activities
Introduction to Hanukkah
Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
Franklin - Franklin's Magic Christmas
Dinosaur Train Christmas Special
Save trees: Living Christmas tree
This Day in History, December 25
We Love the Winter Holidays
Holiday Tree House
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