In a decade when commercialism and capitalism were at their peak, it seemed like any existing TV show, cartoon or character was getting its own holiday special for reasons that weren t always altruistic.
It didn t help that the cost and ease of producing animation had gone down drastically, making it easier for TV networks and companies to take a stab at adapting any property into what they hoped was a timeless holiday classic. From the Smurfs and Pac-Man to the Cabbage Patch Kids and Rambo, pretty much anyone who was anyone got their own very special Christmas special in the 80s.