One of the creepier Rankin-Bass stop-motion Christmas movies. There were 3 moments that were cut on modern tv showings: the sequence where Santa gives toys to kids in exchange for kisses; the scene where the Bergermeister burns the toys (but not the first time he steals them and doesn't burn them); and the My World is Beginning Today song sequence, as the entire song looks like an acid trip. In addition, during the "toy for a kiss" sequence, Santa gives a kid a rifle (not kidding). Bergermeister is the most terrifying character, and the Winter Warlock (aka Winter) is a bit frightening, but misunderstood, and he eventually turns good after a 5-minute sequence about how easy taking your first step is (once again, not kidding, and he didn't even need help on how to walk).
None/Mild for neurodivergent viewers.
This film is quite dark.
Burgermeister Meisterburger is very mean and cruel, and may be upsetting to younger viewers.
At one point, Burgermeister tells a gathering of children they will never play again and sets their toys on fire, also somewhat disturbing.
The Winter Warlock is intimidating at first, but he becomes nice. He looks scary at some scenes.
