Directed by: Dave Unwin
Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains some spoilers for this film!
Synopsis: Based on the books by Raymond Briggs. Father Christmas (voiced by Mel Smith) enjoys a holiday then gets back to work preparing for the 24th of December.
Cartoon Cats: At home Father Christmas lives with his two pets, a white dog with black markings and a black cat (even in the original books it appears he simply calls them cat and dog.)
The cat often lies across Father Christmas’ shoulders.
Father Christmas takes good care of the animals, including his reindeer.
But when Father Christmas decides to take a vacation, he works long hours converting an old sleigh into a motor home. The cat and dog sleep inside while he is working.
He takes the animals to a shelter to stay while he is away.
When he returns the pets are thrilled to see him!
The second half of the film shows Father Christmas preparing for his annual job by answering mail and preparing the sleigh and gifts.
Finally on the big night he says goodbye to his pets once more.
During his nightly rounds he comes across a Siamese cat in one home.
Back home he makes sure his dog gets a bone and the cat a fish.
Final Mewsings: Someone needs to put Father Christmas in touch with a reliable pet sitter!
Many thanks to RobG for letting us know about the cat in this animated special.
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