Jingle Bells (Hyperion Pictures)

Jingle Bells is a 1999, American, straight-to-video, holiday/Christmas special. Production was by Hyperion Pictures' animation division, Hyperion Animation Company, Inc.. It is inspired by the Christmas song of the same title. We Wish You a Merry Christmas and O'Christmas Tree were also released that same year and made by the same company.

Plot
When a family faces a hardship, the parents are left with no other choice but to cut back on getting Christmas gifts for their kids and sell their horse. However, unbeknownst to them, there is a surprise Christmas miracle that is in store waiting for them. This Christmas song comes into play by being one that the father learned from his parents, as he recalls, when he was a youngster.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) It's an example of how to take a Christmas song, incorporate it into the movie's plot, and do it properly.
 * 2) The art style is pleasant and the animation flows just fine.
 * 3) A well-written story that's easy enough to follow. It centers around hard times around the holidays and shows an example of how that saying goes: "When there's a will, there's a way", and that somehow something will work out for the better.
 * 4) The character designs are pleasant as well.
 * 5) The characters themselves are decent and have enough likability to them.
 * 6) In addition to the main song "Jingle Bells", the other, musical numbers are just as nice, like one about those still being together in their hearts, despite being far apart.
 * 7) Stellar voice cast of some big names, like Jason Alexander as the elf.
 * 8) Well-written dialogue.
 * 9) Some amusing moments, especially with the mouse, Cheddar.
 * 10) The way the family get their horse, Chris, back is cute.
 * 11) Its message of faith and hope shown in the face of adversity, and the light shown through it, is delivered clearly.
 * 12) It's simply heartwarming.

Trivia

 * The elf also appears in We Wish You a Merry Christmas.