A Chipmunk Christmas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids A Chipmunk Christmas
Written by	Ross Bagdasarian Janice Karman
Directed by	Phil Monroe
Starring	Ross Bagdasarian Jr. Janice Karman R.J. Williams
Music by	Chris Caswell
Country of origin	United States
Production
Producer(s)	Ross Bagdasarian Janice Karman
Running time	24 minutes (without commercials)
Production company(s)	Bagdasarian Productions Chuck Jones Enterprises
Release
Original network	NBC
Original release	December 14, 1981 (1981-12-14)

A Chipmunk Christmas is a fun animated TV special from 1981. It's all about the famous characters from Alvin and the Chipmunks! This special first showed on NBC on December 14, 1981. It was made by Bagdasarian Productions and Chuck Jones Enterprises.

This was also the first time that Ross Bagdasarian Jr. voiced Alvin, Simon, and David Seville. Janice Karman voiced Theodore for the first time in this special.

What Happens in A Chipmunk Christmas?

The story begins with a doctor visiting a sick boy named Tommy. The doctor says it's unlikely Tommy will get better before Christmas.

Alvin's Special Harmonica

Meanwhile, the Chipmunks are having a recording session. Alvin isn't happy about working on Christmas. But Dave tells him he can play his special Golden Echo harmonica. Alvin then suggests that he and his brothers go window shopping. Dave agrees, telling them not to be late.

At the music store, Alvin sees another Golden Echo harmonica. He thinks his own harmonica is the best in the world. Then, Tommy's mom and sister arrive. Alvin overhears Tommy's sister say that the Golden Echo harmonica would make Tommy feel better.

Alvin feels very sad about Tommy's illness. During the recording session, he can't even sing in tune! Dave gives the Chipmunks a break. Alvin quickly goes to Tommy's house. He gives Tommy his own special harmonica. Alvin then rushes back in time to finish the recording session.

Alvin's Secret Plan

Later, the Chipmunks are decorating their Christmas tree. Simon and Theodore tell Alvin how proud they are of him. Alvin tells them they can't tell Dave about the harmonica. Dave gave it to Alvin a long time ago. Alvin worries Dave's feelings would be hurt if he found out.

Alvin plans to save his money to buy a new harmonica after Christmas. But then Dave gets a call from Carnegie Hall. They want Alvin to play his harmonica on Christmas Eve! Alvin now has to find a way to get enough money for a new harmonica quickly.

Trying to Earn Money

The Chipmunks gather all the neighborhood dogs. They set up a photo booth where kids can take pictures with Santa Claus (who is Alvin!). Unfortunately, a cat shows up and messes everything up. This draws Dave's attention.

Simon and Theodore can't tell Dave the truth. So, Dave thinks Alvin is just being greedy. He sends Alvin to his room. Alvin then has a dream sequence where he meets Clyde Crashcup. Clyde says he invented Christmas, and it's now February 12! Santa is Abraham Lincoln in a pumpkin sleigh pulled by elephants. Alvin tells him he needs money. When Dave checks on Alvin, he's saying "money" in his sleep. Dave gives up trying to understand.

The Christmas Eve Surprise

On Christmas Eve, two hours before the concert, Simon and Theodore give Alvin their saved money. They wish him luck buying the harmonica. When Dave asks where Alvin went, they lie and say they don't know.

Luckily, just as Dave is complaining, Tommy's mom calls him. She tells Dave about Alvin's harmonica. She explains how it helped Tommy feel so much better.

At the music store, Alvin is sad because he still doesn't have enough money. Then, a strange old woman appears. She buys the harmonica for him! She only asks for a song in return. But she disappears by the end of the song.

Dave, Simon, and Theodore arrive. Dave apologizes to Alvin and tells him they have a surprise. At the concert, Alvin learns that Tommy has fully recovered! Tommy joins the Chipmunks on stage.

At the end, Santa Claus flies over the city. The Chipmunks sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Santa returns to the North Pole. There, he is greeted by his wife—who is the same old woman who bought Alvin the harmonica!

25th Anniversary Special Edition

A special 25th Anniversary Edition of A Chipmunk Christmas was released on September 26, 2006. It was put out by Bagdasarian Productions and Paramount Home Entertainment. This release was a two-disc set. It included the A Chipmunk Christmas DVD and its soundtrack on CD. The DVD also had two episodes from the 1983–1991 TV show Alvin and the Chipmunks. These episodes were "Dave's Wonderful Life" and "Merry Christmas, Mr. Carroll."

Who Voiced the Characters?

• Ross Bagdasarian Jr. – Alvin, Simon, David Seville
• Janice Karman – Theodore, Angela Waterford, Cindy Lou
• June Foray – Mrs. Claus, Mrs. Waterford
• Frank Welker – Santa Claus, Doctor
• Charles Berendt – Clyde Crashcup
• R. J. Williams – Tommy Waterford

A Chipmunk Christmas Soundtrack Album

A Chipmunk Christmas
Soundtrack album by The Chipmunks
Released	1981 (US)
Recorded	1980
Genre	Christmas Children's music
Label	RCA
Producer	Janice Karman Ross Bagdasarian Jr.
The Chipmunks chronology
Urban Chipmunk (1981) A Chipmunk Christmas (1981) Chipmunk Rock (1982)

A music album based on the TV special came out in 1981. This was the Chipmunks' third Christmas album. It was their twelfth album overall.

The album reached number 72 on Billboard's Pop Albums Chart. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. This means it sold over 500,000 copies! It was the group's third and final gold album.

Between 1992 and 2001, the album was re-released. It was first released as an LP (a large vinyl record). Later, it came out on cassette tapes and Compact Discs.

What Songs Are on the Album?

1. "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"
2. "Chipmunk Jingle Bells"
3. "The Chipmunk Song Take 1"
4. "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"
5. "The Spirit of Christmas"
6. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
7. "Crashcup Invents Christmas"
8. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)"
9. "Silent Night"
10. "Sleigh Ride"
11. "Deck the Halls"
12. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"