The Abominable Snow Baby

Not an exaggeration. It's really that charming! Terry Pratchett's gentle humor, the instantly lovable characters, the adorable animation and memorable score really elevate this one far above other Christmas shorts.

And unlike most of the animated British classics shown around this time of year, it has the added benefit of remaining a happy and heartwarming story throughout, making it perfect comfort viewing for children and adults alike.

Even at nearly 40, I find myself fully immersed in the story and am looking forward to re-watching it as an annual Christmas tradition.

Really, the world is bleak enough as it is. We all need more Pratchett in our lives!

A short animated story in which a baby yeti turns up in a town after a heavy snowstorm.

The plot is very simple and is really for kids. It is short enough to just about hold an adult's interest.

The animation is charming, it's all really nicely drawn.

A great Christmas Day watch from Channel 4.

Not up to the legendary status of The Snowman as it doesn't have the cuteness and slightly falls on the feel good factor but it has good moments as granny talks of her honeymoon in Siberia.

Great to see Eagle Eye Drama on form again this year after last year's Clown animation but I feel this is somewhat better and a great diversion from the remake of European shows The Walter Presents team usually makes.

It starts off well but does lose its way a little so doesn't really regain the standard in order to provide the heart-warming end that it deserves.

Enjoyable.

The Abominable Snow Baby is like if someone tried evoking the wholesomeness of The Snowman with the animation style of European television cartoons with trace elements of Bob's Burgers style of animation (Granny REALLY evokes that style here for me). It's a harmless short that basically promotes hospitality at Christmas regardless of whoever or whatever is in need.

Channel 4 has always had a tendency to churn these shorts out at Christmas like clockwork, and though sometimes there's real classics, not every attempt is gonna be a home run in terms of acclaim and general popularity. The Abominable Snow Baby is still a commendable homage to Terry Pratchett's witty style of writing and world-building, and it's nice seeing something outside the DiscWorld stories see some attention.

As Christmas shorts go there's still joy to be had here, but don't expect a 'spellbinding classic' like The Snowman or Father Christmas. But that's okay: it's still nice family entertainment all the same.

3/5 stars. Nice time-killer if there's a shortage of other Christmas offerings.

Poor animation and a pathetic storyline. This short story is too long, by about 29 minutes. It tells a wearisome, morality tale in an uninspired and insipid way. Do not waste your time watching it!!