In our household, officially Christmas doesn't start until this DVD is pulled off the shelf. Two classic Raymond Briggs stories presented on one DVD, The Snowman and Father Christmas is an essential part of any Christmas. Although the Snowman is perhaps the better known of the two both are charming stand alone stories that help to raise the Christmas spirit.

The Snowman

Run time - 26 mins

Originally a book written by Raymond Briggs, the Snowman was made into an animation for Channel 4 aired on Christmas Eve first in 1982. Since then it has become a popular part of Christmas and there are few around who do not know of it. Animated without speech, the Snowman relies on a stunning musical score to convey everything it wants the audience to feel. The story is sweet and charming where a young boy builds a snowman and magically it comes to life. The only words in the film is the iconic song 'Walking in the air' which made singer, Aled Jones who would later cover the song as well known as the film. Without saying a word, the Snowman is full of character and personality. Memorable sequences include their flight through the air and the Snowmans party with a cameo appearance from Father Christmas himself. Nominated for Academy award for animated short film The Snowman is one of the best loved christmas stories told to date and has become as much a part of Christmas as old saint Nick himself.

Father Christmas

First aired 9 years after the release of the Snowman, again on Channel 4, Father Christmas is a comical twist on what we expect of the traditional Father Christmas. Based on two of Briggs' books Father Christmas and Father Christmas goes on holiday, this version introduces us to a grumpy version of Father Christmas as he takes us through what he does with the rest of the year. Apparently it isn't as easy being Santa as we all might think. Travelling to France, Scotland and Las Vegas, Father Christmas deals with being one of the most recognisable figures in the world. Voiced by comedian Mel Smith, this version of Father Christmas is one who is both flawed but loveable. Rather than wishing folk a merry christmas, he wishes us all a merry 'bloomin' christmas, as though Christmas is more of a hassle than anything. Father Christmas later went on to appear in the Kit Kat advert.

The Snowman + Father Christmas = Family, christmas fun

Combined together and you have about an hour of Christmas entertainment. One a heartwarming and sad tale and the other a funny and light hearted animation, bring them both together and you have the perfect recipe for Christmas. Unfortunately there are no special features on offer in the DVD edition which is a shame as I would have liked to see how the books were transformed into the animations. It's nice to see a handdrawn animation style rather than the now fashionable computer animation. Buying this DVD you get two quality Christmas stories for the price of one. Even though it may only come of the shelf at Christmas time it is an essential part of your DVD collection.