Tukiki and His Search for a Merry Christmas

1979 Christmas TV special Tukiki and His Search for a Merry ChristmasWritten byChristine AtkinsonDirected byVic AtkinsonVoices ofAdam RichSterling HollowayMusic byHagood HardyCountry of originCanadaOriginal languageEnglishProductionProducersBeryl FriesenW.H. Stevens Jr.CinematographyRon HainesColette BrièreEditorGerald TrippRunning time30 minutesProduction companiesAtkinson Film-ArtsTitlecraftPooled Film ServicesOriginal releaseNetworkCBCReleaseDecember 24, 1979 (1979-12-24) Tukiki and His Search for a Merry Christmas is a 1979 animated Christmas television special produced by the Canadian-based Atkinson Film-Arts. It was originally broadcast on CBC and in syndication on December 24, 1979.

[edit] Tukiki (voiced by Adam Rich) is a small Eskimo boy who sets out to discover the meaning of Christmas along with a magical character known as North Wind (voiced by Sterling Holloway). While on his journey, Tukiki visits different lands with varying cultures and customs. At each of these places, he learns something different about Christmas and is given gifts which he eventually takes back to give to his selfish arctic friends. The thoughtful giving of gifts brings about a change in Tukiki's homeland and suddenly harmony reigns where once was none, and through Tukiki's act of love, the true meaning of Christmas is discovered.

[edit] The voice cast included:

Principal characters[edit] Adam Rich – Tukiki Sterling Holloway – North Wind Other voices[edit] Sharon Burke Bob Dermer Fred Little Bill Luxton Bernard McManus Richard Perigrine Noreen Young

[edit] 1980 Genie Awards:

Outstanding Independent Film - W.H. Stevens Jr., Beryl Friesen Outstanding Animation - W.H. Stevens Jr., Beryl Friesen Outstanding Musical Score (Non-Feature) - Hagood Hardy

[edit] Tukiki and His Search for a Merry Christmas was released on VHS by Embassy Home Entertainment in 1986 which has long been out of print. On August 12, 2008, it was released as a manufacture-on-demand DVD-R as part of the "Holiday Classics" series by Phoenix Learning Group, Inc.

Even after four decades, broadcasters keep slotting Tukiki into Christmas line‑ups because it checks all the boxes for a short, gentle holiday story. Its 30‑minute runtime fits neatly between the news and the more demanding festive films, making it perfect for restless kids. The Canadian production also carries a subtle cross‑border charm, appealing to both UK and North American audiences who enjoy a modest, non‑commercial take on the season. Networks appreciate that the special avoids overt religious messaging, allowing it to be aired in diverse households without controversy. For families looking for a low‑key, nostalgic treat, Tukiki offers a safe, simple viewing experience that doesn’t demand a long attention span.

Original prints of Tukiki are rare, but you don’t need a collector’s item to enjoy it. Start by checking the BBC’s holiday streaming service, which occasionally licenses classic overseas specials. If you prefer physical media, look for DVD compilations of 1970s Christmas cartoons – Tukiki often appears as a bonus feature. Pay attention to the region code; UK viewers need Region 2 or a region‑free player. For the best picture, seek releases that have been remastered from the original film reels; older VHS transfers can be grainy and lose the soft colour palette that gives the special its charm. A quick search on specialist retro‑video sites should turn up affordable options.

While most recall Tukiki as a cute penguin on a holiday quest, the story quietly nudges viewers toward an early environmental ethic. The protagonist’s journey through icy landscapes underscores the fragility of polar habitats, a notion that was ahead of its time in 1979. The script never spells out a moral, but the visual contrast between the pristine snow and the looming threat of a barren Christmas reflects a gentle warning about climate neglect. Modern parents can use this as a conversation starter with kids about protecting the planet, linking the festive spirit to caring for the world that makes a “Merry Christmas” possible.