For many in the Western world, a big part of the Christmas season is the annual airing of the Rankin/Bass holiday specials. Many of them share a famous formula. They usually adapt characters from a popular Christmas song. Even if it's not explicitly based on one, a popular song is usually bound to show up in some form. Often, a colorful character serves as the story's narrator, usually with a celebrity providing the voice. Occasionally, a famous holiday mascot has its origin explained. Even a few classic characters get to celebrate the holidays.