During the festive period, countless households tune in to watch The Snowman, a beloved Christmas classic that’s often regarded as one of the best festive movies of all time. Yet, recently, audiences have uncovered a detail that appears to be an amusing oversight in the animation that’s sparked considerable discussion.

For those yet to enjoy The Snowman this year, it might be worth paying closer attention during your next screening. Sharp-eyed television enthusiasts have noticed something peculiar that’s proving impossible to ignore once spotted.

The discovery came via a TikTok clip where an observant viewer highlighted something rather comical. Despite the film‘s iconic song that later launched Aled Jones to stardom, this revelation may forever alter how you experience the classic.

The footage, posted by an account named Behind The Menu, features a tongue-in-cheek observation about the film. The caption reads: “James from The Snowman (1982) wasn’t exactly a role model.

“No underwear, straight into the jeans, teeth unbrushed. The kid was living like a rock star on a sugar rush, only with more snow and less shampoo.”

The video proceeds to point out that James seemingly forgoes undergarments when switching from his nightwear. His animated bare bottom is briefly visible as he turns whilst getting dressed.

He then makes his way downstairs without cleaning his teeth or having a wash, a detail that viewers have found utterly amusing. One person joked that he must have been in a “rush” because a “miracle was happening.”

You might not have spotted this quirk previously, but it’s likely to catch your eye every time you watch The Snowman going forward. This isn’t the first occasion that the film has sparked conversation on social platforms, though.

Not long ago, someone also suggested the animated classic features the most “brutal ending”, which many felt was rather harsh for such a festive period. It appears The Snowman has the power to evoke both laughter and tears during a single viewing.

What is The Snowman about?

For those who haven’t yet experienced The Snowman, it’s a British animated television production that debuted in 1982. The film was adapted from Raymond Briggs’s 1978 illustrated book of the same name.

Directed by Dianne Jackson for Channel 4, it became an instant sensation upon its arrival in the 1980s. The animation received a nomination for Best Animated Short Film at the 55th Academy Awards and secured a BAFTA TV Award.

The narrative unfolds through visuals, movement and music, with a score composed by Howard Blake. Apart from the iconic song, “Walking In The Air”, the entire film contains no spoken dialogue.

The orchestral arrangement was brought to life by the Sinfonia of London, whilst the song was performed by Peter Auty, then a choirboy at St Paul’s Cathedral. Many may be surprised to learn that Aled Jones didn’t actually provide the vocals in the original production.

However, Aled’s rendition for a 1985 Toys R Us commercial was a massive hit, leading many to erroneously believe he performed in the film. Given that his version climbed to number five on the UK charts years after the movie’s debut, it’s understandable why confusion arises.

Every day brings new knowledge, and now you’ve gained another festive fact to bolster your Christmas trivia.