'A Charlie Brown Christmas'—A Review

A Charlie Brown Christmas has aired on TV for over 50 years now! Along with other Christmas specials, it is one of the most popular as it involves all of our favorite Peanuts characters imagined by Charles M. Schulz. Charlie Brown is trying to understand the true meaning of Christmas while everyone else, yet again, gives him a hard time.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is unique to other holiday specials. It was the first cartoon to have actual children voice the characters instead of adult actors, there is no appearance of Santa Claus, and it is most famous for Linus’s biblical speech on the meaning of Christmas.

The special also has beautiful animation, a spectacular score, and some rare quiet moments that you don’t see enough on TV shows now.

After watching this special for most likely the 50th time, it brought out a new meaning and there were a few moments that are easy to miss.

First, I want to start with my biggest complaint. Why does everyone dislike, Charlie Brown? It’s not just the Christmas special where the kids constantly give him a hard time, but across the entire series! He’s the nicest, most level-headed kid. Sure, he’s not the most optimistic person, and as some call him, wishy-washy. Charlie Brown is trying to seek the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas has had various definitions for kids and adults. Looking back to my childhood I remember the anticipating excitement for Santa to arrive and then ripping through all my presents! Although I still do enjoy the presents, Christmas is about spending the holiday with family and friends and connecting.

One of the most heartwarming aspects that I never noticed until watching the special recently was that Lucy actually betroths the position of director for their annual Christmas Pageant to Charlie Brown! Lucy, the girl who would never let Charlie kick the football gives him a chance! And she admits that she even feels sad around the holidays. There is more to Lucy, and I really like how writers presented her character.

And so, Charlie Brown actually gives directing the pageant a try, rather enthusiastically. Again, nobody gives him a chance! That’s another question which lingers in my head. Is it Charlie Brown or the kids? The kids are the ones who rudely continue to dance instead of following is direction TWICE in the special.

What I really want to talk about is Linus’s biblical speech. He recites the meaning of Christmas on a stage. But nobody is sitting in the auditorium. In all actuality, he’s really addressing to the viewers. And you know what else? He sets his blanket aside! This is the most powerful moment as it discusses a serious topic.

CBS actually worried about airing this scene believing viewers might be uncomfortable or would find it uninteresting. Religion is a very important factor. Linus’s speech is important for children to find what the holiday truly means. A Charlie Brown Christmas took a big step and a risk to present religion in a way that children could understand.

And so, Charlie Brown decides to find a Christmas tree for the holiday pageant. It always speaks to me how he gets the smallest and thinnest tree. The kids immediately toss it inside, berating the little tree for how ugly it is. Charlie reflects differently on the world. He pays attention to the little things.

One of my favorite moments from the Christmas special has to be when all the kids realize that Charlie Brown wasn’t wrong. They agree that this tree, including Charlie, needs a little love. And so the special ends with the kids giving Charlie needed Christmas love and singing "Hark, the Herald Angels."

A Charlie Brown Christmas is a beautiful special that showcases a meaningful message about Christmas. Snoopy’s antics will never get old. Share some love this season and spread joy to others. Together we can understand the true meaning of Christmas.