Not all beloved holiday staples are live action. Some of the most unforgettable are animated. One of the most impactful in that category is the Peanuts classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It continues to hold a permanent spot on many holiday watch lists—from traditionalists to newer generations—for countless reasons. It certainly remains near the top of mine.
The Calling of Charles M. Schulz
Charles Schulz, the creative force behind Peanuts, is one of the most iconic cartoonists to ever share his gift with the world. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft are truly admirable. As Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park notes,
“Schulz published a total of 17,897 comic strips and, over the course of its 50-year run, took a single vacation for his 75th birthday, which happens to be the single time a rerun was ever published before his death.”
That level of devotion is astonishing—and it’s reflected in the lasting impact and timelessness of his work.
The Little Special that Could
What many people don’t realize is that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” wasn’t always the beloved staple it is now. In fact, the network that first aired it had very little faith in the special. As Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park notes,
“Now recognized as one of the longest-running holiday specials of all time, the television executives at CBS were not so confident about “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” They didn’t like the choice of casting real children to voice the characters, not including a laugh track and the show’s odd jazz soundtrack. To their surprise, the show was seen in over 15 million homes with stunning reviews and even won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.”
A Gift from the Gifted
So, what makes this network special endure? The answer is simple: the message—and the way it’s delivered.
Viewers get the warm comfort of nostalgia, seeing the whole Peanuts gang together. There’s someone for everyone to connect with: Charlie, Peppermint Patty, Lucy, Pig-Pen, Sally, the Little Red-Haired Girl, Linus, and Schroeder. Their little struggles and insecurities mirror things we’ve all felt. In this special, Charlie Brown is perhaps the most “Charlie Brown” he’s ever been across any strip, cartoon, or feature. He’s the embodiment of dissatisfaction, the kid who can’t quite catch a break—and that, in its own way, is exactly why he’s so relatable.
In this special, Charlie Brown gets handed a role no one (least of all him) expected: director of the Christmas pageant. Suddenly he’s in charge of everything—from casting to decorations. Naturally, almost no one is thrilled with his decisions, and their criticism wears on him. He starts to feel even more defeated, which only deepens his confusion about what Christmas is really supposed to be.
That’s when the heart of the special quietly steps forward.
Cutting Right to the Core
In a simple yet powerful moment, Linus takes center stage and recites the Christmas story straight from Scripture, just as it’s been told and cherished by people of faith for generations. One small child, blanket in hand, stands in the spotlight and gently cuts through all the noise—reminding everyone of the beauty at the core of the season, beneath the commercialism, the decorations, and the pressure. It’s still humbling and incredibly moving.
The sweetness continues as the whole gang gathers around a tiny, scraggly little tree—hardly impressive by any modern standard, yet perfect in its symbolism. Hand in hand, they lift their voices together, transforming that humble tree into something radiant simply because of what it represents: the true meaning of Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Evergreen Classic
In my home, we watch this at least once every year, and with good reason—and I’m sure many other households do the same. Given the current climate—economically, socially, politically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally—there may be no better time to revisit this small, unassuming special and let it remind us of the true magic at the heart of it all.
Uncut Diamonds 