[7.5/10] It’s funny how far away and yet how close these specials from so far in the past seem. It speaks to a certain universality of the human condition. As much as this special looks and sounds like a product of the 1960s, ideas like not feeling like you think you’re supposed to at the holidays or fretting about the overcommercialization of the season are still very much with us fifty-five years later. It speaks to the way that Charles Schultz really touched on something real when he came up with his sad sack, pushy, and loony characters who have made such an impression on generations of kids.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is more a cul-de-sac than a full-blown story, but it has a solid emotional throughline in Charlie feeling let down by the holiday, and trying to celebrate it in a way that will leave him fulfilled by the team New Years has come and left. That means plenty of time for Snoopy’s amusing impersonations and cartoony antics, and chances for Lucy to rattle off phobias and threaten to beat people up. But it also means the special can spend time just watching the kids be kids, enjoying their silly interactions that carry Schultz’s well-observed, sardonic sense of humor.
Despite the unhurried pace of the special, it makes the Peanuts Gang enjoyable to just hang out with as they strain to put on a play, throw snowballs, or grouse about and eventually rescue the last real life Xmas tree in town. Therein lies the message -- that Xmas has become about aluminum trees and lights displays and other things that depart from the spirit of the season. A Charlie Brown Christmas gets a little more explicitly religious than I might like, but the theme of escaping from the corporatization of the holiday (one that goes back as far as 1947’s A Miracle on 34th Street) is still a resonant one all these years later.
It’s particularly impressive how direct Schutlz and company are about channeling that through Charlie Brown. You feel for the poor kid, and his sense of the holiday blues is relatable, even and maybe especially through the eyes of an elementary school student. His tale of trying to find the real meaning of the holiday in all this season, and being invigorated and gratified by Linus and his otherwise skeptical chums is a really warm note to end on.
Of course, plenty has already been written about Vincent Guaraldi’s unimpeachable score, which has rightly ascended into yuletide legend for its loose, jazzy feel that manages to neatly balance the merry and melancholy. The designs and animation are a treat here as well, with the opening skating sequence a wonderful demonstration of movement, and the scrappy character looks adding charm to the presentation.
Overall, this one is a classic for a reason. It may be a little too slow and quiet for younger viewers these days, but it’s a surprisingly mature and, decades later, still trenchant look at the holiday season.
I have two TV movies that are my favourites at Christmastime. This is one and the other is THE GRINCH THAT STOLE CHRISTMAS. Linus' recitation of the angel announcing Jesus' birth by to the shepherds echos in my heart every Christmas. This show bucked the network and almost didn't get aired. They felt America wouldn't receive it's clear message of Christmas hope and wanted it cut. They were against having children voice the Peanut's characters. The jazz musical score was considered too unconventional. But Schultz stood his ground and we reaped the benefits. I rate this short movie a 10 (favourite) out of 10. [Animated Christmas Special]
Great for kids of all ages.
Still great, but a couple things that parents might consider problematic for young young kids, like all the kids calling everything “stupid”. If that’s not a problem for you, then it’s still wonderful!
Simply a classic Christmas movie. Also, that tree is beautiful.
Theme- 7.5/10
Rewatchibility- 9/10
Acting- 8/10
Kinematography- 9.5/10
Time- 9.5/10
Total - 43.5/5 = 8.7
Of all the Charlie Browns, you are the Charlie Browniest. The Peanuts have a wit and charm to them that should fly over the heads of its targeted demographic, yet every year we continue celebrating the holidays with a special like this. Charlie Brown encapsulates a mood not often seen so genuinely on the screen. Lack of Christmas spirit or more specifically depression during the holidays is a very real thing that even children can find themselves in. The message here is to find the real meaning of Christmas and the joy within it, through all of the commercialism the holiday brings with it. While I believe for many, the holiday has evolved beyond that of a day we celebrate the birth of a savior or any religious artifacts, the lessons therein deserve a pause for thought to avoid becoming a Charlie Brown yourself. This special has wit, humor, and an effective theme that seems to be, much like Charlie's tree, evergreen.
"Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year."
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a happy new year everyone!
What my sister said during it about sums it up for me:
What’s with all these cynical toddlers?
The epitome of what a classic is! The kids were mesmerized and amazed that it is older than me! Even more amazed that we had to wait for it to be on "regular" TV.
This is so cute. A gentle reminder of the true spirit of the season.
I just had to watch this.
Shout by NarateVIP 5BlockedParent2021-12-28T18:20:52Z
Good message, great music, fun characters.. I love Charlie Brown. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't love this classic, and hope it continues to bring people joy for another 60 years.