Throwback Thursday

Let’s go back to: A Charlie Brown Christmas
More specifically, let's go back to December 9, 1965 when a little TV special aired that changed the way a little boy and his dog celebrated Christmas.  In this story, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed even though the most joyous of holidays is coming so Lucy suggests he direct the school's Christmas play to cheer himself up.  Despite being initially ridiculed for it as Charlie usually is, the story reminds us all that despite all the commercialization of the holiday, Christmas at it's core is about the birth of Jesus Christ.  Yes, this may be an antiquated storyline in this day in age, depending on our religious beliefs, but A Charlie Brown Christmas is a classic because of its ability to teach children what the holidays is about in a way that keeps them interested for the 25-minute runtime of the special.  The special won an Emmy and a Peabody award at the time and also broke stereotypes with its exclusion of a laugh track and its classic jazz score by Vince Guaraldi.

Why it means something to you or to our podcast: It's almost Christmas and this year, A Charlie Brown Christmas is celebrating its 50th anniversary!  I remember watching this TV special with my dad and my sister when I was a kid and falling in love with it.  What child doesn't love Charlie Brown and Snoopy?  The soundtrack and the special itself always put me in the holiday spirit.

​Where can you find it now? It will play throughout the holiday season on television I'm sure and I bet you can catch the 50th anniversary special on Hulu as well.  It is also for purchase on Amazon.  You can check out the original promo from 1965 below.

-- Kelly Lee