A Charlie Brown Christmas

From our house to yours

Merry Christmas to all!

Never in my humble opinion has there been such a timeless Christmas Special as A Charlie Brown Christmas! Released in 1965 I was 9 years old the first time I saw it. While living with my family my brother and I watched it together every year. After he moved out we still managed on occasion to do this, more so as the years went on. Now, with me living out of state, we have been unable to do this which saddens us both.

I brought my children up seeing this each year...though now they are at that age where they feel they are too old...though my daughter may watch it with me on Christmas Eve. I hope as they mature, they will see the worth of this and of the message it contains.

With all that is gong on in the world, now more than ever, is the message conveyed in this classic more poignant; Christmas is not about getting presents. It is not about wining decorating contests. It is the Celebration of the birth of Christ and a time when more so than ever, we should be kind, loving, and considerate to our fellows on this earth. It imparts the lesson that giving truly is more important than receiving! This is something most people seem to have lost sight of.

Who can forget the following scene where this dialog passes between a frustrated Charlie Brown and Linus:

Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about? "

Linus Van Pelt: "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

[Linus moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: "Lights, please. "

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

So, look at the Wikipedia article, and then watch it again, and truly believe in the miracle that is Christmas!

From Me and Mine, to you and yours, Have a very Merry Christmas!

All Our Love to you!

The Falco Family