I could play one song from this movie and you’d know immediately what movie it was and probably where you were when you first heard it. Maybe you were snug in your jammies sitting in front of the television while the winter snow swirled, or maybe you were somewhere warm, kinda like Jimmy Buffett, who was born on Christmas Day, by the way. No matter where you were, you’ll probably remember the first time when you hear this:
 

If you grew up reading the ‘funny papers’, then you probably spent some time laughing over Peanuts comic strip. They strip debuted in 1950 and were the child of Charles M. Schulz. He brought us characters like Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the ever-abused Charlie Brown. 

The Coca-Cola Company commissioned Mr. Schultz to write a Christmas special featuring his beloved characters, and on December 9, 1965, we were all treated to A Charlie Brown Christmas. If you don’t know the story, Charlie was depressed during the holidays and Lucy tried to help him. Contrary to the usual way that Lucy treated him, she may have had a sincere intention when she told him to direct a Christmas play.

Things went from bad to worse when Charlie tried to find a Christmas tree to decorate the set.

The story deals with holiday depression, the commercialization of the holiday and greed. And friends who spend more time ridiculing than helping. From an adult perspective, it would appear that there is no way that this cartoon could appeal to kids, but the big lesson comes from Linus, who takes center stage to tell everyone what Christmas was all about. Of course, it has a happy ending. The networks tried to keep the Bible verses out of the special, but Schultz was adamant about leaving them in.

The characters are all voiced by children and the soundtrack has more of a jazz feel to it. The garbled voice of Snoopy is none other than Harpo Marx reciting gibberish that production sped up when processing the tape.  The producers felt that this was going to be a disaster and failure just like Charlie’s play, but this had a happy ending, too.

Today, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a well-loved classic Christmas tale that most of us know by heart. Originally, the networks were not interested in this special, but then Time magazine featured the Peanuts gang on its cover, which prompted a call from an agent who said that Coca-Cola looking for something to sponsor for the holiday season. From there, the rest is history.  

The lessons of A Charlie Brown Christmas are timeless and transcend age.

For those who are young at heart, here are some wonderful gift ideas for your family and friends:

A dove in the tree

Joanne Carey 

Patinated Autumn Leaf Earrings with Czech Glass Beads, Handmade Jewelry

Victorian Style Treasures

Old World Christmas Tree Pattern Evergreen Ceramic Ornament

Colleen Cornelius 

RED BIRD on Tree Felt Christmas Ornament

ClaireMDesigns2

Silver Christmas Tree Earrings w Siam/Emerald Swarovski Crystals

Magdalene Jewels

Christmas Gift Tags – Santa Claus, Jolly Snowman and Christmas Tree Holiday Tags – Set of 24

Adore by Nat 

Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads, Transparent Sage Green Etched Matte

Covergirl Beads 

Christmas Tree Earrings Crystal Green Yellow Handmade Holiday Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs 

Pinecone Choker Necklace

The Singing Beader

Earth tone nugget chips Tree of Life

WatercolorsNmore

Christmas Snowman, Santa and Snowflake Handmade Charm Bracelets

Blue Morning Expressions 
 

 
Don’t see what you want here?
Here are some more places to shop handmade by these artists, and if nothing else, ask one of them to create something for you.
Countdown to Christmas 2022
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More Places to Shop:
Favorite Christmas Movies - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Story 
Favorite Christmas Movies - Miracle on 34th Street
Favorite  Christmas Movies - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
 
Check back for more gift ideas.
Happy gift giving, 
Julie