Peace on earth, (Jesus Christ), good will toward men, ( God sending the gift of eternal life to humanity to all who believe) freed from the bondage of sin
Something about all the background noise and music going silent and the pause until Linus says "That's what Christmas about, Charlie Brown" just hammers it home
Carl Stenger oh indeed he did. Not many people realize that “a Charlie Brown Christmas“ almost never made it onto the air. When sponsors saw the screening of it for the first time they were pulling out left and right because they found the religion part of it to be either offensive to non-Christians or a mockery Of the Bible. The network which at the time was CBS, approached Charles Schultz and said he had to remove Linus’s monologue Or the show could not air... Charles Schultz said either that part stays or you do not get my show... And the rest, as we know has been history at least for the past 54 years
I'm not a religious fellow at all, but every year one of my favorite Christmas moments of all is when Charlie Brown cries out in emotional anguish to have somebody explain to him the meaning of Christmas, and I hear Linus calmly say, "Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you." Then he tells that bible story, so simple and beautiful, the exact opposite of everything else Christmas-y in the rest of the show, and then he turns to say, just as calm, "...and that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." I've seen it dozens of times, and it still gets me, every year.
Thanks for sharing Brian! It’s cool to hear how much that part of the show means to people. It can be easy to let other things get in the way of meaningful reflection about the meaning of the holiday and it’s cool to hear how this show helps give you that opportunity every year.
Though you’re not “religious,” I think you do actually believe in Jesus and that’s why that scene gets to you. I think ANYONE that scene gets to does really believe in Jesus even though one claims not to...but has simply been hurt so deeply by the religiosity of people who dictate how He should be related to that s/he has just pushed that belief away instead of growing closer to Jesus through a personal relationship with Him, instinctually. It’s just way down deep inside you and the others for protection of your and their heart which previously was possibly abused by false doctrine. You truly are a sweetie to let it get to you, and that’s only something God’s Spirit can do. Just sayin’!
Don’t let the stigma of religion keep you from finding out the pure and basic truth about Christmas and the love that Jesus has for you and everyone. Their are many people and “churches” that try to sell u rules...that is not at all what Jesus is about...just simply put He wants a relationship with you!
Kinda right there with ya, buddy. Though might take it one step further. I am not only not a particularly religious fellow, I am a flat out atheist. But do think there is a truth and a purpose to life, and while I cannot say what that is- I think it is different for everyone, I can say what it is not. And it is not the things you have or the money you spend. Linus's truth is truth for many people, and that is beautiful. Plus, you know...atheist or not, it won't truly feel like Christmas without watching this one. At least once. 😊 Merry Christmas, everybody!
I think that the non-professional aspect of the production is what gave it it's charm. Unfortunately, the big success of this TV show caused a bunch of imitation Christmas specials that weren't as good - and have never been culled. I have this and a few others, and I skip the Christmas TV wasteland. It's too bad that I can't stay home until after the holidays. The Charlie Brown Christmas special was a reaction to the over commercialization of the Christmas holidays, and it was 55 years ago.
As a kid growing up in 70's, this was a huge event in my family. It was so important to remind kids that Christmas was not about toys but about His birth and the love He have for mankind and how we should demonstrate that love every day.
I have watched it from 1960s until now...it doesn't feel like Christmas until I do...thank you...and a special thanks to Charlie Brown in the whole Peanuts Gang.
Listening to the Charlie Brown album on Christmas is a must absolute must otherwise I don't feel anything but sadness or complete absence of feeling at all.
I remember watching A Charlie Brown Christmas the first time it aired. We were really excited and anticipating its showing that night. We thrilled to the sounds of Vince Guaraldi's amazing music, the dance scene and Linus telling Charlie what Christmas really means. I was 13 years old then. Have not missed seeing it since 1965, even when I was in the service and not always near a TV. Merry Christmas and God bless us all, everyone.
The first time I watched the special and recognized that Linus was reciting from the Gospel of Luke, I immediately blurted out, “That’s it! Way to go, Linus!” Because Linus is 100% correct, that is what Christmas is all about! I watch it every year, and it is required holiday viewing in my household!
When Linus speaks when he says: Fear not, he throws down his blanket. He no longer needs his security blanket when he is quoting scripture and talking of Jesus.
It’s actually (quite possibly) even *more* nuanced: at the last moment before linus relinqushes the blanket, the blanket assumes the shape of a shepherd’s crook, as Linus fully takes on the persona of an evangelist when he repeats the angel’s message. However, at the lap dissolve to the long shot of Linus from the last row of the theatre, Linus can be seen to be once again *holding the blanket*. This could likely indicate that the long shot was animated and photographed first, before the idea of the “holy relinquishment” emerged. In any case, Linus’ narration is unsurpassed, no adult cleric can tell the ageless story as movingly as a child. As it ought to be.
Ya can't be absolutely _sure_ of that, @@schwei56, about the kid vs. the adult. There very well might be an adult who could sound just as moving. But I agree with you in that a kid who does it this well is certainly a good option, and I also find your analysis about the blanket pretty interesting. Too bad they didn't fix that little oopsie, though.
Schultz was a subtle lead up writer in his strips. Linus does indeed drop the symbol of his insecuriries on ..."fear not", but he does retrieve them from the stage and carries the blanket again. He has to as in the next sequence after Charlie Brown ornamentating the only physical thing of meaning so far says "I've killed it! AUggh why does everything I touch get ruined" as the bent reed lies in the white snow with a red orb puddled. Linus proclaims love and faith, then wraps his insecurities at the feet of the tree for the reed to ascend. Subtle stuff.
If you think that this show didn't have an impact you can now buy a Charlie Brown Christmas tree! i was born in 1965, watched it every year! RIP Charles Schultz. You are missed. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
This is the only "Holiday" show that I consider a CHRISTMAS special. I love it, because it points out the commercialism of CHRISTmas, and it actually explains the reason for the Holy Day. I also like it for the music, because I'm an admirer of jazz, especially pianists, and Vince guaraldi is a genius and a legend!
The true meaning if Christmas is celebrating the Lord , caring for each other and giving to tell people that you care about them. (That's what I think the true meaning of Christmas is)
Christmas mentioned being together. Just my Mom and I singing caroles and decorating our own Charley Brown tree. We never had money but we had God and each other.
Concur with Sandy Huffman's comment. Linus quoting Luke didn't specifically mean anything to me as a child, but it explained what the point of Christmas was and still is.
True meaning of Christmas-- PEACE.I came by this in the following way. When I was in Vietnam, December 1970, my wonderful brother, Joe, sent me a cassette tape of " A Charlie Brown Christmas ". He recorded this off the TV special using a cassette recorder and tape. We played it over and over again until the tape wore out or broke, I don't remember which. This gift meant so much to me that I have watched ACBC every year since then. Christmas has meant PEACE to me ever since, as I was fortunate enough to make it back.
I'm so glad that they kept the Bible quotes. I believe that it helped contribute to the success of the Christmas cartoon, because it touched the hearts of so many, at the time of year when we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.❤
the scene with Linus explaining the meaning of Christmas is iconic....and very touching. i have a picture on my bulletin board of him saying his lines ... it's been there, year round, for years. :-)
DId you notice that the only time linus lets go of his security blanket is when he is talking about the meaning of Xmas and God? Afterwards he picks up his blanket again. The idea was that Linus didnt need his blanket with God.
To be clear, Xmas is not xing out Christmas or Christ. X is the Greek letter for Chi and is abbreviation for Christ. Both are considered equivalent. It’s a myth that the X is to cancel out Christ. For those in doubt, please look it up.
You forgot to mention that this cartoon renewed the interest of getting real Christmas trees, whereas most people had artificial ones during 50’s and early 60’s 🧐
I was 8 yrs old when this first aired in 1965. I have watched it every Christmas since, first by myself, then with my children and now with my grandchildren. It is a masterpiece! Also, I'm so glad they left in Linus' speech about Jesus. TV at it's best.
I have watched Charlie Brown’s Christmas ever year since it was first aired. I don’t have just one favorite part. All of it Charlie’s tree, how Snoopy winner of Best decorated house, Bible verse “Behold”......... it’s all just so charming. Merry Christmas Charlie Brown! I wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.
In 1965,Mom said that I sat up in Dad's lap just fascinated by the whole show. 54 years later,the only times I've missed the airing was due to being out of the country in the Navy or when I worked on the evening that it aired(4 times,total)
The true meaning of Christmas is EXACTLY the way Linus expressed it!!!!! Diane. People are forgetting this fact more and more every year!!!! God help us!!!!
drbbass it seems that it was unknown to a large segment of the population in the 50s. How could Melendez be unaware of it? I suspect that Christmas was very commercial and consumerist in the 50s.
@@willg4802 By the late 1980s Warner Sallman's Head of Christ became the common image of Jesus used by Christians in the United States. It was considered more white (not historically accurate when you consider that Jesus would have been an olive or brown skinned man with tighter curly hair) and less effeminate than other images. Furthermore, it was reproduced half a billion times for hanging on the wall, lamps and key chains etc. That very commercial image of Jesus became what Americans think of and not anything close to resembling people of his time and place.
WOW! Sounds like you're describing all that Jesus did for us while he walked amongst us, so............"that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown". Yes, the true meaning.
4:27-4:32 This is a great review! This movie is one of my favorite Christmas movies and I watch it every year. One of my favorite parts is when Linus is explaining the true meaning of Christmas on the stage. While watching the movie a few times, I noticed that while he was talking, he dropped his blanket onto the ground when quoting one of the angels (4:27-4:32). Through the beginning of the movie, the others are constantly asking him why he carries the blanket around, and seeing Linus drop it kind of felt like a tribute to the Lord’s security. What Christmas is all about is spending time with family and friends while honoring Jesus’ Nativity. Happy Holidays! :)
Sparkle Paw - Aaaaw, about your insight into Linus’ blankie. What a great catch! Thank you for sharing. I’ve watched this Christmas special I believe every year since it came out, having been born a month before it’s first air time, and yet I never caught that about Linus’ blanket. Now I can share that insight with my family. Yay! It’s funny because my oldest son had a a real obsession over his security blankie and his thumb, too, just like Linus did, until he was about six. Sadly, we lost it in one of our moves, having been accidentally put in the garbage dump pile, when he was about 20. It broke his heart. I think this tidbit may really speak to him about letting it go. ☺️
I tell my kids how fortunate I feel to have been a young child during the 60’s. I was 6 in 1965 when A Charlie Brown Christmas was released. I assume I first saw it in black and white, and I remember it later being sponsored by Dolly Madison. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was released previously in 1964, How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 1966, and Frosty the Snowman in 1969. The Little Drummer Boy (1969) and Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) were very good also. It seems incredible that these classics were released over such a short period of time, and they are still our favorite Christmas cartoons.
Growing up in the 80's we couldnt afford a VCR.So I had the story record..I loved it so much that I would play that record at least once a day after Thanksgiving just to feel part of that world..As a super shy kid it helped that C.Brown didnt always have it easy either..That meant the world to me..I'm sure I'm not alone.
I'm 58 years old and have watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" every year since it's first airing. It has been an interesting journey with the Peanut's Special as I went from my childhood to my teen year, then to young adult and watching the special again through my children's eyes and youthful attitude again. Now as a grand father that renewed youthful feeling of seeing it through my young grandchildren's eyes holds a special place for me. I'm thankful that they used real children for the voices to make it sound authentic. I love the music in the show and feel excited each time I hear "Linus and Lucy". Thanks to today's technologies, I have my own Blu-Ray version to watch whenever I please, but it is still fun seeing it on network television. As one viewer said in the comments, "It's not Christmas without "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
I grew up with the Charlie Brown Christmas and to me it’s not Christmas until I watch it and become a tradition. I miss the old dolly Madison commercials . Thanks for putting this on .
I grew up watching this every Christmas. It is the feeling it creates that Christmas is the one time of the year, you can be the person you always wanted to be.
It's a fun, forgiving, charitable time where men and women seemed on one consent to freely open their shut up hearts to their fellow creatures, without profiting a dime I dare say.
The Peanuts Christmas special is the best Christmas show ever! I love how to this day it’s the only children’s show that explains the true meaning of Christmas.
My parents raised me as a JW so I didn’t have Christmas until many years later. I’m an atheist now but my fave part of this special is when Linus is on that stage with the spotlight on him. I get teary eyed every time. 😪
Although I am a heathen I must admit that that scene was done well and A Charlie Brown Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Yearly airing for 50+ years means they certainly did something right. - If those damn liberals ever try to wage war on this special then we'll have to no choice but to fight like the devil to stop 'em.
Letty Guerra 🥳that is so nice of you. Although I don’t believe I feel that people have the right to believe what they want. No one has the right to tell anyone what they can or can’t do. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!🎄
As a 6-year-old fan of Charlie Brown comics (I partially learned to read reading Schultz’s paperbacks), I’ll never forget the first time “A Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on prime time television in 1965. Even as a little first grader, I was excited when I learned the Peanuts gang was going to have a cartoon special. And it was perfect. It captured the spirit and tone of what I read, the voices were spot on, it was different and funny using some of the bits that had been published earlier in the newspapers, and the solemn 1st Christmas speech by Linus left a lump in my whole family’s throat. And dressing up the little impoverished Christmas making it look great, and ending with “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” with the choral “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” at the end - I was in tears it was so good. It became an annual tradition in my family to make sure we never miss its annual airing, as VCR’s, DVD’s, and streaming didn’t exist in those days. Seeing it annually was special, and it ushered in the Christmas season. It, and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” which aired for the first time the very next year in 1966, are cherished memories of Christmastime that remain with me to this day. I feel lucky to have seen them when they first came out.
Celebrated my last xmas in 1968, but I gotta say, Schultz & company did an awesome job of capturing the feelings of the kids / characters. Well-written, well-executed story.
I am Jewish, but I love a Charlie Brown Christmas. It reflects that true joy does not come from materialism, (gifts), but from treating others with kindness and compassion.
Thank you for sharing that Palgrave 🙏 It’s important to remember how we can all share similar ideals in common like kindness and compassion despite our different religious beliefs.
I was 14 years old in 1965 when I watched Charlie Brown Christmas along with my young brothers and parents .. Watched it on a small black and white TV.. Everyone at school was talking about this great cartoon .. It even put my grumpy father into the Christmas spirit .. I never watched this in color , so it will be a treat when I do so ..
In 1970 I went to a high school that had just been built. It had a Navy Department with a bank of about 30 open reel tape decks connected to a wireless transmission system in the library. I was a library helper that year and enjoyed making tapes and playing with the open real decks. That Christmas I took home a Woolensack portable open reel recorder with its microphone. I stuck the microphone in front of our TV speaker while this TV show was on. By then brought the tape into the AV room and transferred it to a large real and played it on the system in the library. I didn't think anybody would listen to it but it turned out to be a huge hit.
One thing I notice is that this show coined the phrase 'Charlie Brown tree', a Christmas tree so sad looking. We Canadians use that phrase alot...🤘🎄🇨🇦👍
Dad lost his business in '65, I was 8 and by December we were practically out on the street. No presents and no Christmas tree that year, but it was okay: our family of seven had each other, and I had this magical show. Mssrs. Schultz, Mendelson and Guaraldi will never know how much this show has meant to me over the years. I play the music anytime I need cheering up, year-round!
Thanks so much. The first PEANUTS special for me was "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." I missed the Christmas special, but it was Linus' quoting of Luke that helped me memorize it. I once wrote Charles Schulz with an idea for the comic strip. He sent me a cartoon and a letter thanking me, although he could not use my idea because they all had to come from him. I wish I still had the letter.
it's actually a pagan Catholic holliday on the winter solstice where they worshipped the pagan sun god Catholics said they could still keep the holliday and convert to Catholicism and just changed the name to be about the son of God. just like they did with easter and Halloween. some people think cotholisism is Christianity but on closer inspection you will see they are wildly different and that catholicism is not biblical at all.
Born the year this came out, so I've literally been watching it my whole life and have seen it every single Christmas season, even bought the DVD some years back just to make sure my perfect record doesn't get screwed up, Ho Ho Ho 🎅🎅🎅
I think Linus said it best - Peace on Earth, Good will towards men. The most amazing thing about this special is that after they asked him if he thought he could read it, Chris Shea said yes and then read Linus's bible passage one time - and apparently everyones jaws dropped at the loving sincerity with which that angelic child did it in just one take! Probably the singular most loving and innocent words ever uttered in any Christmas special - or ever will be!
To me Christmas means joy. Joy is universal and it has never been tied to a single religion or faith. Christmas exists to remind us that joy is possible even in the darkest of times.
I think the true purpose of Christmas is to celebrate life. Not just an individual life, like with a Birthday. But all life in general. Showing appreciate to those who came before us and sacrificed for us to be where We are. I love the type of peace and serenity tied into the Holiday season. Its beautiful
My son says that xmas is the time that you get to feel that warm feeling inside and look back on your great memories and he als says that it's a time to share happiness.
Christmas is one time a year when people all over the world are celebrating at the same time. No matter how you do it, we are connected on one plane. For me Christmas is the inclusion of a Christ Child that was born to die for all mankind. The fact that He came for all and all are united is pretty special to me. How we celebrate is reflected by our relationship with the Christ Child.
The middle Sixties were the time when Peanuts was at it’s peak - the writing in those years was never topped. We had several of the books - “Security is a Thumb and a Blanket”, “Home is on Top of a Doghouse”, “Linus on Life”, “Snoopy’s Philosophy” - and a few others. In the later years, I missed several of the original characters, like Violet and Pig Pen. Schroeder didn’t seem to appear as much either.
Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Charlie Brown's Christmas it brings back good memories of my childhood sitting having glass of milk and some cookies and just watching the cartoons it's a shame kids nowadays don't get experience that kind of childhood anymore so if you have kids pop in the DVD make some milk and cookies and show them what's about
ill literally subscribe just because I Love Charlie Brown so much and You bringing it to the attention of the next generation is pure. Anyone else wish there was More of the old style Charlie Brown cartoons? Ironically these cartoons were better with age and the newer ones arent as good. Its usually the other way around
What I always remembered about A Charlie Brown Christmas when i first heard it as a kid over 40 years ago is when Charlie Brown asked the question "Isn't their anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" and Linus says yes he can tell him what Christmas is all about and recites the Nativity story and the birth of Jesus. I remember my mother being amazed at the fact that Linus really does tell him what Christmas was all about. This is great. Very interesting information.
The true meaning of Christmas is born in and comes from your heart. It's sharing good tidings, joy and love. Just not at Christmas, But throughout the entire year. God Bless Everyone............................
Christopher Shea, the voice of Linus, is the brother of actor Eric Shea who was in the movies Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) and The Posieden Adventure (1972)..
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS along with the original GRINCH special, more than ANY other holiday specials, are miles ahead of all the others. These two programs express better than anything else, that being the simple mixed with the profound. Christmas in our society is a concept warped beyond belief. One need only to take a step back, reflect on why we do what do at this time of year, and the phenomenon of Christmas, a shared experience like no other, will have its effect. Carols, roasted beast,. obnoxious light displays and gaudy gifts and trees, are all secondary, ineffective nonsense. None of use were promised tomorrow, a concept lost largely in part to mass media's influence. If we are fortunate to see another sunrise, Christmas is a humbling experience like no other, and that feeling alone should make us give thanks to whatever governs our universe, an incomprehensible entity that saw fit to making us feel and more importantly, share love. Merry Christmas. Cheers!
i wonder how all those folks feel that said this wasn't gonna work... guess we see how well that worked out LOL.. they were like nah it's not good.. the public was like.. status report? Certified BANGER!!
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
What is the true meaning of Christmas to you? Remember to be kind to others that think/believe differently than you. Thx!
Hi again
I love the peanuts
The true about christmas is u have peace on earth and u spend more time with your friends and family 👨👩👦👦
The true meaning of Christmas to me is celebrating Jesus being born!💖
@@x2vlogs432 Hi
Linus standing on the stage quoting Luke chapter 2 has been and still is my favorite part
Mine too.
Back when Christmas was actually about Jesus
Peace on earth, (Jesus Christ), good will toward men, ( God sending the gift of eternal life to humanity to all who believe) freed from the bondage of sin
@@catmip Jesus is entirely unnecessary.
Well said Sandy!
I'm always moved to tears when Linus speaks those Bible verses. It's so poignant, simple and the heart of the story.
Thanks for sharing Stephen!
Something about all the background noise and music going silent and the pause until Linus says "That's what Christmas about, Charlie Brown" just hammers it home
Even this a kid reciting Luke it incredibly powerful!
Letty Guerra - “And a child shall lead them...”
@@lettyguerra371 amen.
True meaning of Christmas? Linus nailed it.
Holy gay narrator.
Carl Stenger oh indeed he did. Not many people realize that “a Charlie Brown Christmas“ almost never made it onto the air. When sponsors saw the screening of it for the first time they were pulling out left and right because they found the religion part of it to be either offensive to non-Christians or a mockery Of the Bible. The network which at the time was CBS, approached Charles Schultz and said he had to remove Linus’s monologue Or the show could not air...
Charles Schultz said either that part stays or you do not get my show...
And the rest, as we know has been history at least for the past 54 years
This is My Name You shouldn’t talk about yourself that way 😘
@@ivyvanderwall no u
This is My Name Why so bitter grinch? Don’t like them mentioning God? Don’t watch it. Simple as that.
I'm not a religious fellow at all, but every year one of my favorite Christmas moments of all is when Charlie Brown cries out in emotional anguish to have somebody explain to him the meaning of Christmas, and I hear Linus calmly say, "Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you." Then he tells that bible story, so simple and beautiful, the exact opposite of everything else Christmas-y in the rest of the show, and then he turns to say, just as calm, "...and that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." I've seen it dozens of times, and it still gets me, every year.
Thanks for sharing Brian! It’s cool to hear how much that part of the show means to people. It can be easy to let other things get in the way of meaningful reflection about the meaning of the holiday and it’s cool to hear how this show helps give you that opportunity every year.
Though you’re not “religious,” I think you do actually believe in Jesus and that’s why that scene gets to you. I think ANYONE that scene gets to does really believe in Jesus even though one claims not to...but has simply been hurt so deeply by the religiosity of people who dictate how He should be related to that s/he has just pushed that belief away instead of growing closer to Jesus through a personal relationship with Him, instinctually. It’s just way down deep inside you and the others for protection of your and their heart which previously was possibly abused by false doctrine. You truly are a sweetie to let it get to you, and that’s only something God’s Spirit can do. Just sayin’!
Don’t let the stigma of religion keep you from finding out the pure and basic truth about Christmas and the love that Jesus has for you and everyone. Their are many people and “churches” that try to sell u rules...that is not at all what Jesus is about...just simply put He wants a relationship with you!
Kinda right there with ya, buddy. Though might take it one step further.
I am not only not a particularly religious fellow, I am a flat out atheist.
But do think there is a truth and a purpose to life, and while I cannot say what that is- I think it is different for everyone, I can say what it is not. And it is not the things you have or the money you spend.
Linus's truth is truth for many people, and that is beautiful.
Plus, you know...atheist or not, it won't truly feel like Christmas without watching this one. At least once.
😊
Merry Christmas, everybody!
@@joelbizzell1386 Merry Christmas, Joel. I feel you are more agnostic than atheist. I truly loved what you wrote as it came right from your heart.
...and this “amateur production”, written quickly by geniuses went on to become arguably most people’s favorite Christmas program of all.
I think that the non-professional aspect of the production is what gave it it's charm. Unfortunately, the big success of this TV show caused a bunch of imitation Christmas specials that weren't as good - and have never been culled. I have this and a few others, and I skip the Christmas TV wasteland. It's too bad that I can't stay home until after the holidays. The Charlie Brown Christmas special was a reaction to the over commercialization of the Christmas holidays, and it was 55 years ago.
As a kid growing up in 70's, this was a huge event in my family. It was so important to remind kids that Christmas was not about toys but about His birth and the love He have for mankind and how we should demonstrate that love every day.
Amen
The Peanuts specials always made me want Dolly Madison snack cakes, but they weren't sold in my area.
Christmas is not Christmas until I see this movie.
I agree but not just this movie. I must also see How the Grinch stole Christmas :)
Xmas isn't Xmas until I've seen this and the Scrubs version... well, those and Itsudatte My Santa!, but that's just me.
And It's a Wonderful Life movie!!
Mel....amen to that!!
Ikr
I have watched it from 1960s until now...it doesn't feel like Christmas until I do...thank you...and a special thanks to Charlie Brown in the whole Peanuts Gang.
It's not Christmas without A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Listening to the Charlie Brown album on Christmas is a must absolute must otherwise I don't feel anything but sadness or complete absence of feeling at all.
I remember watching A Charlie Brown Christmas the first time it aired. We were really excited and anticipating its showing that night. We thrilled to the sounds of Vince Guaraldi's amazing music, the dance scene and Linus telling Charlie what Christmas really means. I was 13 years old then. Have not missed seeing it since 1965, even when I was in the service and not always near a TV.
Merry Christmas and God bless us all, everyone.
I never knew that Christmas song came from this movie!! :D Also, I'm glad they kept the Bible quotes in the movie!
Ya, it makes me smile when people rant about how it's not a Christmas song, because little they did they know... :)
It's more of a peanuts theme. I like "Christmastime is here"❤
Look up the Harp Twins' version of the song.
The first time I watched the special and recognized that Linus was reciting from the Gospel of Luke, I immediately blurted out, “That’s it! Way to go, Linus!” Because Linus is 100% correct, that is what Christmas is all about! I watch it every year, and it is required holiday viewing in my household!
When Linus speaks when he says: Fear not, he throws down his blanket. He no longer needs his security blanket when he is quoting scripture and talking of Jesus.
Excellent observation.
Huh, yeah! I hadn't thought of that all these years. Nice!
It’s actually (quite possibly) even *more* nuanced: at the last moment before linus relinqushes the blanket, the blanket assumes the shape of a shepherd’s crook, as Linus fully takes on the persona of an evangelist when he repeats the angel’s message. However, at the lap dissolve to the long shot of Linus from the last row of the theatre, Linus can be seen to be once again *holding the blanket*. This could likely indicate that the long shot was animated and photographed first, before the idea of the “holy relinquishment” emerged. In any case, Linus’ narration is unsurpassed, no adult cleric can tell the ageless story as movingly as a child. As it ought to be.
Ya can't be absolutely _sure_ of that, @@schwei56, about the kid vs. the adult. There very well might be an adult who could sound just as moving. But I agree with you in that a kid who does it this well is certainly a good option, and I also find your analysis about the blanket pretty interesting. Too bad they didn't fix that little oopsie, though.
Schultz was a subtle lead up writer in his strips. Linus does indeed drop the symbol of his insecuriries on ..."fear not", but he does retrieve them from the stage and carries the blanket again. He has to as in the next sequence after Charlie Brown ornamentating the only physical thing of meaning so far says
"I've killed it!
AUggh why does everything I touch get ruined"
as the bent reed lies in the white snow with a red orb puddled.
Linus proclaims love and faith, then wraps his insecurities at the feet of the tree for the reed to ascend.
Subtle stuff.
This is my all-time favorite Christmas special. Every time I hear a Christmas song, I think about Linus' recitation.
If you think that this show didn't have an impact you can now buy a Charlie Brown Christmas tree! i was born in 1965, watched it every year! RIP Charles Schultz. You are missed. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
It is my all-time favourite and I watch it several times at Christmas. The message is a perennial reminder to respect the holiday and message to all.
This is the only "Holiday" show that I consider a CHRISTMAS special. I love it, because it points out the commercialism of CHRISTmas, and it actually explains the reason for the Holy Day. I also like it for the music, because I'm an admirer of jazz, especially pianists, and Vince guaraldi is a genius and a legend!
I have been watching A Charlie Brown Christmas since it first aired in 1965 when I was 13. I just love it. It never gets old for me.
The true meaning if Christmas is celebrating the Lord , caring for each other and giving to tell people that you care about them. (That's what I think the true meaning of Christmas is)
cookie dough 128 you’re right dude. I hope you have an amazing Christmas this year!! 🎅
cookie dough 128 Your soo right! We often forget what Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas!!
You are COORRRECT you've just won our holiday game show
Merry Christmas
For 2019
Christmas mentioned being together. Just my Mom and I singing caroles and decorating our own Charley Brown tree. We never had money but we had God and each other.
Concur with Sandy Huffman's comment. Linus quoting Luke didn't specifically mean anything to me as a child, but it explained what the point of Christmas was and still is.
True meaning of Christmas-- PEACE.I came by this in the following way. When I was in Vietnam, December 1970, my wonderful brother, Joe, sent me a cassette tape of " A Charlie Brown Christmas ". He recorded this off the TV special using a cassette recorder and tape. We played it over and over again until the tape wore out or broke, I don't remember which. This gift meant so much to me that I have watched ACBC every year since then. Christmas has meant PEACE to me ever since, as I was fortunate enough to make it back.
Thank you Charles Schultz for daring to feature Christ in your Christ-mas holiday story on a commercial tv network!
I'm so glad that they kept the Bible quotes. I believe that it helped contribute to the success of the Christmas cartoon, because it touched the hearts of so many, at the time of year when we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.❤
the scene with Linus explaining the meaning of Christmas is iconic....and very touching. i have a picture on my bulletin board of him saying his lines ... it's been there, year round, for years. :-)
It's a little strange that the very reason for Christmas has somehow become "controversial." This is easily the best Christmas animated special ever.
This is a Christmas classic! The soundtrack was definitely on point!
I'm 53 years old and still enjoy A Charlie Brown Christmas to this day. Some things you just never outgrow!
DId you notice that the only time linus lets go of his security blanket is when he is talking about the meaning of Xmas and God? Afterwards he picks up his blanket again. The idea was that Linus didnt need his blanket with God.
Cool observation! Thanks for sharing.
RIGHT ON.....WHEN LINUS WAS FULL OF THOUGHTS OF THE INFANT KING...HE FORGOT ABOUT HIMSELF..God is so amazing.....
*Christmas not Xmas with all due respect.
To be clear, Xmas is not xing out Christmas or Christ. X is the Greek letter for Chi and is abbreviation for Christ. Both are considered equivalent. It’s a myth that the X is to cancel out Christ. For those in doubt, please look it up.
The interesting thing is that when Linus starts quoting the Bible verses, he drops his blanket - the one thing he could never do without.
I never noticed that. Thank you.
I never noticed that either. He didn't need the blanket, because he knew children are safe in the arms of Jesus.
It's still close by.
He only wigs out when it's removed from close proximity to him.
This show could possibly be the center piece of my childhood. I watch it every year and it instantly put me in the Christmas spirit.
You forgot to mention that this cartoon renewed the interest of getting real Christmas trees, whereas most people had artificial ones during 50’s and early 60’s 🧐
Yeah, my neighbors had a fake silver one. I always thought it was strange.
Yes those silver aluminum trees that had the 4 color disk rotator.....
Wow. I didn't know that
Huh? I didn't meet everybody from everywhere in the 1950s and 1960s, but I don't seem to remember artificial trees being a thing.
I still have the silver christmas tree from my childhood. Those were much better times..
Oooohhhhh Luke 2 Linus said it all,,, that's Christmas
I was 8 yrs old when this first aired in 1965. I have watched it every Christmas since, first by myself, then with my children and now with my grandchildren. It is a masterpiece! Also, I'm so glad they left in Linus' speech about Jesus. TV at it's best.
I think Linus summed up my answer pretty simpley
Love your profile pic, how appropriate, lol.
@@macdri Thanks :D
I have watched Charlie Brown’s Christmas ever year since it was first aired. I don’t have just one favorite part. All of it Charlie’s tree, how Snoopy winner of Best decorated house, Bible verse “Behold”......... it’s all just so charming. Merry Christmas Charlie Brown! I wish you all a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.
It was great to hear the behind the scenes facts, I love this show and it is a must to see every year to remember the true meaning of Christmas...
In 1965,Mom said that I sat up in Dad's lap just fascinated by the whole show.
54 years later,the only times I've missed the airing was due to being out of the country in the Navy or when I worked on the evening that it aired(4 times,total)
The true meaning of Christmas is EXACTLY the way Linus expressed it!!!!! Diane. People are forgetting this fact more and more every year!!!! God help us!!!!
Amen!!!
drbbass it seems that it was unknown to a large segment of the population in the 50s. How could Melendez be unaware of it? I suspect that Christmas was very commercial and consumerist in the 50s.
If there was a God, he would have helped you by now.
@@willg4802 By the late 1980s Warner Sallman's Head of Christ became the common image of Jesus used by Christians in the United States. It was considered more white (not historically accurate when you consider that Jesus would have been an olive or brown skinned man with tighter curly hair) and less effeminate than other images. Furthermore, it was reproduced half a billion times for hanging on the wall, lamps and key chains etc. That very commercial image of Jesus became what Americans think of and not anything close to resembling people of his time and place.
@@vstar7196 God help us to get the message of Jesus to those who don't know about all that Jesus did for us, God's love for us.
The cartoon is perfect the way it is. Wouldn’t be Christmas without its showing.
Thanks for sharing dakritic.
For me the true meaning of Christmas is love, caring, sharing, and giving.
Nina Demci well said Nina.........well said.
WOW! Sounds like you're describing all that Jesus did for us while he walked amongst us, so............"that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown". Yes, the true meaning.
Yes so true, and it was all done by God, by giving His only begotten son as The Savior of the world. What a Good Father! Hope for the hopeless!!
A true Christmas to me is every year watching a Charlie Brown Christmas!
4:27-4:32
This is a great review! This movie is one of my favorite Christmas movies and I watch it every year.
One of my favorite parts is when Linus is explaining the true meaning of Christmas on the stage. While watching the movie a few times, I noticed that while he was talking, he dropped his blanket onto the ground when quoting one of the angels (4:27-4:32). Through the beginning of the movie, the others are constantly asking him why he carries the blanket around, and seeing Linus drop it kind of felt like a tribute to the Lord’s security.
What Christmas is all about is spending time with family and friends while honoring Jesus’ Nativity.
Happy Holidays! :)
Sparkle Paw - Aaaaw, about your insight into Linus’ blankie. What a great catch! Thank you for sharing. I’ve watched this Christmas special I believe every year since it came out, having been born a month before it’s first air time, and yet I never caught that about Linus’ blanket. Now I can share that insight with my family. Yay! It’s funny because my oldest son had a a real obsession over his security blankie and his thumb, too, just like Linus did, until he was about six. Sadly, we lost it in one of our moves, having been accidentally put in the garbage dump pile, when he was about 20. It broke his heart. I think this tidbit may really speak to him about letting it go. ☺️
I tell my kids how fortunate I feel to have been a young child during the 60’s. I was 6 in 1965 when A Charlie Brown Christmas was released. I assume I first saw it in black and white, and I remember it later being sponsored by Dolly Madison. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was released previously in 1964, How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 1966, and Frosty the Snowman in 1969. The Little Drummer Boy (1969) and Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) were very good also. It seems incredible that these classics were released over such a short period of time, and they are still our favorite Christmas cartoons.
Growing up in the 80's we couldnt afford a VCR.So I had the story record..I loved it so much that I would play that record at least once a day after Thanksgiving just to feel part of that world..As a super shy kid it helped that C.Brown didnt always have it easy either..That meant the world to me..I'm sure I'm not alone.
You're not alone. The scene where Linus wraps his blanket around the base of the tree always brings me to tears.
I'm 58 years old and have watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" every year since it's first airing. It has been an interesting journey with the Peanut's Special as I went from my childhood to my teen year, then to young adult and watching the special again through my children's eyes and youthful attitude again. Now as a grand father that renewed youthful feeling of seeing it through my young grandchildren's eyes holds a special place for me. I'm thankful that they used real children for the voices to make it sound authentic. I love the music in the show and feel excited each time I hear "Linus and Lucy". Thanks to today's technologies, I have my own Blu-Ray version to watch whenever I please, but it is still fun seeing it on network television. As one viewer said in the comments, "It's not Christmas without "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
I grew up with the Charlie Brown Christmas and to me it’s not Christmas until I watch it and become a tradition. I miss the old dolly Madison commercials . Thanks for putting this on .
Omg i LUV this movie! My all time fav Christmas movie! Gosh i didnt know any facts about this movie but Thanks! 😝
Charlie Brown Christmas and the original Grinch are the only ones I care to watch anymore
When my children were younger they’d ask “ Mom, what would you like for Christmas ?”
My answer - “World peace and a clean house”.
Lol. Nice one. Every good mother’s wish 😁
Celebrating the birth of Christ, love, kindness, giving, family, friends, togetherness.
I grew up watching this every Christmas. It is the feeling it creates that Christmas is the one time of the year, you can be the person you always wanted to be.
It's a fun, forgiving, charitable time where men and women seemed on one consent to freely open their shut up hearts to their fellow creatures, without profiting a dime I dare say.
Bahhh... .humbug!
Linus has the true meaning of Christmas correct. The cartoon is a true classic.
Thanks for sharing John!
The Peanuts Christmas special is the best Christmas show ever! I love how to this day it’s the only children’s show that explains the true meaning of Christmas.
My parents raised me as a JW so I didn’t have Christmas until many years later. I’m an atheist now but my fave part of this special is when Linus is on that stage with the spotlight on him. I get teary eyed every time. 😪
Although I am a heathen I must admit that that scene was done well and A Charlie Brown Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Yearly airing for 50+ years means they certainly did something right. - If those damn liberals ever try to wage war on this special then we'll have to no choice but to fight like the devil to stop 'em.
Churches ruined the message of Jesus. I believe in God and His Son. Linus explains it all!
@J Wil pray for Mary Ann. She obviously has a kind heart!
The birth of Jesus Christ ii s a reality and his mother Mary Amen
Letty Guerra 🥳that is so nice of you. Although I don’t believe I feel that people have the right to believe what they want. No one has the right to tell anyone what they can or can’t do. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!🎄
As a 6-year-old fan of Charlie Brown comics (I partially learned to read reading Schultz’s paperbacks), I’ll never forget the first time “A Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on prime time television in 1965. Even as a little first grader, I was excited when I learned the Peanuts gang was going to have a cartoon special. And it was perfect. It captured the spirit and tone of what I read, the voices were spot on, it was different and funny using some of the bits that had been published earlier in the newspapers, and the solemn 1st Christmas speech by Linus left a lump in my whole family’s throat. And dressing up the little impoverished Christmas making it look great, and ending with “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” with the choral “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” at the end - I was in tears it was so good. It became an annual tradition in my family to make sure we never miss its annual airing, as VCR’s, DVD’s, and streaming didn’t exist in those days. Seeing it annually was special, and it ushered in the Christmas season. It, and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” which aired for the first time the very next year in 1966, are cherished memories of Christmastime that remain with me to this day. I feel lucky to have seen them when they first came out.
Celebrated my last xmas in 1968, but I gotta say, Schultz & company did an awesome job of capturing the feelings of the kids / characters. Well-written, well-executed story.
Thanks for putting this together! True meaning of Christmas? Linus said it!
So this Christmas movie has been running for over 50 years, wow
And I've seen it all 54 years...wow, I'm old.
I was 6 years old when it first aired. I saw it the first time, and the other classic kids Christmas specials, like Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer.
I remember the first airing in 65. I was 7.
I am Jewish, but I love a Charlie Brown Christmas. It reflects that true joy does not come from materialism, (gifts), but from treating others with kindness and compassion.
Thank you for sharing that Palgrave 🙏 It’s important to remember how we can all share similar ideals in common like kindness and compassion despite our different religious beliefs.
I was 14 years old in 1965 when I watched Charlie Brown Christmas along with my young brothers and parents .. Watched it on a small black and white TV.. Everyone at school was talking about this great cartoon .. It even put my grumpy father into the Christmas spirit .. I never watched this in color , so it will be a treat when I do so ..
Thanks for sharing those memories.
In 1970 I went to a high school that had just been built. It had a Navy Department with a bank of about 30 open reel tape decks connected to a wireless transmission system in the library. I was a library helper that year and enjoyed making tapes and playing with the open real decks. That Christmas I took home a Woolensack portable open reel recorder with its microphone. I stuck the microphone in front of our TV speaker while this TV show was on. By then brought the tape into the AV room and transferred it to a large real and played it on the system in the library. I didn't think anybody would listen to it but it turned out to be a huge hit.
One of my all time favorites ...love Charlie Brown and the gang
Oh my goodness I loved this video so much! What a wonderful back story! I love this movie!
Cammie Yorgason you’re welcome! I really liked learning about this one too.
I love this one because it truly does share the true meaning of Chriatmas!!!!
One thing I notice is that this show coined the phrase 'Charlie Brown tree', a Christmas tree so sad looking. We Canadians use that phrase alot...🤘🎄🇨🇦👍
I first saw this as a child in the early 70s and have watched it every year since. I love it!
Dad lost his business in '65, I was 8 and by December we were practically out on the street. No presents and no Christmas tree that year, but it was okay: our family of seven had each other, and I had this magical show. Mssrs. Schultz, Mendelson and Guaraldi will never know how much this show has meant to me over the years. I play the music anytime I need cheering up, year-round!
Thank you for sharing such a touching story. I hope this finds you at peace and doing well. Merry Christmas J
Thanks so much. The first PEANUTS special for me was "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." I missed the Christmas special, but it was Linus' quoting of Luke that helped me memorize it. I once wrote Charles Schulz with an idea for the comic strip. He sent me a cartoon and a letter thanking me, although he could not use my idea because they all had to come from him. I wish I still had the letter.
Great information about a favorite show. Loved this.
Thanks Diane!
I have to admit that Linus' speech always made me disappear into the kitchen for more snacks. Loved the party music/dances!
Schultz and his creations brought so much joy.
I have 2 beagles, he was documenting their behavior. They do make some of the same sounds as Snoopy.
Christmas is about selfless love which is the highest feeling any human can have.
The true meaning of Christmas is in the name. It’s Christ.
Technically yes but it has evolved into more than that.
it's actually a pagan Catholic holliday on the winter solstice where they worshipped the pagan sun god
Catholics said they could still keep the holliday and convert to Catholicism and just changed the name to be about the son of God. just like they did with easter and Halloween.
some people think cotholisism is Christianity but on closer inspection you will see they are wildly different and that catholicism is not biblical at all.
Born the year this came out, so I've literally been watching it my whole life and have seen it every single Christmas season, even bought the DVD some years back just to make sure my perfect record doesn't get screwed up, Ho Ho Ho 🎅🎅🎅
I think Linus said it best - Peace on Earth, Good will towards men. The most amazing thing about this special is that after they asked him if he thought he could read it, Chris Shea said yes and then read Linus's bible passage one time - and apparently everyones jaws dropped at the loving sincerity with which that angelic child did it in just one take! Probably the singular most loving and innocent words ever uttered in any Christmas special - or ever will be!
The soundtrack to this special is legendary
Indeed!
Favorite Christmas special, and favorite Christmas album. Thanks Schulz and Giraldi.
To me Christmas means joy. Joy is universal and it has never been tied to a single religion or faith. Christmas exists to remind us that joy is possible even in the darkest of times.
Agreed. It is more about the love joys spiritual depths than about any one person or event
I think the true purpose of Christmas is to celebrate life. Not just an individual life, like with a Birthday. But all life in general. Showing appreciate to those who came before us and sacrificed for us to be where We are. I love the type of peace and serenity tied into the Holiday season. Its beautiful
That’s a nice, thoughtful answer. Thanks for sharing
That Jesus has done all the work, saved us all, and loves us all unconditionally.
My son says that xmas is the time that you get to feel that warm feeling inside and look back on your great memories and he als says that it's a time to share happiness.
I completely agree: It does seem like an amateur production. But it's a lot of what makes it so charming and nostalgic!
Christmas is one time a year when people all over the world are celebrating at the same time. No matter how you do it, we are connected on one plane. For me Christmas is the inclusion of a Christ Child that was born to die for all mankind. The fact that He came for all and all are united is pretty special to me. How we celebrate is reflected by our relationship with the Christ Child.
GeauxColey ❤
GeauxColey ❤Beautifully spoken.
Except for the Muslims.
The middle Sixties were the time when Peanuts was at it’s peak - the writing in those years was never topped.
We had several of the books - “Security is a Thumb and a Blanket”, “Home is on Top of a Doghouse”, “Linus on Life”, “Snoopy’s Philosophy” - and a few others.
In the later years, I missed several of the original characters, like Violet and Pig Pen.
Schroeder didn’t seem to appear as much either.
Charlie Brown's Christmas hit the nail on the head when it comes to the True meaning of Christmas💯💖🕊🌿.
Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Charlie Brown's Christmas it brings back good memories of my childhood sitting having glass of milk and some cookies and just watching the cartoons it's a shame kids nowadays don't get experience that kind of childhood anymore so if you have kids pop in the DVD make some milk and cookies and show them what's about
I’m a kid and I watch it
ill literally subscribe just because I Love Charlie Brown so much and You bringing it to the attention of the next generation is pure. Anyone else wish there was More of the old style Charlie Brown cartoons? Ironically these cartoons were better with age and the newer ones arent as good. Its usually the other way around
What I always remembered about A Charlie Brown Christmas when i first heard it as a kid over 40 years ago is when Charlie Brown asked the question "Isn't their anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" and Linus says yes he can tell him what Christmas is all about and recites the Nativity story and the birth of Jesus. I remember my mother being amazed at the fact that Linus really does tell him what Christmas was all about. This is great. Very interesting information.
Thanks for the compliment Gary and for sharing your thoughts!
The true meaning of Christmas is born in and comes from your heart. It's sharing good tidings, joy and love. Just not at Christmas, But throughout the entire year. God Bless Everyone............................
Seeing family and friends you haven’t seen in forever
Friendship, love and laughter
Christopher Shea, the voice of Linus, is the brother of actor Eric Shea who was in the movies Yours, Mine and Ours (1968) and The Posieden Adventure (1972)..
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS along with the original GRINCH special, more than ANY other holiday specials, are miles ahead of all the others. These two programs express better than anything else, that being the simple mixed with the profound. Christmas in our society is a concept warped beyond belief. One need only to take a step back, reflect on why we do what do at this time of year, and the phenomenon of Christmas, a shared experience like no other, will have its effect. Carols, roasted beast,. obnoxious light displays and gaudy gifts and trees, are all secondary, ineffective nonsense. None of use were promised tomorrow, a concept lost largely in part to mass media's influence. If we are fortunate to see another sunrise, Christmas is a humbling experience like no other, and that feeling alone should make us give thanks to whatever governs our universe, an incomprehensible entity that saw fit to making us feel and more importantly, share love. Merry Christmas. Cheers!
As a kid this was on once a year. If you missed it, you had to wait another year to see it.
True meaning: Appreciating that Jesus came to Earth as our Christ and anticipating His return
i wonder how all those folks feel that said this wasn't gonna work... guess we see how well that worked out LOL.. they were like nah it's not good.. the public was like.. status report? Certified BANGER!!
Christmas means family time and time to be jolly