A Charlie Brown Christmas was an absolute staple this time of year during my childhood, dutifully airing on PBS and ABC each season during the holidays like Linus’ warm safety blanket. For kids like me who didn’t have cable growing up (my parents didn’t get cable until I was 18 which is sort of insane to think about– also the fact they got it right after I left for college, wtf!) the programming on the major channels was a big deal and always sort of a spectacle. We’d set the alarm clock (DVR’s weren’t standard at that time what a world), make some popcorn, and cozy up together under a blanket to watch specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas and It’s A Wonderful Life past our bedtime.
Last night I got the opportunity to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas with my nearly four-year old daughter in the same position– snuggled up on the couch under a cozy blanket. As her belly laughs at all of Snoopy’s antics filled the living room it was a reminder that this time of year is really about the little moments. It’s likely she won’t remember watching this movie once the calendar turns to 2024, but I know from my own experience that sharing a laugh with your parents on the couch watching a holiday movie is one of those things that stick with you as the years pass by. And I’m happy we got that chance last night, watching the film as the sweet sounds of Vince Guaraldi’s jazz piano played a perfectly meandering soundtrack to the scenes of Snoopy and the gang discovering the true reason for the season.
Standout Songs: “What Child Is This”, “Linus And Lucy”, “Christmas Time Is Here”, “Skating”
