Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks 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 so 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 this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and 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'". That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.


Watched the all-time classic yet again this year. Sophia and I love it. The meandering yet steady piano orchestrating the "action" is as much a feature as the pre-technology animation is. How cutting edgy was this? No way in this so-called politically correct nation we live in now would any producer ever create such an obviously Judeo Christian slanted show, one that even quotes the bible. This must have been a real gamble in its day.

There is simply no way I can watch this show without being transported back to a simpler, carefree time when Christmas really seemed like a season, and not a "reason". By this I mean a reasom for the sales, pushing each other at 5 AM in mall parking lots, and the never ending onslaught of spending enticements.

So if for nothing else, you can lose yourself in the simple message, the easy animation, and actual children's voice-overs and not polished adult actors. Of course there was a time when such a production was truly cutting edge.

For starters, Charlie Brown is a generally a downer. The music, while I personally love it, is a bit melancholic with the haunting piano solos. Obviously the dollar drives all decisions on television, and the mere fact that Charlie Brown is on for the 42nd year would speak volumes to its commercial success.

Nothing says Christmas season is upon us like the simple old Charlie Brown. This show is as much a part of "Christmas" as Santa. Again, the threads of my childhood run through the fabric of my own child. Really quite cool, not to mention I still really enjoy the show. I think this year I'll download this excellent soundtrack of yesteryear via today's IPod technology.