The commercialization of Christmas started in the early 1900s, grew out of control by the middle of the century and has gotten worse each decade since.
Thankfully we have Charlie Brown and Linus to remind us about the true meaning of the season.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired on Dec. 9, 1965, and has been broadcast every year since to become the second longest-running Christmas special on television, trailing only “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” But unlike that latter holiday special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” keeps the focus squarely on the baby Jesus.
The half-hour special airs each December on ABC but also can be purchased on Amazon streaming.
The story follows a gloomy Charlie Brown as he organizes a play while searching for the real meaning of Christmas. “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” Charlie Brown shouts during the cartoon’s pinnacle. That’s when his thumb-sucking friend Linus steps in, takes center stage and recites Luke 2:8–14 from the King James Version of the Bible.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,” Linus says, in part.
Upon conclusion Linus tells his friend, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Also worth watching this month:
- “Sergeant Stubby: An American Hero” — World War I had its share of heroes, including a four-legged creature named Stubby, a stray dog who found his way onto a ship bound for Europe and brought joy to the men of the 102nd Infantry Regiment. Animated. Available on DVD and streaming platforms. Rated PG for war action and some thematic elements.
- “Little Women” (2018) — This modern adaptation of the classic Louisa May Alcott novel includes the same characters as in that book — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — but is set in modern times. Like the book, it has dozens of positive lessons. Among them: don’t waste your life, prioritize your family and learn to forgive. No coarse language or sexuality. Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and teen drinking.
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