A Christmas Special for Everyone


"Look, Charlie, let's face it. We all know that Christmas is a big commercial racket. It's run by a big eastern syndicate, you know." — Lucy, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

I am a big movie guy, so every year I get asked what my favorite Christmas movie is. Usually I respond with "Die Hard," the 1988 action picture that launched Bruce Willis as an action star. It's only kind of a joke. I love the film, and it is set at Christmas.

There are a handful of movies I think about at Christmas time, "Die Hard" included. I like "Love, Actually," "A Christmas Story," "It's A Wonderful Life," and "Elf." But when I think about what my favorite Christmas movie is, there really is no debate — the funny thing is that it's not really a movie.

In 1965, Charles Schultz gave the world a great Christmas special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I like the Peanuts, and their universal appeal. But this is the special that has stuck with me over the years. I like the humor, the animated story and, most of all, the fact that Schultz used a mainstream animated Christmas special as a chance to talk about what Christmas really means.

This is my favorite exchange, between Charlie Brown and Linus:

Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.
[shouting in desperation]
Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock 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 sore 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 is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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.'"
[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]
Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

That is what Christmas is all about, and that's why Charlie Brown is the star of my favorite Christmas film!

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