A Charlie Brown Christmas
In one of the most non-commercial pieces of Christmas television out there, A Charlie Brown Christmas surprises in many ways, yet always delights. Charlie Brown, ever the contemplative one, is struggling to find his own meaning of Christmas. As his self-loathing takes hold, Lucy suggests directing the school Christmas play, which leads Charlie down the path of reflection in order to rediscover his Christmas spirit. In a subtle nod to commercialism, he ultimately finds solace in a tiny, scrawny Christmas tree that is smaller than him. It initially draws ridicule from his classmates, but in the end drives home the message that Christmas isn’t about what you have, but also what you can make of what you have.
A Charlie Brown Christmas remains a Christmas delight. Its a great alternative to the traditional Christmas message, providing a far more philosophical and learned approach to the holiday season and feelings that can emanate as a result of it. Remember, these are schoolchildren, and there is barely a mention of presents, Santa and the like. Running at just less than 30 minutes, it remains well worth anyone’s time almost 40 years since it first aired.