A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

We all know that Charlie Brown has the most problems of anyone - and this Christmas film is no exception. Here the gang is rehearsing for a Christmas play and they end up needing a Christmas tree - the cutest little tree ever. The gang are always the funniest and with the cutest problems. I love watching Snoopy mimic Lucy - it's the best. I don't know who's bossier Lucy or Peppermint Patty- yet they are so lovable. And who can forget Charlie's Christmas Tree? A very memorable film.Grab a cup of Hot Chocolate, gather up the family and pile up under some (of Linus') blankets and enjoy the fun! Great for the whole family to watch.10/10

This has been part of my annual Christmas viewings since I was eight! And year after year it never stops being touching, funny, off-beat, and wholesome. Also, who among us can't relate to the frustrations of one Mr Charlie Brown? His disillusionment with the Christmas Holiday, was a theme rarely seen in a show in the 1960's, let alone in a kids show. The supporting characters are all so vibrantly different. From the self absorbed Lucy, to the quiet and introspective Linus, to the imaginative and irreverent Snoopy. The voice actors are so young and innocent sounding that it gives the show an innocence that matches up well with the offbeat humor that comes from Charles Schultz. The animation is a bit crude, but the magic of the writing and voice acting somehow makes the crude animation seem charming. And who can forget the amazing musical score by Vince Guaraldi? The songs from this show "Linus and Lucy", and "Christmas Time Is Here" have gone on to be Christmas standards. The Jazz music score gives the show a hip feel that contrasts well with the childish feel of the voice acting and the animation.Also, if you are of a religious nature, you will find that particular spiritual aspect of the show to be moving. But even if you aren't, and just enjoy the Holiday season for it's traditions rather than it's Religious nature, you will still find lots of things about this show that you will like.So keep up the tradition of families watching this show every Christmas by showing it to the young ones in your life, they won't be disappointed.

Unlike simple video presentations, this timeless Christmas offering is bit of comfort food as much as it is a piece of Americana. Charile Brown searches for the meaning of Christmas, running into the utter commercialism we all deride (yet we fill up the shopping malls anyway). Charlie (who is abused at every turn) takes on the role of the director a Christmas play, much to the disdain of his peers. They continually refer to him as a blockhead. Even his dog enters a Christmas lighting contest, turning his doghouse into a showplace. As time passes, the din of the season overwhelms our young hero to where he can't stand it anymore. He must seek out the true meaning of the holiday. This is a precious offering, utilizing one of the most recognizable soundtracks in all of cinema, and seems to give us a little boost at the holiday season. See it an grab a little childhood.

Every year, I inevitably watch part or all of this special. Charlie Brown's search for the true spirit of Christmas always has resonance at this time of the year. It's no wonder that this is a Christmas classic. With the constant commercialization of the Holidays, Charlie's plight and Linus' speech is a great antidote. "My own dog gone commercial. Arg!" Now that say it all.It's always poignant when Linus takes center stage to explain the meaning of Christmas. It is something beyond a simple TV show. It transcends mere entertainment. Beside the big Linus speech, there is an innocent humor about the show. Many of the jokes leave me with a smile. And a scrawny tree is forever known as a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It's a cultural touchstone.