Christmas 2024 is behind us, but its spirit lives on.  I like to start the New Year uplifted and try to maintain this positivity throughout the year.

This blog is usually about books and, indeed, I love books.  I need books.  But other forms of the creative arts can make me laugh and cry and think and grow, too.  Great movies, for example.

In December, many of us curl up and enjoy our seasonal favorites.  And there are many — It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street (the original), Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (and the other marvelous versions of Dickens’ classic tale), as well as many films of the story of the birth and life of Jesus.

Among those I love and admire most is A Charlie Brown Christmas.  When I hear those beginning four beautiful chords from composer Vince Guaraldi, whatever else I’m doing has to wait.

Since 1965 Charles Schulz has captured viewers of all ages with his story of a jazzy Christmas play, a sorry-looking evergreen, and everyone’s favorite can’t-do-anything-right little boy searching for the meaning of Christmas amidst the blaring noise of the world.

In his frustration Charlie cries out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

When young philosopher, theologian and blanket devotee Linus walks on stage and quotes Luke 2:8-14 from the King James Bible, you could hear a pin drop.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night . . . And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. . . . “

Schulz was nothing short of brilliant, genius, in making this the story’s climax.  He undoubtedly had an innate understanding of the power of this scripture, the power of the event that changed everything.

As Linus says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Before beginning, Linus says, “Lights please,” as if he realizes the significance of what he is about to share, knowledge he senses should be in the spotlight.  It’s clear Schulz thought so, too.  Charlie Brown gets it, and so do we.  The scene never fails to choke me up.

In this simple film (less than 30 minutes), Charles Schulz gives us exactly what we all need, not just at Christmas but throughout the year, as we, like Charlie Brown, struggle through the unforgiving noise of the world.  Simple, yes, but deep.

If you didn’t get a chance to see A Charlie Brown Christmas in December, please seek it out.

May your 2025 be filled with the hope embodied in Schulz’s masterpiece.