It’s the Holidays Charlie Brown!
Origins and Humble Beginnings:
Peanuts, the iconic comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz, had its roots in a weekly panel cartoon called “Li’l Folks”. “Li’l Folks” appeared in Schulz’s hometown newspaper, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, from 1947 to 1950. In 1950, the comic strip was renamed Peanuts and began its official run. The cast of characters included a delightful group of children led by the endearing Charlie Brown, who often served as Schulz’s alter ego within the strip. After creating one of the most-loved and widely circulated daily comic strips, the next step was moving to a cartoon platform. And so, in 1965, the first Peanuts holiday special debuted on CBS. These timeless animated specials have captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Here’s a closer look at each one:
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired in 1965. In this endearing tale, Charlie Brown grapples with the commercialism surrounding Christmas. Feeling disenchanted, he embarks on a quest to discover the true meaning of the holiday. With the help of his friends, including the ever-wise Linus, Charlie Brown learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the spirit of giving. The special is accompanied by the iconic jazz soundtrack composed by Vince Guaraldi1. We use a clip of this special to kick off and end the Christmas TV Classics sequence in our light display.
How to watch in 2024:
Apple TV+ Subscribers: “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be available all season long.
Non-Apple TV+ Subscribers: you can stream “A Charlie Brown Christmas” free on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. (That means you have two full days instead of one time slot in the past on CBS!)
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” premiered in 1966. As Halloween approaches, Linus eagerly awaits the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, a mythical figure who visits sincere pumpkin patches. Meanwhile, the rest of the Peanuts gang prepares for trick-or-treating. This special captures the essence of childhood wonder, friendship, and the magic of the season.
How to watch in 2024:
Apple TV+ Subscribers: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” will be available all season long.
Non-Apple TV+ Subscribers: You can stream “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” free on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. (That means you have two full days instead of one time slot in the past on CBS!)
In “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” (1973), Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Linus concoct the most original Thanksgiving menu since 1621—buttered toast and pretzel sticks, anyone? The Peanuts gang also learns how to put the “thanks” in Thanksgiving. This heartwarming special celebrates gratitude, togetherness, and the joys of sharing a meal with loved ones.
How to watch in 2024:
Apple TV+ Subscribers: “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” will be available all season long.
Non-Apple TV+ Subscribers: you can stream “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” free on Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. (That means you have two full days instead of one time slot in the past on CBS!)
“It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown” (1974) follows the gang as they prepare for Easter. Snoopy takes on the role of the Easter Beagle, hiding eggs for the children. Meanwhile, Peppermint Patty struggles with her school assignment, and Linus believes in the magical Easter Beagle. This special captures the joy of spring, egg hunts, and the simple pleasures of the season.
In “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown” (1975), the Peanuts gang celebrates Valentine’s Day. Charlie Brown hopes to receive a valentine from the Little Red-Haired Girl, while Lucy demands kisses and chocolates from Schroeder. Amidst the heart-shaped cards and school dance, the special reminds us of the sweetness and innocence of young love.
The most original of Peanuts holiday special, “It’s Arbor Day, Charlie Brown” (1976) focuses on environmental awareness. The gang participates in an Arbor Day project, planting trees and learning about nature. Linus, ever the philosopher, shares his thoughts on trees and their significance. This special encourages us to appreciate the beauty of our planet and the importance of conservation.
The Peanuts holiday specials continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the timeless themes of friendship, kindness, and the joy of celebrating life’s moments together.