80. A Charlie Brown Christmas, reflecting the modern condition
"Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
suggested reading method
To best savour this artwork, please take a moment to eliminate distractions. Consider minimizing all other windows on your computer; putting other devices (phone, tv etc) aside; taking a deep breath, to the full extent of your lung capacity; and focusing solely on the “artwork” section.
Once you’ve processed that to your satisfaction, the rest of the post is optional reading, provided only to share my own impressions and reasons for choosing this piece.
artwork
Excerpt from A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965.
interpretation
In this clip, Charlie Brown is tasked with finding a tree for the school Christmas play. He was told to pick a large aluminum one. Instead, he chose the most puny and thin tree around: as I just noticed upon rewatching, the only natural tree in the lot. Linus wryly asks, “Gee, do they still make wooden Christmas trees?”
This theme of commercialization rings as true today as it did in the 60s. We are surrounded by ads and bright lights, distracting us, telling us what to buy and which trends to follow. It’s nigh countercultural to choose something more humble and natural instead.
Charlie Brown, fed up with his friends and family’s consumerism, seems to understand that Christmas is not meant to be superficial, or a quick fix for our troubles. In one of the most quietly touching moments of the show, Linus is called to narrate the true meaning of Christmas from the Bible:
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
…
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Whether or not one believes in Christianity, the point is agreeable enough: joy over fear. Peace and mutual good will are so important, especially during the literal darkest times of the year. These days, all the presents and decorations – even artificial ones – strike me as precious symbols of these deeper values.
context
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, was one of the many TV specials based on the American comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz (1922 - 2000). Although the special was predicted to be a failure, based on its unconventional use of child actors and the (now-bestselling) jazz soundtrack by pianist Vince Guaraldi, the show was wildly successful. This led to many more Peanuts movie and TV adaptations, and even live performances of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
I haven’t yet decided how to honour this year of Substacking; after some more reflection, I’ll be back with another post. :) In the meantime, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, however you celebrate!
Feel free to share your own thoughts in the comments!
Hi Rachel, I agree 100%.
I hope Christmas and the holiday season invokes reflection in all to see the joy in life, no matter what may be happening. It is there to see.
All the best to you now and for the new year, and beyond!