ALONG COMES MARY

So, since I am here playing catch up with my 12 Days of Christmas Movies series, I thought since it is Christmas Eve, how about some Christmas cartoon classics? Enjoy!

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

I hesitated including this one for its own entry, thus, why I did feature it for my music day edition. I was concerned that since this is SO well-beloved around the world, that it doesn’t even need a feature, an introduction, on the blog. It’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, of course I love it. Duh! Yet, here I am, deciding that it does deserve a mention, once again, as it just holds up so well, every year.

Its Christmastime for The Peanuts. Everyone is getting very caught up in the hustle & the bustle of the season. Sally has written her letter to Santa Claus, & just wants money, “How ’bout in 10’s & 20’s?” she says. Lucy only gets stupid toys when she wants real estate, & Lord forbid she eats a December snow flake, she always wats til January. And, even Snoopy is in on the act as he creates the ultimate dog house for a town’s prize. It all seems a bit commercialized this year….

Which is why everyone is in the spirit but good ol’ Charlie Brown; “Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy” he confides in Linus, “I don’t feel the way I am supposed to.” He just cannot get into the fun, he does not even truly understand what christmas is even all about. Despite these feelings of self-doubt, Lucy talks Charlie into directing the school Christmas play, he then goes on to pick out the perfect Christmas tree for the show.

“This tree just needs a little love!” he exclaims, & proceeds to take it back to the cast & crew to share with them the adorable tree he found. They all think its atrocious, & are horrified. Humiliated Charlie Brown yells, “Does anyone know what christmas is really all about?!” & sweet little Linus goes up to the microphone, politely asks, “Lights, please” & tells Charlie Brown:

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.”

Charlie Brown’s friends find his tree, & realize it is not a bad tree, after all, & begin to decorate it. One of my most favorite Christmas moments is when Charlie comes upon his friends, asks, “Whats going on here?!” & as he sees his transformed tree, the kids explain, “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!:

Absolute classic.

And, next up: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Much like how we’re grateful to Charles Schultz for creating The Peanuts for us, the same could be said for Dr. Seuss, as well. 2 years after A Charlie Brown Christmas, Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas got the television special treatment & was brought to life following the widely successful book of the same name.

The Grinch lives up top of Whoville, a town that clearly LOVES their holiday festivities. The Grinch is your ultimate “Bah Humbug!” character & plots to steal everything involving Christmas in the town of Whoville.

The Grinch, once again, got some more royal treatment in 2000 when a feature-length movie was made, too. Does he ever come around & give back Christmas? You will have to watch & find out! xo