From its first airing on December 9, 1965 this program is an honest to goodness staple of Christmas viewing. Which begs the question, Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas a holiday classic?
The reason is a simple one, it is the first network Christmas special to feature the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus Christ , the Lord and Savior of the world.
Lee Mendelson approached Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, after Coca-Cola reached out to producer Mendelson over their desire to sponsor a holiday special. Mendelson and Schulz came up with a concept interspersing snow, ice skating , and a school play. The program would also incorporate jazz with traditional Christmas carols.
Most importantly, Schulz wanted a reading of Christ’s birth by Linus. Despite reservations by Mendelson and animator Bill Melendez of controversy. Schulz insisted, “If we don’t do it , who will?”
We think of America in the early 60’s as being more conducive to Christianity, when in fact very few Christmas television programs, then, featured any substantive reference to religion.
Besides the reading of Luke 2, the show was historic for featuring child actors for the voices of the Peanuts gang. Melendez supplied the only adult vocal, voicing Snoopy. Jazz musician Vince Guaraldi composed the memorable soundtrack for the cartoon .
After screening the finished show, CBS network execs hated it: the pacing, the child voice talent, and the story. Problem was, they were committed to the time slot. The promos were out and Coca Cola was the sponsor.
Mendelson thought they had a flop on their hands and figured it was going to be one-and-done. But then the reviews came in and the rest is history.
As mentioned earlier, Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz insisted this special must put Jesus in the spotlight which was literally done when Linus, under a spotlight, recited Luke 2 :8-14 after Charlie Brown asked about the true meaning of Christmas.
Did you catch Linus dropping his security blanket when he recited “Fear not”? Watch it again, it’s like a subtle mic drop.
Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas a holiday classic? It’s because of that sincere and touching Linus reading of Luke 2. That Linus monologue is why this cartoon is a tradition to families nearly 60 years after its original broadcast .
Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!