[December 20, 2024] The story of Christmas is an old story going back to ancient times. More recently, we’ve created a wealth of ideas about enjoying each Christmas season. One of those ways is to watch the classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
The show is loved by children and adults alike. Something about it gives us a good feeling about this time of year: family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.
Yet the show almost didn’t get shown on television because the advertising agency for Coke-Cola was hesitant about putting on an animated show for kids that was slow, had religious overtones, lo-fi animation, and had no laugh track.
Furthermore, real children’s voices were used instead of adult actors mimicking children. This certainly gave the 25-minute movie a special charm. To top it off, Schulz insisted on having a Nativity scene front and center.
Approval came late, so creator Charles Schulz had little time to bring the product to air. It was first run I. 1965, just as I turned 13. I don’t remember seeing it that first Christmas but I’ve seen it annually every year except when I was overseas in combat.
Fortunately, despite all the drama and efforts to kill the production, it was first aired on December 9, 1965, and was an instant success. The show helped many see the true meaning of Christmas.
If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the story behind “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” then see the article by Stephen Lind, Associate Professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business.
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Thank you, Gen. Satterfield for reminding me of my childhood when I was so innocent. Those were beautiful times with my family. We had such a wonderful time watching the show with Charlie Brown and his gang.
Oh, I still watch it every year. Love ❤️ it.
“ Fortunately, despite all the drama and efforts to kill the production, it was first aired on December 9, 1965, and was an instant success. The show helped many see the true meaning of Christmas.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield. Everyone I have ever known to see this animated Christmas show actually lived it. Even those not Christians. That alone says alot. It says that we humans have an inherent need to worship something higher than us. And that something higher is God almighty.
Thank you, Rev. Cain. Nailed it.
My favorite Christmas movie from the time I was 6 or 7 years old. There is a message why so many are drawn to it.
A real classic. It shows that we are all drawn to Christianity. 🙏
I have to strongly agree but that we are drawn to many forms of religion and that includes evil “religions” like Satanism. Some so-called modern, hip, with it people are members of various sects that are extreme. Some believe in the religion of climate change. Just one example of course but the point is made. I think perhaps we need to narrow the idea of what is religion and that might help the discussion.
The Observer, good comment. When we argue points and use unclear terminology, then we talk past each other. Thank you sir.
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Folks don’t forget copies of Gen. Satterfield’s books. Get them for Christmas, it’s not too late.
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“55 Rules for a Good Life,” on Amazon
“Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon
While this is probably left for a future discussion, it’s good to get it out in the open for us to ponder. But, I do think you’re right and it’s also a problem when there is no pushback on crazy. Today’s liberal would have us all believe in “ live and let live.” Nope, that’s a strategy that does not work in the long term.
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Not so sure I fully agree but I get your point.