On Nov. 26, 1922, a talented cartoonist was born who gave generations of families a love for our favorite cartoon specials. Charles Schulz created multiple holiday specials of Charlie Brown and America’s beloved dog Snoopy. No matter what age you are, you’ll find a connection with one of the holiday specials of Charlie Brown.
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” first premiered on Oct. 27, 1966. This holiday special captures the essence of the holiday season beginning. On Halloween night, Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin to appear in the Pumpkin Patch. Meanwhile, we get Charlie Brown and his friends enjoying a night of trick or treating and the typical misfortunes the gang endures. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has spectacular animation. The special is filled with bright orange pumpkins and classic Halloween costumes, as well as a glowy moon that shines throughout the night of the gang’s adventures.
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
Thanksgiving is the holiday for tons of great food and times of thanks. Although, it is a stressful time in many households — preparing food for friends and family is a big task. Premiering in November 1973, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” shows Charlie Brown trying to host a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends. However, with Charlie Brown’s luck, things don’t go as planned. Peppermint Patty invites herself to the feast and Snoopy has to prepare an unconventional meal for the gang. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” truly encapsulates how many Thanksgiving dinners turn out.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas“
Premiering on Dec. 9, 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the first holiday special. This special has become a holiday classic for many Peanuts fans and families. In “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” we experience glowy Christmas lights, sinking snowflakes, snow skating and trying to find the perfect Christmas tree. This special gives the warm and cozy feeling many love during winter time. However, Charlie Brown comes to the realization of his feelings on what is the true meaning of Christmas. Throughout the special, his friends help Charlie Brown rediscover the meaning of Christmas and we get the famous scene of Linus reciting a chapter from the Gospel of Luke.
“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown“
We can’t end the holiday season without talking about New Year’s. “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” is a less popular special from the holiday series, but it still carries many of the sentimental themes from the specials. Charlie Brown is stuck reading “War and Peace” over the winter break leaving him distraught. Because of this book report, Charlie Brown can’t attend a New Year’s party. However, he ends up celebrating with his friends. This special is filled with the classic chaos of getting family and friends together before the clock strikes midnight.
Charlie Brown and the gang have become essential throughout the holidays. Whether or not you missed the previous specials this year, make sure to get cozy with friends, a partner or family and watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown.”