Christmas Traditions: 5 Lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas
For many Americans, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas in the month of December is a beloved holiday tradition. Though it was released nearly 50 years ago, this animated television show (called a ‘special’) continues to connect with new generations of viewers today. For people who are new to American culture, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas is a great opportunity to learn about both the Christmas holiday and American popular culture in a fun, memorable way.
Based on the popular Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, A Charlie Brown Christmas is filled with themes, customs, and values that reflect American holiday traditions and broader cultural ideals. Here are several insights that anyone who is new to the U.S. can gain from watching this classic special.
Image by Kit Cowan on Flickr – Creative Commons
1. The Meaning of Christmas
The central theme of A Charlie Brown Christmas is the search for deeper meaning, highlighted in Charlie Brown’s frustrated question: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Charlie Brown, the main character, feels disillusioned with the commercialism of the holiday season. His friends all focus on presents, decorations, and money. Charlie searches for something more, but doesn’t know where to find it.
This conflict highlights a common discussion in American culture: balancing materialism with the spiritual and emotional aspects of holidays. Linus, one of Charlie Brown’s friends, recites a passage from the Bible to explain the origins of Christmas, offering viewers insight into the Christian traditions that are central to the holiday. At the same time, A Charlie Brown Christmas emphasizes universal themes of kindness, community, and simplicity, making it relatable for people of all backgrounds.
2. American Holiday Traditions
The special showcases several American Christmas traditions, such as decorating a Christmas tree, putting on a holiday play, and exchanging gifts. Viewers see the characters choose a tree, rehearse for a Christmas play (often called a ‘pageant’), and prepare for a Christmas celebration. Charlie’s dog Snoopy participates in a holiday light contest by decorating his doghouse.
These scenes reflect the ways in which many Americans prepare for Christmas and emphasize the importance of shared activities with family and friends. For anyone who is new to the U.S., observing these customs through the eyes of the Peanuts gang can give an idea of the customs to expect during the Christmas season, as friends and neighbors express their holiday spirit.
3. Music as a Cultural Element
The music in A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of its most iconic features. The jazz soundtrack, composed by jazz musician Vince Guaraldi, includes famous pieces like “Linus and Lucy” and “Christmas Time Is Here.” Jazz is a uniquely American art form, and its inclusion in the special connects viewers to an important part of U.S. musical history. Additionally, the carols sung by the characters at the end of the special, such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” highlight the role of music in holiday celebrations. For English language learners, listening to traditional Christmas songs is a great way to practice listening skills and expand vocabulary related to Christmas.
(You can find Vince Guaraldi’ complete soundtrack here on Amazon.)
4. Peanuts as a Cultural Icon
Peanuts, the comic strip that inspired the special, holds a significant place in American pop culture. Created in 1950 by artist Charles Schultz, the comic captured the humor, struggles, and emotions of everyday life through its cast of relatable child characters. By watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, viewers can connect and understand why Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang remain beloved figures in American media to this day.
Well-known moments like Charlie Brown trying to kick a football, Lucy giving advice at her booth labeled ‘Psychiatric Help 5 cents’, and of course, Linus telling Charlie Brown ‘what Christmas is all about,’ represent important values and experiences within the American tradition.
Image by Kit Cowan on Flickr – Creative Commons
5. Lessons in Friendship and Community
Finally, the special delivers timeless lessons about friendship and community. At first, Charlie Brown’s friends insult the small, unimpressive tree that he buys for the Christmas play—the word “blockhead” is used a lot, and the kids’ unkindness toward Charlie may be a bit much for young, sensitive viewers—but in the end, the Peanuts gang realizes their error and comes together to decorate the tree in a heartwarming holiday scene. This act of kindness reflects the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that are an important part of the holiday season in the U.S.
In summary, A Charlie Brown Christmas offers people new to the U.S. a unique window into American culture. Through its exploration of holiday traditions, music, values, and iconic characters, the special provides not only entertainment but also meaningful insights into what makes the season special for so many people.
Featured Image by Karl Kuntz, provided by Otterbein University Theater & Dance on Flickr – Creative Commons License
Thanks for taking a look at these 5 lessons from A Charlie Brown Christmas.
You can pick up your own copy of A Charlie Brown Christmas on DVD here on Amazon.
Additionally, you might enjoy this look at some great American Thanksgiving traditions.
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