Christmas is Coming

My favorite Christmas show came on today-"Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown." There are so many reasons why I love this show. It's hard to pinpoint the main one.

Growing up, we used to watch all of the holiday movies including the original "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," and "Santa Claus is coming to Town." The problem with all those movies is they scared me for some strange reason. The puppets in these movies and Grinch were just a little too creepy. "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown," however actually shared the true Christmas story of the birth Christ. I felt that this was one of the few times people actually heard the true meaning of Christmas outside of all of the commercial hype.

Another reason I love this holiday special is the music. Lucy & Linus theme song featuring everyone dancing on stage hopping back and forth from left to right bobbing their heads accordingly makes me smile.

Vince Guaraldi (1929-1976) is the amazing jazz pianist who composed the scores for all sixteen of Charles Schulz's Peanuts movies. Something about his style is so recognizable to me. I can hear a song on the radio and just know that it is one of his tunes. Funny thing is, until recently, I didn't even know his name...I would just say, "Wow, that sounds like that Charlie Brown pianist." Even though I know his name now, I may still call him the Charlie Brown pianist. :-)

Regardless of the reason, I am just glad my kids and I were able to enjoy at least one of the few holiday traditions I had growing up.

What is one of your favorite holiday shows or movies?

Comments

miruspeg said…
Nice post Annemarie, you are certainly getting into the Christmas spirit.

I have a soft spot for two classic Christmas films:
'Miracle on 34th Street' and 'Its a Wonderful Life'.

I think it is about time I watched them again.

Hope all is well in your world and you are not 'run off your feet'.

Love
Peggy
December 9, 2008 at 2:17 AM
Roban said…
The original "Mircale on 34th Street" is an all-time favorite of mine. I absolutely love the magic of it, and I always find myself waiting to see the house and the sign that Santa was there! The Charlie Brown Christmas also brings back memories similar to yours. I always watched the Christmas movies, too.

I enjoyed reading about the Charlie Brown pianist. I remember when my husband and I went out to eat not long after our daughter was born. I gave the pianist a request for the Charlie Brown song that you have playing second on your playlist.

Thanks for putting a smile on my face today!

Roban
December 9, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Roban said…
Been there and done that, too! (forgetting the camera). Luckily, we have the memories... for now!
December 9, 2008 at 7:56 PM
carrhop said…
I love Rudolph--still love him! But the Charlie Brown special has always been a close second!!

Blessings!
December 10, 2008 at 8:47 PM
merryheart2 said…
hello sweets
i love the Charlie Brown music.

i have several of those little card holders. they come in turquoise, green and even purple. there may be more colors, but that's what i've found so far. i love em. i'm gonna make more of those as Christmas gifts. so easy to make. the hard part is deciding which pictures to use and printing them out.

my favorite Christmas movies (i have two) are Miracle on 34th Street and Prancer. my kids and i used to watch Prancer every season (over and over). insert smile and giggle. good memories.

have yourself a merry little day friend.
Sandra
December 11, 2008 at 7:21 AM
MJ said…
Each year, we watch "Sound of Music" and "The Grinch who stole Christmas" (original version). I think we watch Sound of Music because it has always played on tv during the holiday season. We visited Salzburg and went on the Sound of Music tour and my dh now insists on watching it!
December 12, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Roban said…
Sorry to hear about the delayed return of your fella. I'm sure your kids are anxious to have him home.... Too bad it's after Christmas. But I guess he'll get to be home for the holiday?

I have great respect for single moms, and single moms due to circumstances. I tend to worry a bit when my husbands gone for just a few days or a week. My daughter and I get a little lazy and dependent on restaurants for many of our meals!

Take care!
Roban
December 12, 2008 at 8:24 PM
Chimene said…
Hi,
I love to stop by at your blog so i give you an award.
The details are on my blog.
XXXX Chimene
December 14, 2008 at 9:56 AM
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