My job here is simple: I am going to explain to you why A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is the best holiday special.
Ever.
I have six reasons (well, seven, but reason 5.5 is more personal than universal). So let’s get started.
Reason #1: The show speaks the Truth.
In the midst of Season of Joy, it is rather unfashionable to be depressed. A somber aspect will bring on cries of, “Come on, get in the holiday spirit!”
As for me, I always get melancholy this time of year. It’s as traditional as caroling, decorating the tree, and sneaking downstairs at 5 am Christmas morning to swap the butterscotch pudding from my stocking with the chocolate pudding in Mark’s stocking.
A lot of people get yuletide depression; more than we know, as so many of us are putting on merry Christmas masks. And the reasons are abundant in this season-
Family blues – from those who can’t be with their loved ones for the holidays.
Or those who are forced to put up with their loved ones for the holidays.
The pressure of expectations – I’ve got to find that perfect gift for our neighbors, Gladys Kravitz, or she’ll send her dog over to my yard to do his business!
Failed expectations – I bought Gladys an i-phone, but she still sends her dog over to my yard!
And this season isn’t just for religiously commercial holidays – coming in December, it is a reminder that we’ve wasted another whole year.
Sigh.
Charlie Brown was boy enough to admit he was feeling blue. In fact, he kinda made it okay to say it. A little hip, even.
In the seasonal dumps? Just say:
“I’m feeling a little Charlie Brownish”
People will understand.
I realize that this borders on complaining, which goes against the American Christian work ethic of grin and bear it, but…
We’ll save that but for reason #2.
Just my thoughts,
Sean
I have six reasons (well, seven, but reason 5.5 is more personal than universal). So let’s get started.
“I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess… I always end up feeling depressed.” - Charlie Brown, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Reason #1: The show speaks the Truth.
In the midst of Season of Joy, it is rather unfashionable to be depressed. A somber aspect will bring on cries of, “Come on, get in the holiday spirit!”
As for me, I always get melancholy this time of year. It’s as traditional as caroling, decorating the tree, and sneaking downstairs at 5 am Christmas morning to swap the butterscotch pudding from my stocking with the chocolate pudding in Mark’s stocking.
A lot of people get yuletide depression; more than we know, as so many of us are putting on merry Christmas masks. And the reasons are abundant in this season-
Family blues – from those who can’t be with their loved ones for the holidays.
Or those who are forced to put up with their loved ones for the holidays.
The pressure of expectations – I’ve got to find that perfect gift for our neighbors, Gladys Kravitz, or she’ll send her dog over to my yard to do his business!
Failed expectations – I bought Gladys an i-phone, but she still sends her dog over to my yard!
And this season isn’t just for religiously commercial holidays – coming in December, it is a reminder that we’ve wasted another whole year.
Sigh.
Charlie Brown was boy enough to admit he was feeling blue. In fact, he kinda made it okay to say it. A little hip, even.
In the seasonal dumps? Just say:
“I’m feeling a little Charlie Brownish”
People will understand.
I realize that this borders on complaining, which goes against the American Christian work ethic of grin and bear it, but…
We’ll save that but for reason #2.
Just my thoughts,
Sean
4 comments:
There is an American Christian work ethic of "Grin and Bear it?" How many christians actually know about it?
I'm speaking of the happy face that many churches expect of their members for marketing appeal -- join our religion and never be sad again. This is completely different from B & Ming about other church members, which is allowed under the category of pray request and brotherly concern.
I always wondered why I got butterscotch.
It's not b****ing and moaning, it's called "sharing the truth in love."
You've not mentioned one of the other reasons many of us get depressed at this time of year. We're just plain tired. There is too much to do and so much of it is considered necessary and unavoidable.
Omar P.
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