What is the meaning of Christmas? What's the big day really all about? Two beloved children's Christmas movies ask the big question and come to similar conclusions.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965) - the first Peanuts television special - originally appeared on CBS television as a Christmas special in early December. It begins with Charlie Brown declaring - in a matter-of-fact kind of way - that he's depressed. "I think there must be something wrong with me Linus," Charlie explains. "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." Those are the first words spoken in this 25 minute animated short movie and begins Charlie Brown's exploration to understanding the meaning of Christmas.
Initially, Charlie is upset with everyone for not engaging in traditional holiday activities with him like sending Christmas cards, but Charlie also becomes disappointed with how those around him are choosing to celebrate Christmas. His dog, Snoopy, for example has entered a neighborhood lights and display contest. The ad for the contest reads, "Find the true meaning of Christmas! Win money, money, money!" His sister, Sally, wants him to write a letter to Santa on her behalf. She has the audacity to ask Santa to bring her cash - 10s and 20s! And Lucy, who is giving psychiatric help out for a nickel, not only becomes ecstatic at the sound of a nickel dropping into her jar but laments to Charlie her disappointment that she never gets what she really wants every Christmas - real estate!
Has the world become too greedy? Is money all that motivates people? Has the spirit of Christmas gotten twisted in commercialism? There must be more to Christmas than this, Charlie wonders.
It's a message that serves as a nice reminder to children and adults alike. There's nothing wrong with little ones wanting to write Santa a letter or parents buying gifts, but can we all take a minute to slow down and actually understand what Christmas is supposed to be about? It's not a time to go out shopping, pushing and shoving each other to find the hottest gifts. Or spending a considerable fortune shopping online. Christmas is about more than talking snowmen and reindeers with red noses. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. That's not me editorializing. That's actually what Charlie Brown learns! Linus is the only character capable of expressing the true meaning of the holiday to Charlie.
For years I have complained on this blog that Hollywood Christmas movies only seem to focus on Santa and children wishing and hoping to receive a special gift. In more modern times, Christmas movies are about finding a boyfriend (thanks Hallmark movie channel!). But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think a mainstream animated movie would bring religion into the conversation and in a positive light! Can you imagine a mainstream animated movie doing this today?
"A Charlie Brown Christmas" marks my first time watching the Peanuts gang. Growing up, neither the comic strip or the animated specials interested me. For some reason it bothered me as a child to hear the sound of adults speaking in their "wah wah" gibberish. Having now seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas" however I am able to understand what is so appealing about Charles M. Schulz's characters.
The interaction between the various characters and Charlie Brown reminds me of Jack Benny - hey, I had to compare it to something I know and am much more familiar with! Think about it. In Jack Benny's world he is the sane one surrounded by eccentric characters that give him a difficult time. When he reaches a point of exasperation with someone he shouts, "Now cut that out!" Based on "A Charlie Brown Christmas", my takeaway is Charlie is our center. The character we are supposed to identify with. The other characters have more exaggerated personalities and often make Charlie the center of their remarks. And, when Charlie becomes exasperated with their behavior he shouts, "Good grief!"
And what a surprise for me to come to the realization some of the classic Christmas songs I hear around this time on the radio are actually from this movie!
I wish " A Charlie Brown Christmas" was a bit longer to allow the movie more time to establish its theme. The story feels rushed with Linus' big speech coming out of nowhere. Adding an additional 10 to 15 minutes would have really helped make this story feel complete. In the end though, Charlie Brown's midwestern aw-shucks humor makes this is a nice Christmas movie for families to watch.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" *** (out of ****)
"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) is a children's animated Christmas family movie I am much more familiar with. I hadn't discovered it until my early teen years and it quickly became a favorite! I liked it so much I even bought it on VHS (remember those?) and would watch it any time of the year.
Borrowing from elements of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" begins similarly to "A Charlie Brown Christmas" with characters singing around a Christmas tree. Their words signify a time of joy and brotherhood as they sing a song with lyrics "while we stand heart to heart and hand in hand".
On this particular Christmas Eve however in Who-ville, the Grinch (voiced by Boris Karloff) has devised an awful plan to stop Christmas! After 53 years the Grinch - whom some suspect may have a heart two sizes too small - is fed up with the Whos down in Who-ville and all their noise and singing on Christmas day as he lives atop of a mountain just north of Who-ville with his dog Max.
The Grinch is going to pretend to be Santa Claus and steal all the presents for the young girls and boys. He's even going to take their Christmas trees and food! Then when everyone awakes on Christmas morning and sees all of their presents are gone, there will be no Christmas and best of all, no noise and singing!
Both "The Grinch" and "Charlie Brown" are hitting on the theme, what is the meaning of Christmas? Both reject commercialism but Charlie Brown learns it is a time to celebrate the birth of the lord and savior, Jesus Christ. The Grinch learns Christmas is about showing kindness to others and allowing love to enter your heart. The Grinch learns Christmas isn't a thing - something that can be stopped. It is a feeling. Both are nice messages and can live side by side.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is the more secular story of the two and meant to be more kid friendly with funny songs and physical comedy a la Max the dog. Children may be so distracted by these elements they might not understand the movie's deeper message and may think the Grinch is funny and nothing more.
One thing I noticed during a recent viewing is when the Grinch complains about all the noise, we see on-screen the Whos beating drums and playing instruments. Some are playing games. While the Grinch hears "noise" what he is missing is the joy and friendship that is taking place. He's not able to see that probably atop of his mountain and inside the homes of the Whos. When the town gets together to sing around the Christmas tree, it isn't merely a bunch of Whos, with terrible singing voices making "noise", it is a bond and a sense of togetherness that the Grinch can't see.
There is also something to be said about the relationship between the Grinch and Max. Max doesn't seem bothered by the idea of Christmas and the celebrations in Who-ville but he goes along with the Grinch's plan simply because that it the relationship between master and servant. A remake of the Grinch from 2018 delves a bit deeper into their relationship.
Like "A Charlie Brown Christmas", "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" debuted on CBS television. It was based on Dr. Seuss' book, of the same title, which was written in 1957. It was directed by Looney Tunes director, Chuck Jones and is equally well remembered for the songs sung by Thurl Ravenscroft (the voice of Tony the Tiger).
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a fine family Christmas movie with a warning about commercialism. Too bad the director and Seuss didn't want to go that extra mile and mention religion. Still this is an enjoyable Christmas movie.
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