Well I made it all the way to the week before Christmas without hearing any Christmas music. For me this was a great success because usually it is played incessantly from about Thanksgiving onwards.
I really like Christmas: the season (somehow it’s not Christmas when it’s over 25 degrees), the spirit of giving, and the special family traditions to name a few; but, when it comes to Christmas music I’m like the Grinch.
Personally I just don’t really like the music. I’ve tried pinpointing what it is, but can’t seem to. However, I do have a favourite Christmas CD. And it’s not really the traditional songs, though there are a few on it, it’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Vince Guaraldi Trio.
I think because it reminds me of snoopy dancing which always makes me smile or of Charlie Brown finding the most beaten up Christmas tree ever and defending his choice; I simply enjoy the music and the film.
The film itself was made in 1965 and remains a classic, along with the music in my opinion.
The film reinforces values that we should all have year-round, not even just at Christmas. In the film Sally wants money and even says, “I only want what’s coming to me. I only want my fair share.”
There’s so many things wrong with this statement, but the cartoon is looking to teach people why that’s not what life is all about. You shouldn’t feel entitled to anything, with hard work and dedication you’ll find your way. Life isn’t easy, but it also doesn’t owe you anything.
While Lucy wants real estate and Snoopy is looking to win money. It’s this attitude of “want, want, want” that ultimately Charlie Brown teaches us to reign in. Money and gifts aren’t the true meaning of Christmas and in the end the characters in the film realize this; something that Charlie Brown seemed to know all along and somehow his frail little Christmas tree is more beautiful and meaningful than the full, luscious trees out there.
Some people, however, aren’t so sure Charlie Brown is teaching anything positive and focus on the kids calling him a Blockhead, which brings out the debate of if Charlie Brown is actually a cartoon teaching kids that bullying isn’t that bad.
Although I also grew up watching Loonie Tunes and Power Rangers; both apparently teach violence to children… so, I guess I’m hooped according to people that only see the negatives in old cartoons and children’s shows.
