Good grief, what's all this about?

Today I'm celebrating Christmas with Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang!

On this date in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas premiered. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang have been a part of many families' traditions for 43 years now. This special is shown annually during the holidays. A Charlie Brown Christmas is the longest-running cartoon special in history, airing every year since its debut. It is also listed on the TV Guide and TVLand "The Most 100 Memorable TV Moments" list.

In this feature Charlie Brown searches for meaning in the Christmas holiday. As it starts he is seeking to understand why he always ends up depressed around the holidays. On the advice of a good friend, he gets involved with a holiday production, but after some trouble on the set, he ends up with the responsibility to find the Christmas tree for the play. He even has problems with that task. In desperation Charlie Brown cries out, wondering if anyone understands what Christmas is all about. Linus is quick to provide the answer:

As posted on YouTube by wteach
In the end, all realize that they've been too hard on Charlie Brown, they fix up his tree, and they all join together singing a Christmas carol.

Around this time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. We all have great intentions and become involved in so much -- trying to make the most of this great holiday season. Often not everything goes exactly as we would like and have planned. It's also easy to get lost in the commercialization -- especially when you see Christmas products appear on the racks after Halloween. (How much earlier can they get?) For many, it's a time of sadness as memories of Christmas pasts become so fresh and close to mind. Perhaps you've come across someone lately who seems a bit edgy or grumpy and does not seem to quite have that holiday spirit? In the spirit of the Christmas season, give them a break and don't be quite so hard on them. Instead, share the joy of the Christmas season and seek to understand how you might help. Sometimes just a little patience and a smile makes a big difference. You never know what they might be experiencing.

Today, I wish for you the happiest of holidays. I hope that you take some time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and make a positive difference in someone's life.