"Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"

That of course is the central plot revolving around today's selection A Charlie Brown Christmas (which can be seen tonight on ABC-click on the link for more information). I think this is basically one of the quintessential Christmas specials of all time. I remember, back in the days of televisions without remote controls (gasp), without cable (sigh), the Christmas season was highly anticipated for just the specials alone! We barely had vcr's...nevermind dvd's...so once a year was IT. Every year was like the first time seeing it though. The family would gather and watch many Christmas cartoons, but this one went out of it's way to send the true message of the season. In all honesty I'm shocked that it's even still playing on network television considering there aren't just minute religious references, the whole thing revolves around the Christian tradition of Christmas. Good for you, ABC! (Now re-consider cancelling Alias and we might get you off "Santa's 'naughty' list!!)

Alright, no more Rosie O'Donnell on the soapbox rants...I'm not getting political and ruining my blogging career!!

I love this cartoon, there aren't many that can keep my attention year after year...but Charlie Brown and Linus are totally worth seeing over and over again. When I was in the second grade, I played Mary in our church's annual Christmas Eve pageant. When I was a senior in High School I was offered the coveted role of the narrator. However, the best time I ever had on the pageant was when I was teaching second grade CCD and had the opportunity to pass on the joy of this pageant to a whole new generation of children that I hoped would love it as much as I did. Charlie Brown gets to be the director of the Christmas pageant with his little friends, but is plagued by the commercialism that surrounds the holiday. His little sister Sally is obsessed with getting gifts, this is the letter she sends to Santa. (Yes, I have it memorized...I'm that pathetic.)

"Dear Santa Claus,
How have you been? Did you have a nice summer? How is your wife? I have been extra good this year, so I have a long list of presents that I want. Please note the size and color of each item, and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself: just send money. How about tens and twenties?"

It's cute with her little lisp...but it upset Charlie, who finally has a nervous breakdown and walks out on the pageant to find a Christmas tree. Linus follows suit, and the two discover a tiny little branch when all the "new, expensive, flashy trees are pink and made of tin. Charlie and Linus take the little tree, and with a "wise beyond his [Linus] years speach, "a little love," and the efforts of some friends...the tree turns into a beautiful sight and the Peanuts kids start singing (Loo loo loo) and Christmas is saved for Charlie Brown.

(Charlie) "Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?"

(Linus) "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please?

'And there were in the same country shepherds

abiding in the fields,

keeping watch over their flocks by night.

And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the lord shone round about them,

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not,

for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.'

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie brown."