Tag Archives: A Charlie Brown Christmas

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2025: Day 9

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

On the 9th day of Christmas a hero gave to thee “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. The holiday staple premiered 60 years ago today on December 9, 1965. It has been a treasured classic ever since.

That year was also the 15th anniversary of the first Peanuts comic strip which was published on October 2, 1950. It was a monumental success so The Coca-Cola Company commissioned a special from creator Charles M. Schulz. He collaborated with executive producer Lee Mendelson, producer & director Bill Melendez and jazz musician Vince Guaraldi to bring the loveable relatable Peanuts characters to life.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Schulz’s story about Charlie Brown feeling let down by the holiday, his exhaustive efforts to direct his friends in a Christmas play and to find the perfect tree for the stage leads him to wonder in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”

That someone with the answer is the sage & gentle Linus who gives a touching recitation from the Book of Luke. Linus also gives the tree “a little love” to bring it to life which brings the gang together in song. While the final track is a familiar carol, most of the innovative and delightful soundtrack contains songs written exclusively for the special. Add to that scenes of winter activities like ice skating, catching snowflakes & snowball fights and the special is a a sweet perfect moment we get to relive year after year.

Thank you, Charles M. Schulz, for The Peanuts and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

This year I found a new spin on my favorite song from the soundtrack courtesy of music legend Herb Alpert’s latest album.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).  

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Skating” (1965, written by Vince Guaraldi).

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (1965, written by Felix Mendelssohn and Charles Wesley).

Herb Alpert: “Christmas Time Is Here” (2025, music by Vince Guaraldi).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2024: Day 9

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

Day 9

A scene from The Peanuts Christmas special. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered 59 years ago on December 9, 1965. The story about CB’s despondent mood over the commercialism of the season and the gang’s reaction over his choice of Christmas tree which just wilted as he tried his best to give it some sparkle made it seem as if he had little hope of enjoying the holiday.

Enter the sage & gentle Linus who knew the tree just needed a little love & that CB just needed a reminder about what Christmas is really all about. Linus delivered that message through an eloquent recitation from the Book of Luke. It remains an absolutely perfect holiday special complete with an innovative and delightful soundtrack with six tracks written exclusively for the show including today’s song, which is my favorite.

Day 9A dancing
Day 9 B dog house
Day 9 C group singing

Three iconic scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Rosemary Clooney contributed a captivating & light jazzy version of today’s song in 1996 courtesy of her third holiday album, White Christmas. The Girl Singer was featured in the 1954 movie of the same name and throughout her five decade career, she gifted us with incredible music. In 1994 she made a special TV guest appearance on “ER” alongside her nephew, George Clooney.

Rosemary 1954
George and Rosemary

Top: Rosemary Clooney in a still from the 1954 movie, “White Christmas”. Bottom: Clooney (R) with her nephew, George (L) in 1994 on the set of his show, “ER”. (Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Rosemary Clooney: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1996, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2023: Day 9

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Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

charlie_brown_christmas

Charlie Brown and his sage friend, Linus, and that tree in a scene from the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (United Feature Syndicate. Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Today’s song is my favorite from the holiday special I love most. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered 58 years ago on December 9, 1965. The Peanuts comic strip may have ended on February 13, 2000, but thanks to the beautiful, talented and unbelievably creative man who brought us the characters-Charles M. Schulz-and his collaboration with Bill Melendez, Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi nearly 60 decades ago, we will always have this sweet and affecting special to celebrate the season every year with some of the best friends many of us have ever known.

For a bit of a twist, I have provided the original song from the special plus his and her covers which are not only absolutely fabulous, but they will add the perfect soundtrack to any holiday event, from a party to a solo night binge watching Christmas movies at home.

“Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there“.

a charlie brown christmas 3
a charlie brown christmas 2
charliebrownchristmas2-678x381

Three adorable scenes from the iconic 1965 TV special. (United Feature Syndicate. Images found online.  Original sources unknown.)

Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Diana Krall: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1998, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

Barry Manilow: “Christmas Time Is Here” (2007, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2022: Day 9

Posted in 25 Days Of Christmas Music, Christmas by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 9A

Charlie Brown and his faithful pup, Snoopy, and that tree in a scene from the iconic “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (United Feature Syndicate. Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

When Charles M. Schulz’s young group of Peanuts made their debut on October 2, 1950, in seven newspapers across the country, one of the most beautiful chapters in American culture and history began. The nation embraced Charlie Brown, his loyal and occassionally mischievous pup, Snoopy, their friend, Linus and the other characters from the gang.

Fifteen years later “A Charlie Brown Christmas” debuted on December 9, 1965. The sweet friends “Sparky” created became some of the best friends many of us have ever known while an international movement celebrating all things Peanuts came to be. And it continues today in the year we celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Schulz on November 26, 2022.

As if all that were not enough, the Christmas special featured songs that are still warming our hearts and adding to our holiday cheer. They became as important to the Peanurs world as if the music was a character all its own, providing the soundtrack to skating, dancing and celebrating the tree that just needed a little love. The world created by Sculz and his friends, Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi, is one I never want to leave. Thanks to their legacy, I never have to. And neither does anyone else.

Three iconic images from 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. (United Feature Syndicate.  Images found online. Original sources unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2021: Day 9

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.

day 9

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I cannot remember a time when The Peanuts characters were not part of my world. I had sheets with their adorable faces on them when I was a kid, along with a lunch box & various other toys & collectibles. I still have many of those cherished items today. Every one of the beautiful characters Charles M. “Sparky” Schulz gave us became part of my heart at an early age. They remain my safe place, my familiar place, my constant and my home. And I am convinced that love affair started the first time I watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” which premiered on December 9, 1965. This season would not be the same without this TV special & its exceptional music. Today’s song is my favorite from that wonderful soundtrack.

Linus

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

Let’s Take A Moment Day 281

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Dec 22

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Today’s song has the distinction of being featured at the end of two Christmas classics: “It’s A Wonderful Life” & “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. And today’s singer’s rendition is one of the best out there. He may be known as the premier voice of the season for his iconic version of “The Christmas Song” , but nearly every holiday song Nat King Cole recorded in his lifetime is a treasure. He was one of the earliest entertainers who used his talents as a singer, songwriter & musician and turned it into a brand. His TV show was one of the first of its kind in entertainment and he was the first black artist to host his own series. His sound infused jazz & pop while his appeal as an artist helped him cross over into film & Broadway as well. All of that made him one of the most successful, original, charismatic artists of all time. And a staple every Christmas season.

“Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth“.

Nat_King_Cole

Nat King Cole circa 1958. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Nat King Cole: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (1960, based on a 1739 Christmas carol with various writers including Charles Wesley and George Whitefield).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 280

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

Dec 21

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

There is so much to love about the movie “Elf” from Will Farrell’s portrayal of Buddy, the man-child Santa’s helper of The North Pole, the supporting cast, the fact that most of it takes place in NYC and so on. But the music is a huge part of the story as well. I love that it is a grown-up soundtrack. That was also the approach “A Charlie Brown Christmas” took with its music when it introduced children to contemporary jazz through holiday songs. Many of the tracks were written specifically for the TV special (most notably “Christmas Time Is Here”, “Skating” & “Linus & Lucy”) while it ended with a traditional carol (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).

Elf did not use any original tunes but it made up for it in the artists which were included in the film. It gave us powerhouses like Louis Prima (yes, “Pennies From Heaven” is not a Christmas song but it worked so well in the scene, plus how many contemporary soundtracks feature this incredibly talented man?), Stevie Wonder (“What Christmas Means To Me”), Jim Reeves (“Jingle Bells”) & The First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, with today’s pick. Any movie that introduces a new generation to this woman is one everyone should see.

“Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We’re snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be
Let’s take that road before us and sing a or two
Come on it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you“.

Ella

Lady Ella Fitzgerald circa 1945. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

Ella Fitzgerald: “Sleigh Ride” (1960, written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

Let’s Take A Moment Day 268

Posted in Holidays, Music by

Hi everyone.  Hope you are all well and continue to stay that way during this global health crisis we are facing.  But in addition to protecting your physical wellness, what are you doing to stay mentally healthy today?

CB 1

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” turns 55 this year. (Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

I know we are in a serious situation, but I need a break from the gloom, doom and bullying by way of hoarding. Music has always been my refuge and watching those beautiful Italians singing to each other from their balconies reaffirmed my belief that music is the answer. So until the old normal returns, I am going to share a song I listen to that helps me escape the current state of things, if only for a few minutes each day.  And if this helps anyone else, even better.

Another holiday show anniversary is upon us. This one turns 55 this year & remains a beloved seasonal & cultural phenomenon to this day. On December 9, 1965 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was introduced to the world. The Peanuts taught us all the true meaning of Christmas, friendship, being part of a community and how far a little love can go. It is my absolute favorite Christmas special of all time. The characters Charles M. Schulz created had real feelings, real thoughts, real fears and real problems, making them no different than the kids watching their shows or reading their comic strip each Sunday. Showing me & kids around the world we had a place to feel safe was an invaluable gift and the reason why Schulz will always be one of my heroes.

Home is not a place for me, it is a feeling. And today’s song overwhelms me with it like no other. It is comfort defined.

“Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there“.

Peanuts Skating

(Image found online.  Original source unknown.)

The Vince Guaraldi Trio: “Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, music by Vince Guaraldi, lyrics by Lee Mendelson).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing what I love and how I am coping with you.

Stay well.

25 Days Of Christmas Music 2019: Day 6

Posted in Christmas, Holidays, Music by

Welcome back to the countdown!!!

charlie brown with the tree

Courtesy of Lee Mendelson Film Productions / MGN 

Today we celebrate not just one song, but several from what is arguably the best Christmas special ever made.  Last night this holiday favorite aired for the 54th year in a row and yes, I was front and center.  It leaves me all warm and cuddly inside while hitting all the points of the season:  good will towards men, non-commercialism, listening to special holiday music with people you care about, choosing to decorate (and celebrate, for that matter) in a way that makes you happy, even if that way is not the conventional approach, knowing that anything is beautiful with a little love and the core religious aspect of what Christmas is all about.  Plus it stars some of my best friends in the universe, the Peanuts.

Linus speech

Courtesy of Lee Mendelson Productions / MGN 

Based on the successful comic strip started in 1950, the animated holiday special was commissioned and sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company which obviously knew a good thing when they saw it.  It was the first TV appearance for the Peanuts characters and catapulted them and their creator from a mere phenomenon to super stardom.  Merchandise of all kinds was created and it was not just limited to toys.  Other items like cookie jars, home decor & accessories, watches, clothing, greeting cards, lunch boxes, Pez dispensers, banks, etc. were also marketed.  You name it, it is out there.  And today it is still a billion dollar industry that all began with this special from 1965.  Not to mention its incredible unforgettable grown-up soundtrack that critic Shawn M. Haney wrote ” “introduce[d] contemporary jazz to youngsters with grace, charm, and creativity.”  If this were the only Christmas album I could listen to for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly fine with that (but please don’t tell Bruce Springsteen!!!).

Peanuts Christmas

Other Peanuts TV specials followed, as did movies, including a 3-D one in 2015.  And the comic strip also continued for the next 35 years.  Sadly it came to an end in February 2000 when its glorious creator was forced to retire due to his failing health.  He died the day after the last strip was published.  His official cause of death was cancer.  Unofficially, I think it was due to a broken heart.  We all knew from the last words of that final strip how much it hurt to say goodbye to the characters he created who became our beloved friends.  His words were ones we could all identify with:

“Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy…..how can I ever forget them?”

Thanks to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, none of us ever have to.  But how do we ever thank you, Charles M. Schulz, for the gift of our dear sweet cherished Peanuts?

Peanuts Album.jpg

“Christmas Is Coming” (1965, instrumental by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, written by Vince Guaraldi in 1965).

“Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, vocal version by choristers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California, written by Lee Mendelson & Vince Guaraldi in 1965).

“Christmas Time Is Here” (1965, instrumental version by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, written by Lee Mendelson & Vince Guaraldi in 1965).

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (1965, vocal by choristers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California, based on a 1739 Christmas carol with various writers including Charles Wesley and George Whitefield).

“Linus and Lucy” (1965, instrumental by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, written by Vince Guaraldi in 1965).

“O Tannenbaum” (1965, instrumental by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, written by Vince Guaraldi in 1965).

“Skating” (1965, instrumental by The Vince Guaraldi Trio, written by Ernst Anschutz in 1824).

I do not own the rights to anything.  I am just sharing some things that I love with you  🙂

What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?

Until next time, happy listening!!!

The Battle Is On

Posted in Holidays, Music by

A week after Halloween and we are divided.  What side are you on?  Is it still fall or are you in Christmas mode?

My feet are firmly planted in the current autumn season.  I love it WAY too much to end it so abruptly (not to mention prematurely).  And luckily there are many people I follow on Instagram who feel the same way, like Mayra who posted her beautiful mantle.

cupcake IG post

(Courtesy of @cupcakecountrygirl)

But there are just as many pictures of Christmas decorations in my feed which I like, too, for ideas and inspiration.  Just like this gorgeous tiered tray by Crystal.

Crystal

(Courtesy of @crystaltara).

But I cannot start Christmas decorating at the expense of Thanksgiving!!!  I just can’t!!!

Some people let the seasons collide, sort of like at the retail stores where this time of year you can find Halloween clearance, Thanksgiving decor and Christmas items on display together.  This was evident during a recent trip to one of my favorite places on earth, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (not sponsored).  They are promoting their delicious menu for Thanksgiving along with their beautiful Christmas decor items.

The ambiance in the restaurant is very much all autumn:

CB hearth

CB bounty

CB menu

And the General Store is well stocked with fall items, too:

cb harvest truck pillow

CB kitchen towel

CB grit and grace pillow

But Christmas is in full swing at the Store as well:

cb Christmas display

cb snowman

Peanuts tin.jpg

cb tree

I just L-O-V-E this tree topper hat!!!

cb hat tree topper

And these two are my favorites of all their pretty ornaments.

cb gingerbread house ornament      cb barn ornament

Even though Halloween is over, Cracker Barrel still has plenty of mega-sized candy available that could be a great gift for a difficult person on your list who may have a sweet tooth:

cb kit kat

cb mallo cup

cb rice krispie treats

So, what season is it for you right now?  What does your decor look like this time of year?

Now for a song.

This summer we lost a singer who was a sentimental favorite of mine.  Not just because he had a great husky voice with a blue-eyed soul thing going on, but because he was also family.  Community family.  He grew up in the same town I did and graduated from the same high school I went to.  And he put us on the map for a good reason after a lot of bad publicity stemming from an extraordinarily mortifying book banning incident.

He initially tried to join the family business as a cop in the NYC Police Department like his grandfather, dad & brother did before him.  However, he soon realized his heart was really in music, so he headed west to begin his career.  His debut album was released in 1977 and he was off.  He had more hits in the 1980’s & 1990’s, but his first one has always been my favorite.  In today’s social media driven world where many struggle to be  thankful for what they have vs. what they see, the lyrics are as relevant as ever:

“Don’t be thinkin’ ’bout what’s not enough, now baby
Just be thinkin’ ’bout what we got
Think of all my love, now
I’m gonna give you all I got.”  

Eddie Money    Eddie Money 2010

  Eddie Money’s 1977 album cover & in 2010 at the LI Music HOF ceremony (original sources unknown).  

I had the chance to meet him in 2010 at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Huntington, NY.  He was sweet, kind and gracious and reminisced with me about our junior high vice principal.  It was a great thrill for me to meet him and a fantastic night of music to be a part of.  He was also a quiet champion for our veterans.  Rest in peace,  Edward Joseph Mahoney.  And thank you from all of us in your Levittown and Island Trees families.  You made us unbelievably proud.

“Baby Hold On” – Eddie Money (1977, written by Eddie Money & Jimmy Lyon).

I do not own the rights to anything in this post.  I just enjoy sharing what I love with you.

Until next time, happy listening!!!