Scrooge in Reverse

There are certain Christmas specials that have passed the test of time -- Scrooge (in its many forms), the original Grinch, but perhaps best of all is Charlie Brown's Christmas. Greg Ruehlmann has written a wonderful piece at SoMA Review about the power of this simple story. He entitles it "Scrooge in Reverse," hence the title of this post.

Ruehlmann confesses his oncoming "Scrooginess" because of the over commercialization of the season (which now begins as he says " before teenagers have time to vandalize my Halloween decorations." His season is, however, saved by Charlie Brown's journey to understanding of the season.

He writes:

While “A Charlie Brown Christmas” gently scolds America for its exploitation of the season, it really centers on the education of its main character. By letting commercialism spoil his Christmas, Charlie Brown becomes the prototypical “Scrooge in reverse.” As Linus wisely tells him, “You’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.” Charlie must learn how to prevent these annoyances from blinding him to the true meaning of Christmas. And this holiday special stands alone by actually stating what that true meaning is.

And of course Linus recounts from the KJV the Christmas story as told by Luke. It is told in such a way that as Ruehlmann notes no one else could. And he continues:

There’s no radical transformation in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Our bald little hero doesn’t grow a heart three sizes too big. He doesn’t buy a Christmas goose for Bob Cratchett. Charlie walks home with his head down, carrying his pathetic tree. The Peanuts gang follows him, and while he’s not looking, they spruce up his sad, little tree with some of Snoopy’s ornaments, a symbol of their own unabashed Christmas cheer. “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!” they shout. Charlie quietly sheds his cynicism, and joins them in a chorus of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” The end.

It is simple, but powerful. Again -- to read the whole piece click here and enjoy.