“Isn’t it peculiar Charlie Brown, how some traditions just slowly fade away?”
2023 marks 50 years of this holiday-themed Peanuts special. The 25 minute special continues to stand the test of time. It boasts a spectacular broadcast history. In its prime, the animated special aired on television for a period of 17 years until 1989. Only in 1982, 83′ and 88′ was it absent on CBS’ programing schedule.
Since then, the Peanuts library has bounced around from network to network. Its most recent home is with Apple TV+ in 2020. Take a look at what some of their catalog had to offer!
In spite of this, this holiday special continues to be a staple in homes across those who celebrate Thanksgiving. Come along as we highlight some of the aspects that have cemented this special as a family favorite!
Setting Up The Scenario
The episode starts of with members of the Peanuts gang lamenting the ever-growing presence of Christmas. Relatable, right? Who wants to see Christmas decorations at the department store before Halloween has even passed? Thanksgiving is the awkward middle child born between spooky and jolly season.
For those of you who haven’t watched, the special perfectly encapsulates just how chaotic Thanksgiving can be. Don’t worry, we won’t spoil too much.
It’s a holiday of scrambling and searching for all the dishes and decorations to be set up. It’s worse for Charlie Brown. It happens in the span of a minute long conversation with Peppermint Patty when she invites herself over. Cornering Charlie into setting up an on-the-fly dinner for herself, Peppermint Patty also invites Franklin and Marcie.
How can he say no? Charlie’s just a silly, sweet guy.
Thankful Thematic Nature
Very few people would expect Charlie Brown to curate a five star meal on a minutes notice. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock and Linus do the best with what they’re given. The feast consist of jelly beans, toast, popcorn and pretzel sticks. It’s no turkey roast and yams, but it’s an honest and heartfelt meal.
There’s only one problem. And her name is Peppermint Patty.
Upset by the unconventional meal, she verbally voices her disappointment much to the shame of the chefs for the night. Charlie Brown leaves the table and other characters bow their head in silence. It’s up to Marcie to knock down Patty a peg and she does a fantastic job. She’s able to put some of the events into perspective with the time crunch.
With Marcie being the mediator, Peppermint Patty ultimately asks Charlie Brown for forgiveness and the gang make up. It’s not the most compelling story ever told, but it’s a wonderful way to wrap up the misunderstanding. After it all, Charlie Brown’s grandmother invites the whole peanuts gang over to her house for the main dinner. Talk about a full house! It’s the holiday of thanks in the end!
Reissue Of The Original Soundtrack
Get your dancing partner and bust out Snoopy and Woodstock’s iconic dance moves!
In honor of this special’s 50th birthday, the remixed and remastered album originally composed by the late jazz composer Vince Guaraldi has been released. Guaraldi’s tunes emit an energy of comfort and warmth perfect to bask in with your loved ones around.
In addition to the original tracks being rereleased, some of the tracks have been reworked with new compositions. While they might be familiar, fans both old and new will be able to enjoy a fresh new take on nostalgic tracks!
What are you waiting for!
With November having kicked off, there’s no better time to give this short and heartfelt special a rewatch or a watch for the first time! Do you remember your first time watching it?
