Rediscovering the Magic of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
The author, a Jewish individual, reflects on their deep connection to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," despite its overtly Christian themes. They appreciate the sincerity and earnestness of the special, as well as its exploration of ambivalence and alienation, which resonate with their own experiences as a Jewish person. The author finds comfort in the Peanuts characters, particularly Linus, who embodies a brainy, philosemitic friend. Ultimately, they appreciate the artistry of the special and its ability to address big questions of meaning and identity, even if they don't share the same faith.