Good grief. These are the famous words spoken by Charlie Brown, and sums up how many college students are likely feeling this finals season. Many of us look forward to the holidays, where we can return to the comfort of our homes and family traditions. A tradition in my family for as long as I can remember has been watching the Peanuts specials on every holiday: Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang have been characters in my life since day one. It may sound strange to say I’ve learned a thing or two from them, but after considering my favorite parts of each special, I realized they’ve taught me some important life lessons.
Charlie Brown Doesn’t Give Up
The most notable thing I’ve gleaned from the Peanuts is to never give up. From Linus staying in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to Charlie Brown continuing to believe he can kick the football after countless flips into the ground, there are countless instances of the characters sticking to their guns. Their resilience may seem childish, but I see each instance as the characters being truly confident in themselves. Even the morning after Linus spent the night shivering in the pumpkin patch, he still perseveres in his belief in the Great Pumpkin when Charlie Brown questions him. And, of course, Charlie Brown’s whole schtick is that he’s unlucky in life, but he continues to have hope for things regardless. He buys the most measly little tree from the Christmas tree farm because he “thinks it needs” him, and appreciates it more than the rest of the trees, all metallic. Charlie Brown has an inspiring optimism throughout the specials that I admire and hope to model my own attitude after.
The Classic Debrief
Everyone loves a good debrief with their friends after a big night out or a long time apart. One thing you can count on in any Peanuts special is that at some point, Charlie Brown and Linus will be hanging out at the same brick wall to have a chat. Whether discussing the plot of the special or setting the stage for one, they always find themselves there. I find that their conversations parallel to what a good debrief with my friends is like, and I’d like to think I have modeled it after them. Charlie Brown is typically dumping his recent woes while Linus tries to help him by offering some unexpectedly wise advice. Charlie Brown’s feelings are often relatable, particularly in the Christmas special, when he is talking about his holiday season depression. These recurring chats might be why I love just chatting with my friends, exchanging our own woes in the hopes of receiving some advice like Linus’s.
Snoopy finds the whimsy
Another lesson I have taken from the Charlie Brown specials is the value of imagination. In each one, Snoopy is often embarking on his own side quest apart from the characters, using his imagination and getting into mischief. Snoopy’s ability to find fun in whatever he is doing encourages me to do the same. As kids, many of us were highly imaginative and creative, but as we get older, that whimsy seems to fade. I used to write countless short stories as a kid, all with unique plots and characters. I miss having that spark, but whenever I watch a Charlie Brown special, I feel motivated to seek out whatever ounce of creativity is left in me and put it to use. Seeing Snoopy whip up plates of pretzels, jelly beans, and toast on Thanksgiving, dance with imaginary bunnies in the Easter special, and pretend to be a World War I flying ace in It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown reminds me of that childish feeling of fun, which I have learned is important to hold on to.
Be like Lucy (Sometimes)
Although the Peanuts specials are usually under half an hour, the characters develop clear personalities across the series. Lucy is annoyed at all the babyish things her brother Linus does, Peppermint Patty plays hard to get with Charlie Brown, and Charlie Brown always seems to have tough luck. But outside all of the mischief they get into, the characters care for each other. Charlie Brown reluctantly writes Sally’s letter to Santa for her, even with her seemingly ridiculous request for cash in “tens and twenties.” Lucy ventures out into the cold on Halloween night to bring a shivering Linus back home, unwavering in his belief in the Great Pumpkin. While these are not key plot points in the specials, they are sweet moments that impart the lesson that we should always look out for our loved ones.
Work together to spread joy
The most heart-warming lesson of all that I have taken from the Charlie Brown specials is that being together is what matters most. This is the lesson that Peppermint Patty loses sight of in the Thanksgiving special after getting angry over the untraditional meal Snoopy prepares. In the end, they all stick together and journey to Grandma Brown’s condominium to share Thanksgiving dinner there. Many people find themselves feeling down around the holiday season, whether they are missing a passed loved one or struggling to match the joyful energy of the holidays. As I mentioned, Charlie Brown suffers from this in the Christmas special. Charlie Brown is feeling awfully down, especially after he is disrespected as director of the Christmas play. The magic that lifts his spirits is a result of collective action from the rest of the gang, who surprise him by sprucing up his little Christmas tree. This is one of my favorite scenes in the whole series, and it inspires me to want to come together with my loved ones to lift everyone’s spirits and share my own holiday joy.
On the surface, the Charlie Brown specials are a lighthearted, fun addition to each holiday celebration. As someone who has watched them religiously every year, it seems like I have slowly uncovered all the hidden meanings. These specials hold a distinct place in my heart, and I always feel I am returning to my childhood when I watch them. My persistent optimism takes after Charlie Brown’s, my appreciation for imagination comes from Snoopy, and my chats with friends are inspired by Charlie Brown and Linus. On top of that, I have learned that looking out for loved ones and valuing our time together is important; spreading holiday cheer is one of the best gifts you can give someone who is struggling in the holiday season. This holiday season, I encourage everyone to cozy up and watch some Charlie Brown. You may be surprised by what lessons you can learn from the beloved characters.