Graphic Blandishment Christmas Message

Charlie Brown wasn’t an alcoholic.  But, A Charlie Brown Christmas has the best message of them all when put into a recovery context.  While we may think the world is a cynical and harsh place and that everything we do even with good intentions ends in disaster; there is hope.  With the help and love of friends, even we may experience true happiness and joy.  Have a Safe, Sober, and Merry Christmas!

Peanuts factoid – Graphic Blandishment is a term also known as “Animation”. Charles M. Schultz used that term in his Peanuts/Charlie Brown Animation Credits to credit the Animators.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first prime-time animated TV special based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was produced and directed by former Warner Bros. and UPA animator Bill Meléndez, who also supplied the voice for the character of Snoopy.  Initially sponsored by Coca-Cola, the special aired on CBS from its debut in 1965 through 2000, and has aired on ABC since 2001. For many years it aired only annually, but is now telecast at least twice during the Christmas season. The special has been honored with both an Emmy and Peabody award.  A Charlie Brown Christmas is also one of CBS’s most successful specials, airing annually more times on that network than even MGM’s classic motion picture The Wizard of Oz.

Created by: Charles M. Schulz

Directed by: Bill Meléndez

Voices:
Peter Robbins: Charlie Brown                                                 Chris Shea: Linus van Pelt

Tracy Stratford: Lucille “Lucy” van Pelt                                Kathy Steinberg: Sally Brown

Chris Doran: Schroeder and Shermy                                     Geoffrey Ornstein: Pig-Pen

Karen Mendelson: Patty                                                           Sally Dryer: Violet Gray

Ann Altieri: Frieda                                                                     Bill Meléndez: Snoopy

Theme music composer: Vince Guaraldi Composer: Vince Guaraldi
Original airing December 9, 1965