I was five when Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer showed up on television. I guess that makes me its target audience. I must admit I’ve never loved this movie. The stop-motion animation and songs are wonderful, but the story makes me uncomfortable. The title character is shamed and bullied, even by family. Rudolph gains acceptance in the end, not because bullying is wrong, but because he proves useful. He “saves” Christmas by helping kids get their toys. A decade or so later, How the Grinch Stole Christmas taught us Christmas isn’t really about toys. But it isn’t quite clear on the “little bit more” that Christmas means. Singing while holding hands? Sharing rare Who roast beast? A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is the clear winner here. It’s light-hearted family fare that addresses holiday depression, commercialism and greed. It states in plain language what Christmas IS about, over a delightful Vince Guaraldi score. I’m wishing you all a happy Charlie Brown Christmas.
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