That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

 

Last night, ABC had a wonderful special for the 50th Anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas being on TV. While some of the music I could have done without, for the most part, it was a heartwarming look into the making of the Christmas special and everyone's beloved 'gang' sharing the true meaning of Christmas.

 

 

In the opening scene, we see Charlie Brown and Linus heading to the skating pond to meet up with the gang for some winter fun. They stop at a brick wall, and the following dialogue takes place:

 

• Charlie Brown: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I'm not happy. I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel. I just don't understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I'm still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

• Linus: Charlie Brown, you're the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy's right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you're the Charlie Browniest.
  

I think we can all relate to Charlie Brown in the beginning of the special at some point. This year, more than any other year, I've found myself feeling quite "Charlie Browniest" when it came to preparing my home from the holiday. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I love everything about it. I love my home, all decorated for the season. I love my church at Christmas. I love the idea of giving to people. I love the Christmas Story as told in the gospel according to St. Luke.  I just love Christmas.


And more than all of that, I love the A Charlie Brown Christmas special. I love that 50 years ago, Charles Schulz took a HUGE risk and decided to tell it like it is at Christmas, using the scriptures to tell the greatest story ever told.


As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I cannot think of a better or more beloved “true meaning of Christmas” speech than the one that was so eloquently delivered by Linus van Pelt. Take the time to sit back and enjoy this video clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas as you prepare for the Christmas season.

        Charlie Brown: Isn’t there anyone, who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. Lights please?

        And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch   over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.

          That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.








From Think Thankfully to all of you.....many wishes for a blessed Christmas and a joyous 2016.

Until next time.............

 

So why should I worry? Why worry at all? (because I'm a mom, that's why!)

I had a very scary moment as a mom last night. At around 9:00pm, my daughter calls me from Washington DC. Now that, in itself, is not scary. She usually gives me a call at strange times, just to say hello, to let me know how her classes went, to vent about a stressful situation she may be in at work, but NEVER, NEVER in a million years did I expect to hear what I did last night.......

"Hello?"

"Mom? Are you sleeping?"

"No, my throat just hurts."

"Oh, well, I am just calling to let you know, in case you hear this on social media, there is a gunman on campus and it is in lockdown. But don't worry, I'm in my apartment and I'm ok."

Don't worry? You lost me at gunman....you lost me at gunman. Well, guess what, that little piece of advice went right out the window when I heard the word gunman. Stuff like that happens in other places to other families. Gunman on campus. That doesn't happen to those I love. While she remained calm and tells me, "Don't worry", I am a mom, we are prone to that. Especially when our children are hundreds of miles away at school. Heck, I worry when I drop my youngest daughter off at the high school each morning. And in light of the year anniversary of the school massacre at Sandy Hook, the phone call last night, rocked me to my core. When my oldest decided to go to North Carolina to college, it was a worrisome time for me. I feared those phone calls. I watched the news feverishly. I cringed when I heard of a college campus shooting. And when she traveled the friendly skies to all sorts of great places, I worried. I worried from the time she left until the time she was back home. I guess I am a worrier by nature. Don't worry? Ha!

I immediately took to the social media outlets, following the story closely. I did heave a huge sigh of relief when I knew the lockdown was lifted and the 'suspect' was in custody. But I could not stop thinking about the what if's. So close to Christmas and my mind instantly flooded with the heartache and pain that the families of Sandy Hook must have gone through last year. In the blink of a couple eyes, I began to think of all the things my daughter has done in her life, and all she has yet to do. It scared me to think how quickly she could have been a name on a news outlet. I think my youngest daughter said it best when she took to her own social media last night, tweeting: It's scary when something you never thought would happen to someone so close to you actually happens. Yes, babygirl, it sure is.

I apologize for this blog not being very Christmas related today. It is the first day in a long time that I don't feel too moved by the Christmast Spirit. Please do not misunderstand my posting today. I am super thankful that my daughter and everyone else on the campus of American University are safe. I am thankful the school took the precautions it did to ensure the safety of the students. I am exceptionally thankful that the incident turned out to be nothing (or so the media outlets reported). And I am over the top excited that I will still have Sunday to spend with my girls, the oldest's boyfriend, and the rest of my family at the sweetest place on Earth. I am thankful that come Christmas morning, I can celebrate with BOTH my girls.

Until tomorrow, my friends.....don't wait to tell someone how you feel, don't put off hugging you children each day (if you can), and don't ever let an opportunity slip by you without telling your children how loved they are. I know mine will get extra tight hugs on Sunday.

Think Thankfully!!!

Tis the season to be jolly!!!!!

Fa La La La La La La La La! 

I cannot remember the last time I was in such a holiday mood so early! It is the first time I can EVER remember that I have my Christmas decorations up already! December 2! I've been singing the holiday tunes, humming them when I am in my little world. I've put all the specials I want to watch into my calendar so I don't miss them! Yeah, it is safe to say I've been bitten, early, by the Christmas spirit! And I am not complaining!

I had every intention of writing this up and posting it earlier today, however, I started decorating, finishing up my bulletin board for school, making dinner, etc etc etc and before I knew it, the clock was striking 7! WOW!

Hopefully this finds you in the holiday spirit early! 

Tis the season to be jolly!!!!!!

Until tomorrow....

Think Thankfully!!!!