‘Christmas time is here’ fun facts

One of the highlights for many people each December is viewing A Charlie Brown Christmas. This 30 minute animated holiday program has entertained generations of television watchers for more than half a century. Prior to the days of multiple household TV sets and the Internet, entire families would sit down together and watch this cartoon classic. Many would also sing along with the theme song.

“Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes in the air

Carols everywhere

Olden times and ancient rhymes

Of love and dreams to share”

One of the most charming, soothing, relaxing holiday tunes is Christmas time is here. This song was written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi and was recorded for A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965. The music was performed by the Vince Guaraldi Trio. The song continues to be popular almost 6 decades later and is played on radio stations during the holiday season. As the classic animated holiday show begins, Lucy, Linus and the gang are ice skating while the song plays. It is a beautiful scene of children enjoying themselves in the great outdoors. Two versions this recording were included on the album A Charlie Brown Christmas.

“Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there”

There was an instrumental version by the Vince Guaraldi Trio and a vocal version by the children's choir from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Rafael, California. The animated classic almost did not make it to the airways because CBS did not want Charles Shultz to have any religious references to the holiday. Sparky Shultz won the battle and A Charlie Brown Christmas became the number one watched holiday program for several decades. Fans enjoyed watching the cartoon on CBS and later on ABC. It was announced in October 2020 that Apple TV had purchased the rights to this classic, along with Its the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.

“Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year”

Sleigh bells in the air

Beauty everywhere

Yuletide by the fireside

And joyful memories there”

An outcry from devotees of the Peanuts gang caused Apple to make a concession. The Thanksgiving and Christmas shows would be allowed to air on the PBS and PBS Kids network. A Charlie Brown Christmas can be seen on December 13 at 7:30 PM. In my neck of the woods, this will be on the Blue Ridge Public Television Network. Please check your own local listings to find out how to view it in your area. While this gesture is appreciated it’s not the same as watching CBS or ABC during the holiday season and seeing the advertisements for Charlie Brown.

“Christmas time is here

We'll be drawing near

Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year”

This waiting for the day to watch the Peanuts gang builds excitement and anticipation. I know adults my age who set their televisions to tape the shows just in case they missed it. We also would have discussions on social media regarding our experiences as children while enjoying these cartoon classics. A Charlie Brown Christmas can be viewed online and the DVD and Blue Ray versions can be purchased. There is probably someone reading this who might still have a copy of the album with Christmas time is here. Hearing this song will surely bring joy and fond memories to those who hold it dear. Vince Guaraldi wrote the music for the song to be played as an instrumental. Lee Mendelson decided it needed lyrics and penned the words in about 10 minutes. What joy these two men have given the world from a simple melody and lyrics.