Product Search


And Guess What


The beloved "Peanuts" classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted Dec. 9, 1965. Peanuts Worldwide

"To be the show by which all others are measured is an accomplishment indeed," says "Peanuts" historian Scott McGuire in an email.

Of course, he's talking about that perennial Yuletide favorite, "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

The winner of both an Emmy and a Peabody Award, the animated special has been rebroadcast every year for more than five decades - ever since it premiered Dec. 9, 1965. And guess what? "A Charlie Brown Christmas" still gets solid ratings.

"It set the pattern for virtually all of the subsequent 'Peanuts' specials and established the half-hour special as a staple of network television," emails Charles Solomon, animation historian and the author of several books, including "The Art and Making of Peanuts Animation: Celebrating Fifty Years of Television Specials."

But the Christmas classic might not exist if it wasn't for baseball hall of famer Willie Mays."
They called him the "Say Hey Kid." Born in Alabama May 6, 1931, Mays was a center fielder whose play style was, in a word, enthusiastic.

Mays made his major league debut with the New York Baseball Giants in 1951. Three years later, his club prevailed over Cleveland in the 1954 World Series.

Game 1 was a high point in Mays' career. During the eighth inning - before a raucous Manhattan crowd - Mays snagged a ball that had been hit 425 feet (129.5 meters). He then immediately spun around and threw it to second base, denying the Cleveland Indians a potential 5-2 lead.

Known as "The Catch," this play's gone down as one of the greatest World Series moments in history.

Yet it couldn't solve the Giants' attendance woes. New York's changing demographics and intense competition from the crosstown Yankees forced the Giants to relocate. After the 1957 season, the Giants packed up and moved more than 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) away to San Francisco with their "Say Hey Kid" in tow.

Soon enough, northern California attracted another famous transplant: "Peanuts" creator Charles Schulz.

Television producer Lee Mendelson created a documentary about San Francisco Giants Willie Mays who, at the time, was considered the world's best player. 2, 1950. At the time, it appeared in just seven newspapers. Little did anyone know that Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their lovable neighbors would become American icons. At the time of Schulz' death in 2000, roughly 2,600 papers were carrying the iconic "Peanuts" strip.

Much of the humor was thoroughly researched. If Schulz needed Schroeder to play some classical tunes, he would include the actual sheet music in his comic strip panels. He also discussed his lawyer and medical jokes with real-life attorneys and doctors.

When it came to America's pastime, though, Schulz was a self-taught expert.

"Charles Schulz did play baseball as a kid," McGuire says. "In fact, in St. Paul [where Schulz grew up], he organized the neighborhood boys into a team." Not only did the future cartoonist manage the team, but he also played pitcher.

"Does that sound familiar?" McGuire asks.

Schulz moved to the San Francisco Bay area with his growing family in June 1958. And he took that love of baseball with him.

"I don't think I've ever seen a direct quote from Schulz saying they were his favorite team, but he was at least a fan of the San Francisco Giants. He said that ... Willie Mays was one of his idols, and Mays is mentioned in the Peanuts comic strip several times," McGuire says.

Charlie Brown took the news hard when the San Francisco Giants lost the 1962 World Series. At the bottom of the ninth in Game 7, Willie McCovey (Mays' teammate) hit a line drive that could've won the series for San Francisco. But Lady Luck had other ideas. New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson nabbed the ball and the Bronx Bombers were crowned champions.

No one took the news harder than Charlie Brown. In a memorable "Peanuts" strip released after the '62 series, Chuck yells, "Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher?"

Mays wouldn't return to the World Series for another 11 seasons. But in 1963, he embarked on a different adventure. Television producer Lee Mendelson created an hourlong documentary about Willie Mays that year.

Titled "A Man page_seo_titled Mays," it featured numerous interviews with the beloved Giant, exploring his life both on and off the field. Audiences liked what they saw; the show claimed a 28 percent share of the ratings when it was aired on NBC-TV.

Months later, Mendelson was reading some "Peanuts" when inspiration struck. If Mays was the best baseball player on Earth, surely Charlie Brown was the worst. So why not make a documentary on Charles Schulz?

The cartoonist had some reservations at first. But according to the Charles M. Schulz Museum's website, he changed his tune after learning that Mendelson had produced "A Man page_seo_titled Mays."

"If Willie can trust you with his life, maybe I can do the same," Schulz reportedly said.

Even the Giants got involved. One segment covered a "Charlie Brown Appreciation Day" event held at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, where Mays and his teammates played. "A cut-out of Charlie Brown takes the pitcher's mound before the pitchers do ... at which point the skies open up and rain starts to fall on him," McGuire explains.

"A Boy page_seo_titled Charlie Brown" also marked the dawn of "Peanuts" animation. "In between the live-action segments were some brief animated sequences, drawn by Bill Melendez's studio," says McGuire. Highlights included "familiar Peanuts tropes, such as the gang playing baseball; Lucy pulling away the football as Charlie Brown tries to kick it; and Snoopy stealing Linus' blanket."

And let's not ignore the music. According to McGuire, "A Boy page_seo_titled Charlie Brown" was "the first Peanuts-related show that Vince Guaraldi scored." In case you weren't aware, Guaraldi is the maestro who composed the "Peanuts" de facto theme song: a jazzy piano riff called "Linus and Lucy."

We guarantee you've heard it.

The much-loved "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has aired every year since it debuted in 1965. Then along came Time magazine.

"After Time ran a cover story about 'Peanuts,' the McCann-Erickson Agency asked Lee Mendelson, Charles Schulz and Bill Melendez to create an animated special that Coca-Cola would sponsor. They had less than a week to prepare an outline, which was approved," says Solomon.

The rest is history. Schulz, Mendelson, Melendez and Guaraldi were given six months to create what became "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Their hard work paid off; it would be the first in a long line of animated "Peanuts" TV specials.

As for Willie Mays, he retired in 1973 following a two-year stint with the New York Mets. Today, many sportswriters regard him as the greatest all-around baseball player to ever suit up for the majors. (Only five MLB players have more home runs to their credit.)

In an indirect way, Mays gave Charlie Brown a helping hand. And every Christmas since has been all the better for it.

HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site.

Now That's Crazy
In October 2020, the streaming platform AppleTV acquired the classic "Peanuts" television specials, including "A Charlie Brown Christmas." So if you're not a subscriber, you'll only get one chance to watch for free this year. It will air Sunday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. EST on PBS and PBS Kids.PeopleChristmasWhy Is Everyone Dreaming of a White Christmas?PeopleChristmasChristmas PicturesPeopleChristmasChristmas TriviaPeopleChristmasChristmas Songs OverviewPeopleChristmasHow Christmas Trees WorkPeopleChristmasHow Christmas Lights WorkPeopleChristmasWhat Does the Poinsettia Have to Do With Christmas?PeopleChristmasChristmas Game: Find Christmas CarolsPeopleChristmasWhat Are the 12 Days of Christmas?PeopleChristmasChristmas Tree PicturesPeopleChristmas10 Myths About ChristmasPeopleChristmas5 Tips for Properly Storing Christmas DecorationsPeopleCultural TraditionsBlack Pete: Dutch Blackface Christmas TraditionPeopleChristmasHow to Start a Christmas TraditionPeopleChristmasChristmas Traditions Around the World OverviewPeopleChristmas5 Fun Facts About the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree PeopleChristmasDon't Buy a Christmas Tree! Rent One InsteadPeopleChristmasThe Cozy Icelandic Christmas Tradition You'll Want to StealPeopleChristmasThe Story Behind Those Christmas Carols You Can't Stop SingingPeopleChristmas10 Worst Things Ever to Happen at ChristmasPeopleChristmasRidiculous History: When the Puritans Said 'Bah Humbug' to Christmas in AmericaPeopleChristmasWhy Do We Decorate With Holly at Christmas?

Lifestyle Christmas Research
LifestyleHoliday CraftsChristmas Activities for KidsLifestyleFamily ActivitiesChristmas Games: Find Christmas AngelsLifestyleHoliday CraftsChristmas Food CraftsLifestyleHoliday CraftsChristmas Crafts for KidsLifestyleRecycled CraftsTop 10 Christmas Decorations Made with Recycled MaterialsLifestyleFamily ActivitiesChristmas Games: Find the Night Before ChristmasLifestyleHoliday CraftsChristmas Orpage_seo_titlents and Decoration CraftsLifestyleRecycled CraftsTop 5 Things around the House to Make an Original Christmas Orpage_seo_titlentLifestyleFamily ActivitiesChristmas Games: Find the Twelve Days of ChristmasLifestyleEvent PlanningHow to Host a Christmas Light ContestLifestyleHoliday Crafts5 Christmas Crafts for Kids to MakeLifestyleHoliday CraftsHow to Make a Christmas Gift BasketLifestyleEvent Planning10 Tips for Hosting an Elegant Christmas PartyLifestyleFashion Trends & Looks5 Things Not to Wear to the Office Christmas PartyLifestyleFamily ActivitiesChristmas Games: Find the NutcrackerLifestyleFamily ActivitiesChristmas Games: Find Santa Claus

History Christmas Research
HistoryHistorical EventsWhat was the Christmas Truce?

Home Christmas Research
HomeHouse PlantsChristmas Kalanchoe: A Portrait of a House PlantHomeHouse PlantsChristmas Cactus: A Profile of a House PlantHomeSeasonal Decor5 Christmas Orpage_seo_titlents You Can Make YourselfHomeSeasonal DecorChristmas Bathroom Decorations PicturesHomeHome RepairsRepair Your Christmas LightsHomeSeasonal DecorTop 5 Modern Christmas Decorating IdeasHomeSeasonal Decor5 DIY Christmas Bathroom DecorationsHomeSeasonal DecorHow to Use Christmas Fragrances in Your DecorationsHomePerennial GardensChristmas Rose, Lenten Rose, Hellebore: Perennial FlowerHomeTrees, Shrubs & VinesHow Do Christmas Trees Get Their Shape?HomeSeasonal DecorChristmas Decorations from Around the WorldHomeSeasonal DecorHow to Plan a Christmas PartyHomeSeasonal DecorHow to Decorate a Living Room for ChristmasHomeSeasonal DecorHow to Make Christmas Orpage_seo_titlents Out of PaperHomeSeasonal DecorHow do proximity-type Christmas-light testers work?

Recipes Christmas Research
RecipesChristmas MenusChristmas Cookies 101RecipesChristmas MenusChristmas Cooking QuestionsRecipesChristmas Menus5 Classic Christmas CocktailsRecipesChristmas MenusWholesome Christmas Treats 101RecipesChristmas Menus5 Classic Christmas Desserts

Money Christmas Research
MoneyVolunteer OpportunitiesVolunteering on Christmas

Entertainment Christmas Research
EntertainmentTV ShowsHow Baseball Great Willie Mays Became the Catalyst for 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'EntertainmentMemorable MoviesRed Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model BB gun

Auto Christmas Research
AutoAccidents & Hazardous ConditionsHow to Safely Transport Your Christmas Tree Home

Animals Christmas Research
AnimalsHoofed MammalsElephants Eat Leftover Christmas Trees

Electronics Christmas Research
ElectronicsFuture TechWorld's First AI-generated Christmas Song Is the Stuff of Nightmares



Featured Products






Articles


Jellyfish As Pets
Laptop Or Computer Use
Making Money Online
Vintage Polaroid Cameras Bring Analogue Photography Back
Boost Resale Value To Your Home By Installing Patio Covers In Your Outdoor Living Space
Glass Greenhouse To Nurture Proper Plant Growth
Buy Your Canvas Wall Paintings Online And Forgo Wasting Time
Official Indiana Golden Gloves Boxing
Outback Lawn Service Bel Air Md
The Importance Of Seventh House In Vedic Astrology
If You Re Indeed Interested About Fishing Net
Website Security Audit An Essential Step For All Business Sites
Instant Backlink Magic Review How To Increase Your Web Ranking
India Art Gallery
The Marketing Structure Of Honda Karizma Bikes
Five Required Skills For Video Game Tester Jobs
A Guide To Hand Sanitizer Bottle Design And Manufacture
Microfiber Pillow A Luxurious Tool For The Modern Bed
Looking Up The Roots And Important Things About Core Power Yoga
Traditional Texas Foods And Frito Pie Recipe
An Analysis On Magic Jack The Magic Device
Give Your Dining Room A Makeover
These Items Can Become Wonderful Conversation Pieces And
Latest Pakistani Fancy Dresses With Prices
Htc Titan Review A Glimpse Of A Giant Smartness
Popular Ice Hockey Bar In Manhattan And Newyork City
Big Bag Or Even A In Business Case In Your Camera
Where to Find The Best Ladies Church Hats
Knowing The Popular Types Of Commercial Tables In The Industry
How much Weight does a Traditional Backpacker Normally Carry?
Free Soccer Training Drills Tips On Creating Space
Review of Camcorder And Lens Accessories
Type Of Material For Vintage Furniture
Therefore The Affiliate Program Involves Three Parties
Every Day is Special
What Makes Custom Beach Bags Great For Business Promotion
Finding Meaningful Gifts Buying Art
Hcl Ezeebee Max 4991 Desktop Computers
Knowing The Top Benefits Of A Tree Care Company
Comparison between Composite Shutters and Polywood Shutters
Ideas To Craft A Distinct And Attractive Sport Shop Logo Design
Find Great Deals By Shopping Online
Some Useful Tips To Follow As You Remodel Your Small Kitchen
Custom Food Truck Manufacturers Facilitate Your Mobile Restaurant Dream To Reality
Maintaining Propane Grills Keeping The Spiders Away
How To Do An Exercise Ball Jackknife Ab Workout - Video
Why You Need Original Replacements Of Dell Laptop Keyboards
Chic Dresses For You
Our Favorite Camera Bags (that don't Look like Camera Bags)
Thailand Yoga Mats