Charles M. Schulz launches the Peanuts comic strip, introducing beloved characters including Charlie Brown.
Animator Bill Melendez starts collaborating with Charles M. Schulz, later directing Peanuts animated specials.
Development and production of the animated television special A Charlie Brown Christmas starts.
The first broadcast of A Charlie Brown Christmas airs on CBS, becoming an enduring holiday classic.
The special wins an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program.
The special is recognized as a classic and begins annual airings that continue for decades.
Charlie Brown expresses his sadness about the commercialism of Christmas and shares his confusion about the true meaning of the holiday with his friends.
Charlie Brown is named the director of the school Christmas play, taking on the task with hope to present the true spirit of Christmas.
Charlie Brown struggles to get enthusiasm and commitment from the other children as they rehearse for the Christmas play.
Seeking a real Christmas spirit, Charlie Brown buys a small, sparse Christmas tree which others mock for being ugly.
The children ridicule Charlie Brown’s tree for being pathetic, causing him to feel embarrassed and disheartened.
During the school play rehearsal, Linus recites the story of the birth of Jesus from the Bible to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas.
Inspired by Linus’s message, the children rally to decorate Charlie Brown’s tree, showing newfound appreciation and respect.
Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree, once mocked, becomes a symbol of the true Christmas spirit and is embraced by all as they celebrate together.
