Christmas Time Is Here

Vince Guaraldi Trio

This incredible composition always reminds me of Christmas Eve — specifically in the afternoon when we could be outside and play football or basketball.

It reminds me of all those memories of anticipating Christmas coming. Memories built from early childhood and on: the desire to be with my family, see my grandparents and laugh with my cousins. To eat our Swedish dinner and open presents.

The melacholy in this song still kills me. The longing and joy are wrapped up in equal measure which is powerful. That tinkering piano and children’s voices. And the fact Charlie Brown is depressed and trying to find fulfillment during the holiday season is a story worth telling and revisiting over and over.

And the story’s message is clear — which is why this Christmas story is more universal and not as didactic as it could have been. Charlie is as ridiculed as the pathetic tree he picked out. But both are loved in the the end. 🎄