Sam Weller

Holiday traditions blanket us in security. From chestnuts on the open fire to Jimmy Stewart, we crave the solace of the familiar. Think about it: "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" is really not all that "Rockin'." Still, for those who decide to stay in on amateur's night, Dick Clark is comfort food.

There are those traditions that, every season, flicker to life on the television screen or over the stereo system or in the pages of a book. For as long as I can remember, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" has been one of those cultural comforts. "Peanuts" creator, Charles M. Schulz, who passed away last year, first brought his unlikely holiday story to the small screen in 1965. It was his first television special, and, likely, his best. The story of Charlie Brown and his anemic Christmas tree is a simple story; rendered in simple animation with a simple, anti-materialist message.

Lee Mendelson, the executive producer of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," along with Bill Melendez, the only animator Schulz permitted to work with his characters, have come together with "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition." The book chronicles the making of Schulz's classic in both words and, of course, pictures. The story begins with an offer to Schulz to produce a "Peanuts" holiday special for CBS. The catch: Schulz has one day to come up with a story and just six months to produce the show. "No problem," says Schulz, and he and his cohorts get busy.

Thirty-five years later, Schulz's television special is a perennial holiday favorite. And, for any true fan of the show, "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition," is a perfect literary companion piece. The book chronicles the complete making of the show, from the actors who did the voices to the late Vince Guaraldi's daring jazz soundtrack. It's all here. Including early sketches and paintings, along with the entire script.

Who knows? Maybe one day there will be a book about "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve."

Maybe not.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition"
by Charles M. Schulz, Lee Mendelson and Shaner Felix
Harper Resource, 192 pages, $29.95

(2000-12-28)

Also by Sam Weller

AUTHOR VISIT
With "A Pinch of This and A Pinch of That," authors (and husband and wife) Salvino and Margo Madonna have created a keepsake treasure that belongs in every kitchen.
(2000-09-14)

YOGI'S UTOPIA
Hot time, summer in the city, Pottery Barn picnic basket all packed up and pretty.
(2000-07-13)

CALL WAITING
There's a new game in town and it's called Monopoly. Except in this frustrating, real-life rendition of the Milton Bradley classic, you do not pass Go. You do not collect $200. And you don't get telephone service for a long, long time.
(2000-07-13)

NIGHT MUSIC
First, he needs talent. Loads of it. Then, he needs the philanthropic know-how of the Chicago-based Stradivari Society.
(2000-06-29)

STATE OF GRACE
(2000-03-30)

STATE OF GRACE
(2000-03-30)

Seventies heaven
(2000-03-02)

Seventies heaven
(2000-03-02)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment