12/24/2025
A Psychologist's Thoughts on "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Every year I rewatch A Charlie Brown Christmas and think:
"Ah. Yes. This is what December can feel like for a lot of us."
Everyone else seems to be decorating, enjoying, and eating effortlessly…
and you’re standing there wondering why you aren't feeling it.
A Charlie Brown Christmas doesn’t end with Charlie Brown suddenly becoming happy.
It ends with acceptance, care, and community—and a sad little tree that becomes beautiful because it’s supported.
That’s the real takeaway.
You don’t need to sparkle this season.
You don’t need to perform joy.
You don’t need to love every minute.
Charlie Brown isn’t broken.
He’s depressed in a season that demands joy.
And that little, crooked tree?
That’s not failure—that’s a body under pressure.
Here’s the part that always gets me: Linus doesn’t tell Charlie Brown to cheer up, eat more cookies, or “just enjoy it.”
He stands there, blanket and all, and reminds him what actually matters— care and connection.
You don’t have to sparkle.
You don’t have to look the part.
You don’t have to eat or feel perfectly.
You’re allowed to be the tree that needs support.
You’re allowed to take up space—exactly as you are.
