"It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown" (1992)

A holiday special reviewed for those celebrating "Christmas in July."

This was reviewed for the sake of those celebrating Christmas in July. If we're not mistakened, it was a trend likely started by Hallmark in response to the timeless popularity of their Christmas movies; Even shopping networks like HSN and QVC celebrate it. Whatever the case, we wanted to check out this classic VHS that caters to those celebrating such festivities...in July, and what better way than to check out this tape of Charlie Brown?



As you may have guessed, this tape showcases the first Christmas-themed movie in almost three decades. For the most part, while Snoopy and Woodstock make their usual, albeit adorable, appearances in reaction to situations these kids find themselves in, it was mostly Charlie Brown and company that starred throughout. Our favorite was Peppermint Patty wanting schoolwork done but would rather do something else, even though Marcie did her best to encourage the "good sir." The second one we liked was Sally wanting to know the meaning of Christmas and what its idea behind it. Lastly, our favorite was Charlie Brown selling his entire comic book collection to buy a pair of gloves for Peggy Jean.




Though it wasn't our favorite of the bunch but it was cute and funny how Peppermint Patty, when chosen to be in a Christmas play, was assigned to be the sheep. Disappointed, she said the following:

"A sheep doesn't get to do anything."
— Peppermint Patty

If only she knew...

There were definitely more Christmas-related scenes and stories, but the three mentioned previously were our personal favorites on this film. In fact, a tape like this is a perfect choice for young kids to watch during the holidays. The stories themselves have simple messages behind them and it's enough for children to learn from. This VHS is also for those who are big-time nostalgics and also remember watching the Charlie Brown series during childhood. We, ourselves, haven't watched it since grade/elementary/middle school; That's how long it has been for us, so watching this release brought back memories.

For the VHS tape itself, according to Christmas Specials Wiki page, this tape was given away by Shell gas stations as a promotional piece prior to this Christmas special airing on CBS, November 27, 1992. Back then, it was a real treat getting free stuff early on before it was released on TV, or nowadays, streaming. In fact, we remember those days receiving VHS tapes in the mail as form of advertisements and/or free stuff. Makes you wonder under this economy perhaps businesses, big or small, may revert to doing the same thing: Marketing and advertising through mail via physical media (though it's much easier and cost-effective posting and advertising online but it doesn't hurt to share this idea). Anyway, being that this was a promotional VHS tape explains why there isn't a barcode on the cover, making it a rare but inexpensive item for collectors of both VHS tapes and/or Charlie Brown fans.

Running at less than thirty minutes, this special will certainly bring a smile on your face. Sure the story and its hidden meanings may be easy to know about, but sometimes in Life, you go back to basics. And this film certainly delivered.

Highly recommended!

Kris Caballero

Founder of KCU Network and KCU Plus, Kris has been writing since he managed a personal blog made back in late 2005. Officially back to doing computer programming (software development) and video production, Kris enjoys reading books on Mathematics, Quantum Computing, Philosophy, playing old video/DOS games, digital video archiving, and listening to sports, public radio and classical music.

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