The surprise success of A Charlie Brown Christmas has led to a deluge of sequels, spin-offs, imitations, parodies, and merchandising tie-ins over the course of the seven decades since its premiere. Despite that, this film remains unique among holiday specials for its sincere, forthright, and unpretentious approach to the seasonal depression, social anxiety, and endless commodification that bears down on us every December.

Ryan is joined by his ten year old nephew Toby for this episode. Toby struggled to sit through this one, hiding under his chair or finding an excuse to leave the room whenever the other kids were mean to Charlie Brown. Ryan asks Toby why he thinks he reacted that way, but they also touch upon the program's limited animation, its bold decision to cast actual children as the Peanuts gang, the understated melancholy of Vince Guaraldi's jazz score, and how the show has been altered over the years. Thematic talking points include the history of yuletide commercialism, learning how to accept failure, and how Christmas can often feel like a letdown.

Toby also takes a moment to wonder what life was like before the doorknob was invented.  

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