So, I’m a little late starting Christmas this year.  The last two weeks were unusually busy.  Here we go!

I want to focus on four Christmas movies this year.  There are so many movies that it will be hard to choose only four.  I’ve already written about my favorite Christmas movie here, so I’ll skip that one this year.

Our first movie is not really a movie, it’s a “Christmas Special” from 1965.  In America, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is played on TV every year during the Christmas season.  A simple but heartwarming story.  Here are two scenes:

I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards… …and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know… …who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy’s right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you’re the Charlie Browniest.

You’ve been dumb before, Charlie Brown, but this time you really did it. What a tree.

I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about. Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

Lights, please.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field… …keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them… …and the glory of the Lord shone round about them… …and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: “Fear not, for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy… …which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a savior… …which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly, there was with the angel… …a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

If we can all try to add to “on earth, peace, goodwill toward men”, (天では、栄光があるように。
地上では、平和が人々にあるように。)  we can enjoy the true spirit of Christmas.