the enchanted oven: Charlie Brown

Sunday, December 4, 2011

A Charlie Brown Christmas

I am a huge fan of Charles Schultz and the Peanuts gang, so of course I couldn't let Christmas go by without making some Charlie Brown's Christmas cookies.

While I was decorating them, I realized that I have learned quite a lot about the holiday from old Chuck and the gang.

Lesson number one comes from Charlie Brown: Don't let the commercial side of Christmas get the upper hand.

Lesson number two from the thumb sucking philosopher Linus: Take time to ponder the season.

Lesson number three from Snoopy: After decorating the house, take a nap.

Lesson number four from Lucy Van Pelt: If you feel depressed at the holidays, get involved and help others. The doctor is in, so that will be five cents please.

Lesson number five again comes from Snoopy: Let loose and have some fun (especially if you are listening to Vince Guaraldi!).

Lesson number six is from the whole gang: Sing with joy.

Lesson number seven: LOVE can transform anything .

And the final and most important lesson from Linus: Remember the true meaning of Christmas.

"And that's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown".

Linking with

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown cookies

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown was my favorite television event of the year when I was a child. It even beat out The Wizard of Oz. As soon as I knew which night it was going to be on, I was wild with anticipation. The humor (which is timeless), the music, the Dolly Madison commercials, and the not quite too scariness would have me in a full blown kid frenzy every year.

When my children were little, on the first day of October we would get out the halloween decorations, make caramel apples, and watch this Peanuts classic. I mean, who could resist the innocence of Linus saying "He'll come because I have the most sincere pumpkin patch and he respects sincerity"?

And good old Charlie Brown. I think EVERYONE can relate to having a Charlie Brown day. I love the line he uses when discussing the great pumpkin with Linus - "We are obviously separated by denominational differences". Things haven't changed much...

Then there is Charlie Brown's adorable sister Sally who has a crush on sweet Linus. It is her first year for trick or treat, but Linus wants her to hold vigil with him in the pumpkin patch. What is a girl to do? Does this little lady choose love over candy? Yes she does.

And haven't we all known in real life this next character? Someone with that special (cough) outlook on life who says things like "This time you can trust me. See? I have a signed document testifying that I won't pull it away".

It is none other than Miss Lucy Van Pelt. Her philosophy on costumes - "A person should choose a costume that contrasts with her own personality".

That is exactly what I look like before I have my coffee in the morning. No kidding.

Speaking of costumes, who is this? "They'll never guess it's me under here".

I think the cloud of dirt gave you away Pig Pen.

Poor Charlie Brown had trouble with the scissors AND got nothing but rocks.

And now for my favorite character - Snoopy. The baton carrying, scarf and goggle wearing, rider of dog house sopwith camel canine STEALS THE SHOW.

Shot down behind enemy lines in occupied France, he stealthily creeps to safety by the light of the full moon.

You can bet Isabelle and I will be watching it again this year, and who knows, maybe the Great Pumpkin WILL show up and shower us with toys and candy. After all, we are sincere!

Happy birthday Jami - gotta love the bag!