A Halloween Film For All Ages: The Tradition of Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin

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Don’t be a blockhead, watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” instead.

Everyone has a holiday tradition that puts them perfectly in the spirit of the season. But no tradition is quite as timeless or far-reaching as watching Charlie Brown’s holiday fiascos, specifically “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”. A Halloween classic, this movie is an annual autumn tradition for many.

It is almost inevitable that Linus’ naive beliefs will lead to a humorous night that appeals to all ages, toddlers and adults alike. Both North Atlanta students and teachers regard “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as a perfect indicator of the spooky season. “I am super big on upholding this tradition because it makes me feel nostalgic and it’s timeless,” said junior Liza Barry. “This movie helps me mark the season of fall.”

For those unfamiliar with the greatness that is the Great Pumpkin, the Great Pumpkin is a supernatural being that supposedly picks the best pumpkin patch each year to shower with candy and toys. Linus, Charlie Brown’s friend, is convinced that the Great Pumpkin is going to choose his patch. He enlists the help of Charlie Brown’s smitten little sister Sally to spend Halloween night among the pumpkins. While they were waiting, much was going on elsewhere, including a Halloween party with poison dog lips and Snoopy fighting off the Red Baron in his fighter jet. Premiering in 1966, this movie is old enough to be recognized across several generations, yet something about the unassuming and simplistic yet chaotic nature of the film keeps viewers coming back each year. “Every year when I was a kid, we would wait by the TV on the Sunday before Halloween waiting for the live showing,” said teacher Tim Storsteen.

Traditions for every holiday season are great ways to take a step back and relax, as you already know what is in store. This tradition is especially great because while you know what you’re going to get, the silly antics never get old. What’s even better is that Charlie Brown decided to provide several more potential traditions for every special occasion. If “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” isn’t enough, there’s “Charlie Brown and the Mayflower Voyagers”, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, just to name a few. All of them are equally amusing and ludicrous which means having a good time is inescapable. “I love Charlie Brown so much! It always puts me in a great mood for the holiday season,” said junior Sairah Sethi.

This year, gather around the TV with your spooky treats and popcorn. Turn on “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, and who knows? You might have a new tradition in the making.