If a cartoon can be brave, A Charlie Brown Christmas is.

It all started when Coca Cola called up one of the three networks and asked for a Christmas special. Charlie Brown was pitched, and selected. Brave things:

• They had all of six months to produce it.
• It was the first translation of Charlie Brown into an animated special.
• Schulz insisted on using children for the voices (as opposed to adults pretending to be children) which was unheard of at the time.

But what really sets this special apart? Schulz’s insistance that Linus quote from the Bible. This is the first time that Bible language would ever be used in a cartoon setting, and Schulz nails it. In counterpoint to Charlie Brown’s hollow feelings over a commercial Christmas, Linus expounds on the true meaning of Christmas . . . it changes the entire dynamic of the show.

The executives hated the special, but it was slated to air and advertised . . . there was no turning back. It went on to be the highest rated tv special and won the Emmy as well. Over forty years later it is still one the most popular specials and a Christmas tradition for many. Why? Schulz wasn’t afraid to tell the truth. That’s the kind of bravery that really counts.