(Columnist’s note: I am a big fan of the cartoon strip “Peanuts.” My Christmas column always involves Charlie Brown and his friends, and how they can tell us an important story.)

Charlie Brown was perplexed and anxious.

He wondered why people always seemed so happy during the holiday season. Don’t we always use and see the same decorations, hear the same songs, and eat the traditional foods during that time of the year? And, then, there’s the craziness of buying gifts, wrapping them and delivering them. Ugh! That’s not always joyful!

And yes, Charlie Brown was getting very anxious about Christmas, and it was making him depressed. He had a bunch of cards and gifts to complete and to be delivered. Then, there’s always all those school Christmas programs! And the religious services and programs. Neighborhood parties to attend, and the list goes on and on. Again, ugh!

Good grief! Can’t we cool it a bit? His pounding heart made his body vibrate. Was it all really necessary? Maybe we all could do something different at this time of the year?

He put on his winter coat, hat and gloves. Slipping into his snow boots, he went out for a walk. Maybe, just maybe, he thought, he could find some grace and peaceful harmony in nature.

As he exited his house, he noted his sister, Sally, stuffing boxes with items, wrapping boxes like crazy and humming a Christmas tune while doing those tasks. Bah humbug! She looked up at him and smiled. He immediately remembered how she was always there for him — his loyal sister.

Suddenly, he felt a tremor of something fly through his heart. Hmmm…

Going forth, the first thing he saw was Snoopy decorating his dog house. Yikes, he thought, it’s the same garland and string of Christmas lights he uses every year. Big Deal! What’s unique about that old tradition? Snoopy grinned at him with warmth, and Charlie Brown, again, felt a slight tremor of unanimity. Snoopy is his old pet pal, and even if he stretches their familial bond at times, he’s Charlie Brown’s loyal friend.

Again, he felt that slight vibration of faithfulness warm him. Hmmm…

He continued his walk and passed Schroeder’s house. From it, he heard the beautiful chords of a Beethoven musical piece floating through the chilly air. The musical notes were so relaxing, and he could envision his friend sitting at his piano humming in harmony with the played notes. Schroeder was an anchor in Charlie Brown’s life. He was steadfast and understood Charlie Brown’s feelings.

And again, there was that vibration of something flowing through his heart. Hmmm…

Turning the corner, he noticed Peppermint Patty walking toward him. She was holding her baseball glove and a baseball. Good grief, thought Charlie Brown. Baseball in December? She greeted him with a big smile and stated she was on her way to the gym to play some catch. She asked if he would like to join her. Charlie Brown politely declined. They parted with Peppermint Patty stating that if he needed help with anything, she was there for him.

There it was again! That slight vibrating feeling in his chest — a feeling of harmony. Hmmm…

As Charlie Brown walked by a sporting goods store, he ran into Lucy. Oh no, not my biggest pain, please! She had a new football in her hands, and he immediately remembered all the times that she pulled away a football as he ran up to kick it. He could still feel the pain of flying through the air as he missed kicking the football and ended up flat on his back. Lucy greeted him with friendliness and wished him the joy of the season.

There it was again! That light inner vibration! Hmmm…

Continuing his walk, he went by a grocery store and saw the little red haired girl — the crush of his life! She walked by him and gave him a little shy smile! He was so overwhelmed by the moment that he barely gave her a return smile.

And there it was again! His heart was fluttering like crazy and good vibes were cascading through his heart. Hmmm…

Turning around to return home, he noticed Linus across the street. Naturally, he had his blanket with him, but, for some reason, Charlie Brown could feel its comforting presence, too. Linus saw him and gave him a huge smile and a huge wave of his free hand. Charlie Brown thought back to the numerous times Linus stood up for him. He could hear Linus recite the Christmas story, and knew he needed Linus in his life.

And the vibrations grew and grew in Charlie Brown’s heart.

Suddenly, all the anxiety and perplexity of the holiday season disappeared. The answers to his confusion were right before him — his friends and family.

It’s in his friends and family that Charlie Brown found the basis for holiday traditions. They were the loving garland woven around his heart. They provided the reason for the season.

And then the growing vibrations within him totally turned to a sense of goodwill, love, hope and joy.

Charlie Brown briskly walked back home, and embraced the awesomeness of the holiday season.

As we all dash through the Christmas season, let us always remember the joyful innocence of childhood. May you experience the loving wonder of the holiday season.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!