I blame Sally for this recession.

The first prime-time animated TV Special based on the comic strip Peanuts aired on Thursday, December 9, 1965, preempting the Munsters and following the Gilligan’s Island episode “Don’t Bug the Mosquitoes.” Coca Cola was the sponsor and 50% of televisions in the US were tuned to this historic first broadcast. I was three.

Every year the show would air once. There were no VCRs, TiVos or Hulu.  There were only 4 stations. We were captive. We were the baby boomers and we wanted our fair share.

  • Instead of saving for that new television like our parents did, we’ll charge it!
  • We’ll buy a new car instead of a used car and finance 100%!

I want it NOW daddy! – Veruca Salt, from Willy Wonka

  • Everyone should have a home – that’s the American dream! Even if I have to lie to get it. And I’ll use that home like an ATM so I can get the tax write-off!

Sigh…..but then Linus takes the stage and reminds us of the reason for the season:

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 good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas.