Day 6 – The Charlie Brown Syndrome

Hey Dad,

The odd thing about Christmas is that it amplifies the feeling of loneliness and despair. Instead of cheering up, it thickens the gloom. Like the Proverb says, “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day…is one who sings (Christmas) songs to a heavy heart.”

I’m sure psychologists have labeled the cause…but I think it’s enough to know that it’s true. I just call it the Charlie Brown Syndrome. If anyone is overwhelmed by life and Christmas, it’s round headed, stubby fingered, Charlie Brown.

Early In his famous Christmas TV episode, he peers into an empty mail box and says, “Rats! Nobody sent me a Christmas card today. I almost wish there weren’t a holiday season. I know nobody likes me. Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?”

Leaning on a wall he says to Linus, “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I like getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.”

“Charlie Brown,” Linus responds, “you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem. Maybe Lucy’s right. Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, you’re the Charlie Browniest.”

Now, I won’t fault Linus for his lack of sympathy and understanding. After all, he is only six years old. His big sister Lucy offers some counsel, “What you need is involvement, Charlie Brown.” She gives the same advice that so many still offer, “Stay Busy…keep your mind off your own problems…try to get in the spirit.” But of course it didn’t’ work then for Charlie Brown and it doesn’t work for anyone else, today.

You know the rest of the story…how it’s all wrapped up neat and tidy (in 20 minutes) with a little Christmas tree that only needed a little love. I wish life were that easy.

I don’t know how you feel about life right now, or if the impending Christmas season has gotten you down. You may be out of a job, out of money, in the midst of a broken relationship that is tearing your heart out, or feeling as about as empty as Charlie Brown’s mailbox at Christmas time.

I don’t have any easy answers except to say, “God knows what you’re feeling, He cares about you and all your heart aches, and He is able to handle anything you throw His way.”

I know it’s hard, but you’re going to be OK.

He’s still THE DAD,

Todd