Writer’s comment: My favorite cartoon strip is “Peanuts.” Every year, my Christmas column is a tribute to Charlie Brown and his pals.

As he was preparing for all the hubbub of Christmas, Charlie Brown suddenly began to realize that something was missing. He sat down and attempted to bring that missing something into reality.

Of course, he loved singing Christmas carols with all of his pals. He loved their presence and the songs they always sang. There was so much meaning in those songs, and the blending of their voices. Yet, he felt an empty spot within him.

Oh, then there was the Christmas program he always tried his best to bring together. However, as much as he appreciated his pals, they were a difficult bunch to control. They never listened to his directions. There was too much dancing and loud music on the stage as he tried to control the very active group. There was something missing.

Good grief, who didn’t love the arrival of the Christmas tree? Thanks to his parents, he had always experienced that tree and all the joy of decorating it with family and friends. It was so exciting to place the final ornament on the tree and, then, to turn on the strings of Christmas tree lights. So exciting, but even then, he felt that empty spot within his heart.

He always enjoyed having Snoopy around. They were such good pals — even if Snoopy was a bit of an irritation at times. And, speaking of irritations…

There was always Lucy! She was a big pain in his neck, and was almost always making Charlie Brown feel useless and not someone to be taken seriously. When playing in the snow, she would hit him in the head with a snowball and everyone of his pals would laugh at him. He loved to hear them laughing, but why always at his expense? There was that empty spot again.

There was a pal whom Charlie Brown knew was loyal and supportive and that was Linus — such a good friend! His words of wisdom were always welcome, and he had the ability to bring his pals back to the moment — like when he calmed everyone down with his awesome rendering of the Christmas story. What did Linus possess that Charlie Brown was missing during the holiday season?

He sat by the kitchen window and sought the answer that could fill the empty spot within him. With all that was happening, why was there a need for more?

Sitting alone with Christmas music playing around him, he knew he needed help to understand that void that sat heavily with him. Just then, the song “Silent Night” began to play and a revelation swept through Charlie Brown’s heart.

He felt totally happy, satisfied and complete because he knew he was basking in the silence of the season.

Now, he felt completely joyful! Yes, he needed his pals to be with him, to talk with him, to play with him and to throw snowballs at each other. He needed all that commotion. However, he also needed the quiet of the season. And, now he knew where to find it — within himself.

Feeling relieved, he quickly put on his winter gear and joined his pals as they rolled big snowballs to make a Frosty the Snowman sculpture. Within the hubbub of the season, Charlie Brown found a place for silence, and that place was within his heart. The holiday season was perfect!

As you go through this holiday time, may you find yourself fully satisfied with a mixture of noisy merriment and blessed peace.

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

Cheers!