Holidays are a time filled with many great sentiments and tidings, as well as traditions and stories that we revisit on a yearly basis.
For decades, that lineup has always included the likes of the cherished tales from the world of “Peanuts”. There is no questioning why these timeless antics resonate so deeply. We could elaborate with such depth as to why, but the answer is clear—heart with humor that always draws us back.
Times change, but the heart and humor that lie within this franchise remain a mainstay, as integral to the holidays as lights are to a tree and marshmallows to any cup of hot chocolate.
Thanks to Apple, fans of a new generation have gotten to revisit the timeless world of “Peanuts” through the eyes of the one and only Snoopy. With the series and various specials that have been rolled out, “Snoopy Presents” has charmed fans with the antics of Snoopy and the rest of the company we know so well.
It only feels natural to assume that one day the door would swing open at Christmas time. Said door is now wide open with the release of the next saga of Snoopy’s adventures in “Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy”, a new holiday special now streaming on Apple TV.
Spoilers below.
In this new holiday tale, we are once more led by Snoopy in the days ahead of Christmas’ arrival.
Along with the rest of our large ensemble cast, everyone is getting ready for Santa’s arrival by getting into the holiday season—including the tradition of writing Santa a letter. Naturally, Snoopy being himself, he starts off with a very elongated wish list of items inspired by his own internal musings and fantasies. That is until he encounters a tabletop air hockey game that is part of the prize raffle being conducted by none other than Lucy.
Though there are many things that have struck Snoopy’s fancy, there is something about that specific item that resonates with him to the point of resolving to make it the one thing he longs for the most and is willing to ask Saint Nick for. With such excitement, Snoopy can’t wait for some one-on-one time with Santa—even to the point that he rather thoughtlessly cuts a sizable line of others to get to the front. In isolation, this isn’t great behavior to display at any time of the year, never mind the holidays. Yet, this isn’t the first time that day alone that Snoopy hasn’t been his very best.
With a growing list of less-than-great exhibits of behavior, Snoopy is given the pink slip—a written notice that he has effectively been placed on the naughty list. This leads to a very emotional reaction from Snoopy, who, rightfully so, feels crushed by the realization of what this means for his Christmas. As well as the resolve, thanks to Sally’s suggestion, to try and make up for his previous misdeeds by performing acts of kindness to show just how good he is to the decision-maker that is Santa.
During the special, we see Snoopy give his very best to help his friends out with their various pre-Christmas preparations and traditions, only for his efforts to lead to less-than-stellar results. But not due to a lack of trying, far from it. Rather, it’s his own daydreams and imagination that lead to Snoopy unknowingly causing more trouble than anyone accounted for.
As this is Snoopy, and he is set on getting back on the good list, he persists in trying to prove himself, leading to additional problems for those around him.
While the core storyline chronicles the (mis)adventures of Snoopy and his Christmas feats, we get a nice secondary storyline that follows none other than Charlie Brown himself. Aware of how upsetting it is for Snoopy to be looking at a reality where there is no Christmas for him, Charlie works towards getting some funds together himself to try and at least get Snoopy a present so he isn’t left empty-handed—er, pawed—on the 25th.
Both the main and secondary plotlines run in harmony with the same central message of remaining persistent and working towards something, even when the outcomes aren’t what one favors. It also handles a theme that is stated in what most would consider a throwaway line: that things like holiday movies and such aren’t always how life goes. A sentiment that rings true onscreen and in reality. Inside the story, we see both Snoopy and, later, Charlie Brown attempt various holiday-coded staples and end up without the results either wishes for. Granted, Snoopy’s outcomes are more aligned with his tendency to mind the daydream more than reality. Charlie Brown sees external forces leading to his own shortcomings.
It’s real, relatable and something that would largely be glossed over in other works. Sure, at the end, we see a resolution that leaves us feeling very well satisfied by the journey we see Snoopy and Charlie embark on. But it’s earned, and not so perfectly tied together that it feels undeserved.
With stunning visuals that make each frame feel frameable, the seasonal onscreen stylings, coupled with the musical soundtrack, set the stage and allow viewers to feel truly immersed not only in the story itself, but also in the season—that almost becomes a character within the story. Additionally, “12 Days of Snoopy” pulls out some great visual Easter eggs that make returning audiences feel even more connected with the special.
Despite the production having been done in the 2020s, there is much to applaud in how well the creative team behind “Snoopy Presents” tackles not only our seasonal story, but the entire segment of the larger “Peanuts” universe. Despite how different life is from when these characters were first developed, nothing feels like it’s done simply because it’s modern. The characterization, storytelling and all creative mechanics allude to a very timeless feel, creating a feeling of being transported back into a simpler time with less digital noise.
For many series, being modern is the objective. It isn’t for “Snoopy Presents”—it’s clean, timeless and, in some ways, lighter. A joke inside the story doesn’t require someone to know what is going on in pop culture, only that they understand the story, the characters and their own lore enough for the context to give an extra punch.
It’s something that makes “Snoopy Presents” stand out in this modern animation landscape.
Laced with heart, humor and a little holiday hijinks (sorry, Snoopy!), “Snoopy Presents: 12 Days of Snoopy” is delightful. A true and worthy addition to the extensive “Peanuts” library that is well worth not only a watch, but also earning its place in the ranks of holiday rewatches year after year.
Just make sure to avoid having Snoopy help with any prep work ahead of time!
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