On Dec. 9, 1965, CBS aired the original broadcast of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and a holiday tradition was born.

Since then, its annual airings, jazzy Vince Guaraldi music, myriad of tie-in toys, and Hallmark ornaments have become as much a part of Christmas as Bing Crosby and Santa.

While I’m not old enough to remember that first airing, “Charlie Brown” was certainly a cherished part of my childhood Christmases. I fondly recall snuggling up with my parents on cold winter evenings to watch it, “Garfield’s Christmas,” “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year,” “The Year Without a Santa Claus,” and more. Had I looked up, I’m sure I would have seen the identical glow coming from every living room in the neighborhood.

A half-century after the debut of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the world is a very different place. With schedules spread thin and attention spans even thinner, families seldom find time to gather “just to watch a cartoon.” That’s why, after last year’s popular production, we decided to bring “Charlie Brown” back to life on the Youtheatre stage again this Christmas.

The theater is a place for people to come together, leave the world behind, and enjoy a unique shared experience. This all-new production features 45 delightful young actors plus the trio of Ben Welder (piano), Dan Katter (drums), and Tom Neumann (bass) playing Vince Guaraldi’s unforgettable music live on-stage.

Just like Charlie Brown, we’re all searching for joy and meaning amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So whether you’re after nostalgia or the chance to make new Christmas memories, I hope you’ll bring your family and friends to experience America’s favorite blockhead and his quest to find the true meaning of Christmas in a thrilling new way…together.

Along with the performances, there is a special “Breakfast with Santa” on Dec. 8 and 15 at 10 a.m. Reservations are required.