A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

In the opening scene, Lucy encourages Charlie Brown to try and kick her football to honor the Thanksgiving football tradition. Just as he approaches, she pulls the ball away at the last moment, dismissing the tradition as something that fades away. This recurring joke highlights Charlie Brown's good-hearted but unlucky nature.

The Brown siblings get ready to travel to their grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Charlie Brown receives a phone call from Peppermint Patty, who invites herself and friends to join them, disrupting the usual family plans. Charlie Brown's anticipation of a quiet dinner is therefore replaced with social chaos.

Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Franklin arrive at the Browns' house, despite Charlie Brown not planning to host a Thanksgiving dinner. Charlie Brown, who can only make simple snacks like toast, feels overwhelmed but tries to be a gracious host. The gathering sets the stage for a non-traditional celebration.

Linus proposes that they prepare their own Thanksgiving meal for their friends before heading to their own family dinner. He recruits Snoopy and Woodstock to help with the preparations, emphasizing kindness and friendship over traditional food. Snoopy sets up a makeshift outdoor dining area with a ping pong table.

Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, and Linus create a modest feast consisting of toast, pan-fried popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans, and sundaes. This unique meal reflects their resourcefulness and simplicity, contrasting with traditional Thanksgiving fare. Snoopy manages the serving, and Woodstock assists cheerfully.

When Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Franklin arrive, Linus leads everyone in a prayer honoring the First Thanksgiving. Snoopy then serves the unconventional meal. The scene emphasizes gratitude and friendship, even with a non-traditional gathering.

Peppermint Patty becomes angry and yells at Charlie Brown because she expected a traditional Thanksgiving feast with turkey. Charlie Brown feels upset and leaves the table feeling dejected, highlighting the disappointment of unmet expectations and his good-natured frustration.

Marcie suggests Peppermint Patty was too harsh on Charlie Brown and asks her to apologize. Eventually, Peppermint Patty admits her fault and apologizes directly to Charlie Brown, illustrating themes of forgiveness and understanding among friends.

Realizing he and Sally are late for his grandmother’s Thanksgiving dinner, Charlie Brown calls to invite his friends to join. His grandmother welcomes them all, demonstrating the importance of sharing and friendship during the holiday.

Charlie Brown and friends drive to his grandmother’s house, singing 'Over the River and Through the Wood' along the way. They reach her condominium, which Charlie Brown humorously notes is different from the traditional house setting.

Meanwhile, Snoopy and Woodstock go to Snoopy's doghouse and cook their own traditional Thanksgiving meal. They break the wishbone, with Woodstock receiving the larger piece, and later enjoy pumpkin pie together, symbolizing their close friendship.