We like to think the world would be a very different place if A Charlie Brown Christmas never aired. In fact, Cinemablend reported that the iconic TV special was this close to becoming displayed when it was first presented to CBS producers. They were afraid that it went entirely against the jolly, spirited and light hearted fun Christmas is known for. Thankfully, the picture went through and now, it's become one of the greatest Christmas films of all time.

A Charlie Brown Christmas turns 50 this year. To celebrate its timelessness, we've lined up the reasons why you should (still) watch it.

1. It's innovative

Apart from the fact that producer Lee Mendelson and director Bill Melendez chose not to add laugh cues in the show, they also decided to cast real children instead of adults to voice the characters. This was a giant and very brave step that paid off beautifully. The clunky, innocent readings provided a much more authentic experience rather than hear June Foray as Lucy, or Morey Amsterdam as Charlie Brown.

2. It challenged our notion about Christmas

Bravery is quite evident in the making of this TV special. Instead of taking the picture towards the gleeful direction Christmas specials are known for, it starred a very depressed Charlie Brown. The story touched on the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas, which opened our eyes. Stripping the holiday from all the festivities, the show taught us the true meaning of Christmas.

3. It's the Peanuts we love

If there's one thing Peanuts is known for, it's the perfect blend of mature themes and child-friendly humor. Creator Charles M. Schulz along with the show's director and producer didn't stray. The TV special captured the "Peanuts" magic we all grew up with. We can all agree: We can all use a lot more consistency when presented with shows and series nowadays.

4. The infectious music

We can't go through this list without commending the wonderful, fabulous music featured in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Watching it again after all theses years still make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and we have the brilliant jazz musician and composer Vince Guaraldi to thank for that.

5. It teaches the value of kindness

Now more than ever, our world needs kindness-a lot of it. In the show, Charlie Brown laments the lack of love he receives during this time of year. "I know nobody likes me," he says. "Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?" When Charlie Brown returns with the skimpy tree he bought, this is what he gets: "Boy, are you stupid, Charlie Brown." "You're hopeless, Charlie Brown. Completely hopeless." Despite the young characters, this TV special doesn't only teach children to be less mean. It also tells people of all ages to be a little gentler to each other.

6. That pitiful Christmas tree

Who could forget about that little, sparse, depressing Christmas tree? Well, we will always remember it for how it was transformed. Just like Linus said, it just needed a little love so everyone gathered around to decorate it piece by piece. Then in the iconic, tear-jerking moment, they all shouted: "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!"