Charlie Brown, old or new, still charms

When ABC broadcast “A Charlie Brown Christmas” for the first time last year, after it had been on CBS since 1965, the network presented a digitally remastered version and added an informative behind-the-scenes feature. The hourlong package was a ratings winner, and the mini-documentary earned an Emmy nomination.

On Sunday at 8 p.m. and repeating Friday at 9 p.m., ABC is looking to match that success by following the holiday classic not with a “making of” segment, but with “Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tales,” a collection of new animated vignettes based on the comic strips of the late Charles M. Schulz.

Although the five shorts, each focusing on a specific “Peanuts” character, are faster-paced and more slickly animated than the original, they are just as charming. There’s no overarching story line here, but the same message of peace and joy amid life’s little anxieties resonates throughout.

In the first vignette, Snoopy faces rejection from Lucy as her ice-skating partner -- and from the cat next door.

The next four segments feature Linus, Sally, Lucy and Charlie Brown each struggling over letters to Santa or the objects of their affection, among other escapades.

The humor is classic Schulz, and the punch lines come quickly, as opposed to the more languid timing of the original Christmas special. Perhaps that’s a concession to viewers brought up on quick-cut videos, but it also makes sense, given that the source material is from comic strips. More important, it’s a refreshing change-up from director Larry Leichliter.

Although Schulz died in 2000, two key players behind the 1965 show were involved with this special: executive producer Lee Mendelson and producer Bill Melendez.

With efforts like these, it’s a welcome thing that Christmastime is here on TV.