With the holiday season comes leaves changing color, sweaters pulled out of storage, the music of Vince Guaraldi Trio playing in the distance, and the beginning of Snoopy Mania. While a beloved cartoon Beagle since his inception, Snoopy has ascended to a new level of popularity adored across generations. 

In recent years, Charles Schulz’s iconic “Peanuts” comics and cartoons have found a place in the hearts of Gen Z. In particular, Snoopy has become an icon, representative of cuteness, nostalgia, and positivity. Snoopy seems to be everywhere, whether as the star of American Eagle pajama collections, Pinterest boards, or aesthetic content. What is the reason for the recent resurgence in popularity of the classic “Peanuts” cartoons? 

Some may attribute Snoopy’s trendiness to a CVS plushie that was sold in 2023 that featured Snoopy in a big puffer coat. This plushie went viral on TikTok and, as a result, couldn’t stay on the shelves. Soon, Snoopy in a puffer coat was everywhere on social media and in stores, gracing socks, totebags, etc.  

Or, perhaps this popularity sparked as a way for different generations to connect and bond over a shared interest. Individuals in the Baby Boomer and Gen X generations grew up on the “Peanuts” cartoons, and so many Millennials and Gen Z individuals have, subsequently, been introduced to these television specials. My parents watched these cartoons growing up, so they were a major part of my upbringing, so much so that I can quote these shows for practically the entire duration. 

Many people like to watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas” every year in anticipation of the holiday associated with that particular film. These common traditions are the reason that people associate the last couple of months of the year with the “Peanuts” cartoons. Due to this, the usual baking or fall aesthetic videos that enter your feed might have a touch of Snoopy, either through a Vince Guaraldi Trio soundbite, or the creation of Snoopy shaped cookies. 

Some people theorize that Snoopy’s popularity has always been around, but the awareness of his popularity has grown in recent years due to social media and the prominent Kawaii culture that is popular amongst Gen Z culture. 

Snoopy also represents something else. He is a dog in a world of humans. He is wildly creative in his outfits, endeavors, etc., and he is always up to shenanigans. Viewers can’t help but root for Snoopy in all that he does. Even his make-believe adventures as a World War I flying ace lure viewers in, hoping for Snoopy’s victory (this endeavor is a sub plot in “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”). 

In a way, Snoopy’s lifestyle is ideal. He is confident in his uniqueness, and whenever he is met with conflict, he manages to brush it off like it’s nothing. It’s Thanksgiving and all of Charlie Brown’s friends invited themselves over? No big deal. Snoopy will prepare a whole spread of food and set the table in a creative manner, all with the help of his sidekick, Woodstock. Was the spread ridiculous? Absolutely, but Snoopy sure does know how to serve ridiculousness with a certain Beagle-like machismo. 

Snoopy manages to be wholesome, yet defiant, a balance that is difficult to manage in real life. Viewers can’t help but watch Snoopy in action and think, “Who wouldn’t want to be Snoopy?” 

Some might see Snoopy Mania as another trend that allows companies to sell more merchandise around the holidays, but I believe it represents a bigger picture idea. People want to not only be embraced for their quirks and passions, but embrace those passions themselves, a lesson that Snoopy teaches in every cartoon special (cue the neighborhood lights and display contest in “It’s Christmas Charlie Brown,” in which Snoopy won for decorating his dog house). 

Snoopy is the ultimate cartoon role model, so why not embrace his presence everywhere?