Mindleader Message in A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

At Orlando Family Stage, we believe storytelling has the power to build empathy, spark conversations, and support the emotional well-being of young people. That is why we are proud to partner with AdventHealth for Children through their Be a Mindleader initiative. This community-wide campaign encourages open and honest conversations about youth mental health and provides families with expert insights to better support the children in their lives. Together, we are working to destigmatize mental health challenges and uplift the next generation of Mindleaders—young people who are emotionally aware, resilient, and compassionate.

Orlando Family Stage’s 25/26 Season is Presented by AdventHealth for Children.

“I just don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.”

Charlie Brown says this early in the play, and the line hangs in the air with quiet truth. The music is cheerful. The snow is falling. The world around him is celebrating, but Charlie feels sad. He doesn’t hide it though, he says it out loud.

That moment is more than just the beginning of a holiday story. It’s a model of emotional honesty for young audiences, many of whom know exactly what it feels like to be surrounded by joy but not feel it themselves. Maybe they’ve had a hard week. Maybe they’re overwhelmed by change. Maybe, like Charlie Brown, they just don’t know why they feel off.

And that’s okay.

At Orlando Family Stage, and through our partnership with AdventHealth’s Mindleader initiative, we believe mental wellness begins when young people feel safe enough to name what’s real. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage helps them see that even difficult emotions have a place in the story.

Finding Support (Even If It’s in a 5¢ Therapy Booth)

When Charlie visits Lucy at her “psychiatric help” stand, she offers more than a comic list of phobias. She listens. She encourages him to get involved. She helps him feel needed. Lucy gives Charlie the role of director in the Christmas play. She trusts him with responsibility and, in doing so, reminds us that purpose is a powerful tool for mental health. It builds confidence, belonging, and hope. Lucy is a Mindleader!

And that’s a lesson for all of us. When a child is struggling, they don’t always need us to fix the problem. Sometimes, they just need to be heard and reminded that they have something meaningful to contribute.

The Little Tree That Needed Love

Charlie Brown chooses a drooping, bare little tree that no one else wants. He sees potential. He sees something worth caring for. But when he brings the tree back, the others laugh. “You’re hopeless, Charlie Brown.” He believes them and walks away, defeated.

And then Linus, using his Mindleader qualities, steps forward.

He gently wraps his blanket around the tree. One by one, the others add decorations. Together, they transform it into something beautiful. They don’t fix it by forcing it to be something it’s not; they honor it for what it is.

That’s what inclusion looks like. That’s what emotional support looks like. When a child feels overlooked or like they’re not “enough,” Mindleaders show up with love, not criticism.

Being a Mindleader During the Holidays

For some children, the holidays are full of joy. For others, they bring stress, overstimulation, or loneliness. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage doesn’t shy away from that complexity. It invites us to talk about it, and more importantly, to respond with empathy.

Mindleaders, whether they’re caregivers, teachers, or friends, can lead by:

• Letting others share their feelings without shame.
• Celebrating small moments of connection.
• Offering opportunities to feel seen and valued.
• Reminding children (and each other) that there is no “wrong” way to feel.

In a world that often expects young people to be cheerful on cue, Charlie Brown reminds us that it’s brave to tell the truth about our feelings, and even braver to keep going anyway.

Questions to Spark Conversation After the Show

• When did Charlie Brown feel sad or left out? What helped him feel better?
• What did Linus do to show kindness and support?
• Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong, like the little Christmas tree?
• Who helps you feel more like yourself?

Let this story be a starting point. Whether you’re watching with a child or reflecting as a professional, the message is clear: Everyone needs a little love. Everyone deserves to be seen. And sometimes, all it takes is one voice to say, “You’re not alone.”

Learn more about AdventHealth’s Mindleader initiative and how you can support youth mental wellness at
adventhealth.com/mentalhealth