Love Is Everywhere, Snoopy!

I just returned from Hallmark with my annual Peanuts ornaments, a cherished tradition that adds warmth and nostalgia to our ever-growing Christmas tree. My connection to the Peanuts universe began years ago with my very first purchase—a TV Guide featuring Snoopy on the cover. From that moment, I was hooked. Now, I carry my love for Peanuts with me daily, even on my Apple Watch, where Snoopy serves as a delightful reminder to stay grounded and find joy in the little things.

There are moments when you feel compelled to pull back the curtain and witness the simple acts of kindness and the small struggles of others. Today, I had one of those moments. An elderly lady approached me in the store, gently asking about the price of a Hallmark ornament. She wanted to buy one for her grandchild, but her eyes seemed to be giving her trouble, making it hard for her to see the price tag. I told her the ornament was $29.99, and her response struck me. She sighed and said, “At that price, I could buy the kid a whole Christmas tree.”

It was a reminder of how easily we can take things for granted—the price of an ornament, the value of a gesture, or even the joy that something small can bring. For her, a simple ornament seemed like an extravagant choice when compared to the practical things that could bring comfort or joy in other ways. It was a moment that reminded me of how perspective shapes our understanding of what’s truly important.

Hallmark has made quite a bit of money off me over the years, as I’ve become an enthusiastic collector, always excited to add new ornaments to my ever-expanding Christmas tree collection. What began as a small tradition has blossomed into something much bigger, to the point where I now store over 150 boxes of Hallmark ornaments in a massive 50-gallon Rubbermaid container. If that elderly lady could see the plastic bin overflowing with these little treasures, I can only imagine the look on her face—she’d probably think I’ve completely lost my mind, spending so much on what is essentially a yearly investment in holiday cheer.

And here’s the kicker: as if my collection wasn’t large enough, I know I’ll have to start a brand-new box next year to accommodate the ornaments that I just can’t resist adding to the mix. It’s a bit of a never-ending cycle, but I love it. There’s something about these ornaments—the memories they bring, the joy of unboxing them each year—that makes it all feel worthwhile, even if it means I’ll be stacking plastic bins for years to come.

The magic of Peanuts lies in its celebration of love and friendship. From everyone’s collective adoration of Snoopy to the unbreakable bond between Snoopy and Woodstock, the affectionate devotion Sally has for Linus and countless other heartwarming relationships within the gang, Peanuts reminds us of the beauty of connection. Love truly is everywhere—in the care we show to a friend, the laughter shared during a quiet moment, or the sweet notes we write to our very own “Sweet Babboo.” It’s a world that feels like a hug, and I’m grateful to be a part of it every day.

Here’s a charming little book that is bound to spread joy and warmth wherever it goes. Love Is Everywhere, Snoopy! features delightful illustrations designed to brighten your day. Created by the talented Scott Jeralds, whose clean, lined drawings are full of energy and positivity, the illustrations bring a sense of lightness and happiness to every moment. Whether you’re flipping through it during your morning routine or sharing it with loved ones, this book is a reminder that love can be found all around us, just like the spirit of Snoopy himself.

Tina Gallo has worked in children’s publishing for twenty years. She has written more than sixty children’s books and currently resides in Throggs Neck, New York.