Children's Christmas Films
Christmas films are made for all age groups however, no particular group is as well catered for as the 12 and under segment. Christmas is after all an especially beloved holiday for the young and young at heart. Below are a few Christmas films that any child and indeed some adults will absolutely love.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This is the heart-warming story of a reindeer who never quite fits in. His big red nose is a source of shame for Rudolph who is alienated by his less than tolerant peers. Soon he becomes friends with Hermey the elf an aspiring dentist and Yukon Cornelius. The three have an adventure that leads to great things. Rudolph doesn't just learn what it is like to be accepted but carries out the heroic feat of guiding Santa's sleigh by night. The legend of Rudolph is told by Sam the snowman as an inspiration to all children, especially those who may be deemed misfits. The themes in the story are universal and the triumphant literal and metaphoric journey of Rudolph makes this an absolutely great way to teach children about acceptance and overcoming obstacles.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown has become disillusioned with the idea of Christmas and realizes that the commercialism of the season has taken away the true message of love and togetherness. To find the true spirit of Christmas he is encouraged by Lucy to direct the school play. While he accepts, he soon discovers how difficult the task at hand is. Eventually he decides to do the unthinkable and is bashed by the group of children who believe he will single-handedly ruin the school play. However, after a moving speech by Linus the children realize what it is that Brown hopes to achieves. The message of Christmas is spared, ending on a delightful note with a memorable rendition of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
This classic has delighted children since the first time it premièred on television. The mean old Grinch is devoid of Christmas cheer. He hates everything Christmas and doesn't understand the Whos need to celebrate such a ridiculous holiday. He concocts a scheme to rob the Whos blind to rid them of their Christmas cheer but soon realizes that his plot has failed as gifts and things are not essential to the celebration of Christmas. What happens to the Grinch thereafter is truly inspiring.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This is a quirky adaptation of the old Dicken's classic, “A Christmas Carol”. As the story goes, the mean-spirited Scrooge is visited by 3 ghostly entities who try to give him a better glimpse into himself in hopes that he will change his cruel and miserly ways. While the story remains pretty much intact, it is an entertaining spectacle told masterfully by way of Henson's beloved muppets. This makes the classic more accessible to younger audiences who will delight in this adorable adaptation.
The Polar Express (2004)
The element of magic is always a plus with children's films. This has that element and more. The Polar express is a visual phenomenon using 3-D animation in getting its story across. We meet the young “hero boy” who has doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. He boards a train on Christmas Eve and gets the thrill of his life when he realizes the train is headed to the North Pole. He partakes in an adventure that not only satisfies his childlike desire for mysticism but also restores his faith in magic and the power of Christmas.
