Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and the Grinch. Buddy the Elf, Scrooge, and Kevin McCallister. My kids know every one of them. They are the classics of Christmas. One of my favorite things to do this time of year is light the tree, curl up on the couch with my family, and watch Christmas shows and movies. A family holiday viewing tradition.
The deepest desire of my heart is met when the movie shares the real reason for Christmas. You see, I enjoy the magic of make-believe, but I rejoice in the gift of eternal-belief in Christ. If you are looking to pass on the real meaning of Christmas to your kids, here are 3 Christmas movies that tell the story of the birth of Christ.
1. The Star
There are so many movies to entertain children, but few teach them about the gift of eternal life in the
birth of Christ. The Star changed that. And I want to hug someone for it. When some genius merges all the things I love—a message with eternal significance in a humorous story filled with animation and joy—I want to hug them for creatively caring about the hearts and minds of children. It’s my favorite time of the year for the magic and for the gift of Christ. The Star is a gift of both. Watch the movie as a family and then use these conversation starters (and these coloring pages) to keep Jesus front and center this December.
Questions to ask that teach your child the real meaning of Christmas:
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All the animals went on a journey to see baby Jesus. Why do you think His birth was so special that even the animals wanted to be there?
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Mary and Joseph had to trust God even when things were hard. Can you think of a time you had to trust God with something hard?
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The star led everyone to Jesus. How can we help our friends and family learn about Him today?
2. Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown!
The entire story revolves around Charlie Brown’s quest to discover (and ultimately celebrate) the deeper meaning of Christmas. We can all get too focused on the presents, festivities, and decorations, especially kids. This is a fun and charming classic that seamlessly tells the story of Christ’s birth through Linus reciting Scripture. It is a great opportunity to ask kids what they think Linus is saying and what Charlie Brown learned.
Questions to ask that teach your child the real meaning of Christmas:
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Charlie Brown thought Christmas was too much about “stuff.” What do you think is the most important part of Christmas?
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Linus tells the Christmas story from the Bible. If you had a friend who didn’t know what Christmas means, how would you explain it?
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At the end, all the kids help Charlie Brown with his little tree. How does that show what the Christmas spirit is really about?
3. The Little Drummer Boy
We all know Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, but the same people made this claymation special. A little boy is filled with anger and hatred, but when his lamb is injured and close to death, his only hope is to go to a king for help. The king he encounters points him to the newborn King of kings. When the little boy encounters the baby Christ, his lamb is made new and his hatred and anger are wiped away. Not only does The Little Drummer Boy share the story of Jesus’ birth, but there is a lot of symbolism to teach your kids as to why His birth is so significant.
Questions to ask that teach your child the real meaning of Christmas:
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The little boy was angry until he met baby Jesus. How did meeting Jesus change him?
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He didn’t have a fancy gift, only his drum. What does that teach us about what Jesus really wants?
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The little boy’s lamb was healed, showing Jesus’ power and love. Why do you think that Jesus came as a baby, and what does His birth mean for us today?
What is your favorite Christmas movie to watch with your family?
