Do you love to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate or a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy a family Christmas movie with your grandchildren? If so, have you considered how movies can be used as conversation starters?

During the Thanksgiving holidays, my husband and I watched the animated version of Balto with our granddaughters. Balto is based on the true story of the dog sled teams who volunteered to brave the brutal Alaskan winter to transport diphtheria medicine from Anchorage to Nome in what became known as the “Great Race of Mercy.” Balto, the lead dog in the final sprint, became the symbol of the courage and teamwork that saved the residents of Nome.

In the animated version, Balto is ostracized by the town dog for being different, namely for being part wolf and part dog. His wolf-like characteristics are the very things that helped him overcome otherwise insurmountable odds as he leads a sled team carrying the medicine through the Alaskan wilderness. While our family cheered Balto on, I realized that we could use this movie to launch a discussion about how God made us different and unique. Each of us is “created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

If the idea of using movies to initiate dialogue intrigues you, here are five Christmas movies, complete with a brief description, age appropriateness (based on Common Sense Media), follow-up questions.

The Star

Released: 2017

Age 5+

Description:

A computer-animated comedy, The Star presents the Nativity story as seen through the eyes of a donkey named Bo who longs for adventure. Together with a dove named Dave, an adorable sheep named Ruth, and three hysterical camels, Bo follows the Star to Bethlehem. His dreams of carrying a king are fulfilled in a way he least expects it.

Questions:

• Why is Bo, the donkey, unhappy at the beginning of the movie? What does he think will make him happy?
• Who are Mary and Joseph? Who are the kings in the royal caravan
• What is prayer? Did Bo pray “correctly?”  Is there a right or wrong way to pray?
• Does Bo carry a king? When or how? Who is the King?
• Why does Bo allow the dogs to visit Jesus?

Dr. Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Released: 1966

Age 4+

Description:

Unlike the newer versions, this original movie is true to the classic holiday tale written by children’s author Dr. Seuss. The story’s main character, the villainous Mr. Grinch, has a heart that is two sizes too small. As a result, he despises Christmas and is determined to snatch away all signs of the holiday from the town of Whoville. What the Grinch doesn’t understand is that no one can steal Christmas, because at the heart of its existence is love.

Questions:

• What is your favorite Christmas memory? (Younger children can tell what they like most about Christmas.)
• How would you describe the Grinch? Why does he hate Christmas?
• How does the Grinch try to ruin the Who’s Christmas? Is he successful? Why or why not?
• What is the real meaning of Christmas?
• Read (Luke 2:4-19 NIV) together as a family. 

The Christmas Carol – or – Scrooge

If you want to enjoy a movie rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, you have plenty of options. Your choice will depend upon the age of your grandchildren. Given that this story includes three apparitions or ghosts, some of the movies may be scary for younger children. The storyline is excellent, however. It tells of the redemption of Ebenezer, a miserable and mean hearted miser whose life is changed after the three apparitions-Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Future—visit him on Christmas Eve. 

Questions:

• Would you want Scrooge to be your friend? Why or why not?
• What did the Ghost of Christmas Past show Scrooge? 
• What did the Ghost of Christmas Present show Scrooge?
• What did the Ghost of Christmas Future show Scrooge?
• Scrooge was a different person when he awakened on Christmas morning. Describe the change.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Released: 1946 

Age 9+

Description:

Most of us are familiar with the heartwarming story of George Bailey. Trapped in his hometown of Bedford Falls and a failing family business, George wishes that he had never been born. That’s when his bumbling but good-hearted guardian angel, Clarence, is sent from heaven to earth. Desperate to earn his wings, the angel helps George appreciate what life would have been like in Bedford Falls if he hadn’t been born.

Note: Originally released in black-and-white in 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life is now available in color.

Questions:

• How would you describe George Bailey?
• Why is George unhappy? Why does he wish that he had never been born?
• Who is Clarence? What is his assignment?
• How does Clarence help George?
• What happens at the end of the movie? 

 The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Released; 2005

Age 9+

Description:

The four Pevensie children—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy—are sent from their home in London to a countryside estate where they will be safe from German air raids during the height of World War II During an innocent game of hide-n-seek, the children gain access to the Land of Narnia through the back of a wardrobe. Edmund falls under the spell of the white witch, and a battle between good and evil ensues. The lion Aslan, who represents Jesus, sacrifices himself for Edmund, overcomes death, and destroys evil.

Questions:

• What is temptation? What tempts Edmund?
• Have you ever felt tempted to do something wrong? What happened?
• The Bible talks about good and evil. In this movie, who is good? Who is evil?
• Why does Aslan allow himself to be killed? What happens after he dies?
• Who dies for our sin? What happened on Easter morning? 
• Read one of the gospel narratives about our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. Talk about the fact that Jesus is the Incarnate God, born to sacrifice himself for our sin and to overcome death.

We love to hear your stories! If this movie guide and the accompanying discussion starters enrich the time you have with your grandchildren this Christmas season, please let us know. You can send a comment or email us at info@christiangrandparenting.com.