Do you love to relax with a cup of hot chocolate or a big bowl of popcorn and watch a family Christmas movie with your grandchildren? If so, have you thought about how movies can serve 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 that volunteered to brave the harsh Alaskan winter to deliver 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 a 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, specifically for being part wolf and part dog. His wolf-like traits are the very qualities that help him overcome seemingly insurmountable odds as he leads a sled team carrying medicine through the Alaskan wilderness. While our family cheered Balto on, I realized that we could use this movie to start 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 start conversations interests you, here are five Christmas movies with a brief description, age appropriateness (based on Common Sense Media), follow-up questions, and related Scripture.
The Star
Released: 2017
Age 5+
Description:
A computer-animated comedy, The Star tells the Nativity story from the perspective of a donkey named Bo, who longs for adventure. Alongside a dove named Dave, an adorable sheep named Ruth, and three hilarious camels, Bo follows the Star to Bethlehem. His dreams of carrying a king are fulfilled in an unexpected way.
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 stays true to the classic holiday story 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 hates Christmas and tries to steal all signs of the holiday from the town of Whoville. What the Grinch doesn’t realize is that no one can take Christmas away because Christmas is centered entirely on love.
Discussion 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 together as a family.
The Christmas Carol or Scrooge
If you want to enjoy a movie adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, A Christmas Carol, you have plenty of options. Your choice will depend on the age of your grandchildren. Since this story involves three apparitions or ghosts, some movies may be frightening for younger children. The storyline, however, is excellent. It tells of the redemption of Ebenezer, a miserable and mean-hearted miser whose life is transformed after the three apparitions-Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Future—visit him on Christmas Eve.
Discussion 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:
Many of us are familiar with the touching story of George Bailey. Stuck in his hometown of Bedford Falls and struggling with a failing family business, George wishes he had never been born. That’s when his clumsy but kindhearted guardian angel, Clarence, is sent from heaven to earth. Desperate to earn his wings, the angel helps George see what life in Bedford Falls would have been like if he had never been born.
Note: Originally released in black-and-white in 1946, It’s a Wonderful Life is now available in color.
Discussion 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-and-seek, the children access 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 begins. The lion Aslan, who represents Jesus, sacrifices himself for Edmund, overcomes death, and defeats evil.
Discussion 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.
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