Fill in the blanks?
THE GRINCH: "He brought everything back, all the food for the feast, and he, he himself, the Grinch - carved the __________ _____________."
ELF: "We Elves like to stick to the four main food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and ______________."
Ever wondered why we watch the same old Christmas movies every single year - and we still like them?
We've seen them a thousand times, but we look forward to watching them again! Why?
For some reason, this question really got me thinking this year and I think I've got an answer. All of these Christmas favorites have a theme that touches the parents and children alike. That's why they're so watchable - the theme is powerful and it has meaning for all of us!
So, as parents, if we take a few minutes to talk about and explore these themes we have a fantastic way to turn a "Christmas Movie Night," into something that's much more than mere entertainment. Plus, the transition from the movie to the discussion should be natural!
DISCUSSION PRIMERS
Here are 5 films with what I feel are important, and diverse themes for families. I chose these specific films because the themes are not necessarily obvious at first glance, but they're there all the same. We love these films and their messages and we think you will too.
I hope you have fun with this...I know I did! Go ahead and add your own questions! Add your own favorite films! Add your own favorite songs!...it's up to you, just have fun!
* THE FOLLOWING APPEAR IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER *
Elf (2003)
Discussion Theme: Being comfortable with who God made you. \ What is “Christmas Cheer?”
At first, everybody thinks Buddy is weird, and they try to avoid him, but eventually, everybody likes him. Why?
Buddy and Jovie think the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is by, “singing loud for all to hear!” What do you think is the best way to spread genuine Christmas cheer?
When Buddy finds out that “Santa is coming!!!” he stays up all night to decorate. What does this show us about hard work?
When Miles Finch tells Buddy, “Call me an Elf one—more—time,” Buddy does. Was he being mean, or was it a misunderstanding? What can you do to make sure you don’t get into a misunderstanding with a sibling or friend, and maybe get beat up by Miles Finch!?!
What are the four food groups? Do you think your Mom would make you spaghetti and pop-tarts—with syrup—if you asked her real nice?
What was the funniest scene in the movie?
POLAR EXPRESS (2009)
Discussion Theme: Doubts are a normal and necessary part of growing an active and resilient faith. \ How we treat the outliers in our lives.
Have you ever meet someone like Billy? Did you ignore him or try to befriend him?
What do you think of the hobo on the top of the train? Was he trying to help "the boy" believe in Santa?
Much of the movie revolves around the idea of doubt. Do you ever doubt things that happened in the Bible or that the Bible can be trusted? Do you think your friend or parents ever have doubts about the Bible?
In the end, the boy's friends have all grown deaf to the bell, but it hasn’t for "the boy", nor for “all those who truly believe.” What do you think he had to do to keep from falling into disbelief? Do you think you will have to do similar things with your faith as you grow older?
Would you drink coffee made with dirty socks?
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (all versions)
Discussion Theme: What is the ultimate duty of man in regards to his friends, family and neighbors.
What lesson did Jacob Marley (business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge) learn too late? What did he learn should have been his “real business” when he was alive?
What was The Ghost of Christmas Past hoping to teach Ebenezer? Why priceless thing did he lose?
What was The Ghost of Christmas Future hoping to teach Ebenezer? Why was this visit so scary?
Is A Christmas Carol a story of redemption ultimately? What does redemption mean?
In the end, Scrooge says, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me.” What do you think would happen to you if you tried to do the same?
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (1966)
Discussion Theme: The true meaning of Christmas.
• With no presents or food, the people of Whoville were still overcome with joy on Christmas morning. What did they understand about Christmas, that the Grinch didn’t?
• Do you think people you know are more like the Grinch or more like the people of Whoville?
• Could you still enjoy Christmas – without presents?
• Of the fantastical toys in Whoville, which one would you like most and why?
Interesting Note: Thurl Ravenscroft's rendition of "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" was done in 1 take! He wasn't listed in the credits.
PEANUTS MOVIE (2006)
(Technically this isn’t a “Christmas” movie, per se, but it’s popular at Christmas and it has some AWESOME themes for children, so we’re going to suggest it.)
Discussion Theme: The importance of character / The dangers of self-loathing.
• This movie highlights multiple character qualities of Charlie brown that are very admirable. What do you admire most about him?
• What is Charlie Brown’s biggest problem or character flaw? How often does it hurt him?
• Charlie Brown is very hard on himself – too hard. Do you think this helps him do better at sports or school or become a better person? Why or Why not.
• If you fail at something, what’s the best way to handle it? Does failing mean you’re less valuable or less loved than if you’d succeeded?
• Although everybody is quick to criticize Charlie Brown, the Little Red-Haired Girl doesn’t. Why can she see admirable things in Charlie Brown that all the other kids miss? What's special or unusual about her?