A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (G, 2008)

common sense media says

Kermit and friends deliver a cheery holiday tale.


parents & educators say
  • 100% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this holiday special starring Jim Henson's beloved characters will delight the whole family. The story includes strong positive messages about dependability, friendship, understanding, and respecting others' feelings. There's no iffy content whatsoever, and the heartwarming tale will surely fill viewers with holiday cheer.

Educational value: No specific educational content, but kids will learn some great lessons.
Positive messages: The story has positive messages of friendship, loyalty, respect, and spreading joy.
Positive role models: The Muppets always listen to their hearts and follow through on what they believe is right, even if they sometimes get sidetracked on the way.
Violence & scariness: In one scene, the Muppets fall an impossible distance from the wing of an airplane -- but land safely in the snow. One comment about a postal worker "going postal," but it's meant as a joke.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The Muppets are at the center of an extensive line of merchandise (clothing, toys, games) and other TV shows and specials, but there's no hint of marketing in the show itself.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why the Muppets have been so popular for so long. Do you enjoy the Muppets' adventures? Why or why not?

  • Why do you think these characters still appeal to viewers decades after their debut? What is it that makes them appealing to both adults and kids?
  • What other Muppet movies have you seen? How did this one compare to those? How have the Muppets changed over the years? Can you think of any other characters that have enjoyed similar popularity with fans?

What's the story?

What's the story?

It's Christmas Eve, and Muppet friends Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson), Fozzie Bear (also Jacobson), and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) are finishing up their errands before heading off on a Caribbean vacation. When Gonzo's curiosity causes mayhem at the post office, he mistakenly leaves with some letters addressed to Santa, including one from his young neighbor, Claire (Madison Pettis). Determined to follow through on his promise to mail them for her, Gonzo persuades his friends to forego their vacation and instead set out for the North Pole to deliver the letters directly to Santa. Not surprisingly their journey is fraught with mishaps -- but with holiday magic to back them up, they discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA is as fulfilling to the holiday spirit as Christmas dinner is to the holiday appetite. Few other stuffed stars can rival the Muppets' unique blend of comedy, adventure, and musical accomplishment, and this special weaves themes like loyalty, friendship, and good will into a delightful, tune-filled tale that the entire family can enjoy together.

While the story is clearly geared toward kids, adults in particular will get a kick out of seeing celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Sopranos heavies Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa -- who make mobsters seem as cuddly as the Muppets themselves -- try to keep pace with their cushiony costars. Whether you grew up with the Muppets or this is your (or your kids') first time meeting them, you'll be enchanted from start to finish by this heartwarming holiday tale.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director: Kirk Thatcher
Cast: Dave Goelz, Eric Jacobson, Steve Whitmire
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 60 minutes
Theatrical release: December 17, 2008
DVD release: September 28, 2009
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: NR

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

gumby1983
parent of 3 year old
 
Perfect for kids who don't understand of what's Christmas is all about...
My family love it a lot! Great positive thinkings for the kids. I don't mind to buy more of great movies such as this one...

mindymack
parent of 4 year old
 
perfect for little ones

NESRBLUE
parent of 5 year old
 
NICE
GOOOD

XoheatheroX
parent of 2 year old
 
Great for any age group
It was a GREAT movie!My child and I LOVED it!!!

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age