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The Night Before Christmas

(2008, Rated NR, Family and kids, Starring Alfre Woodard, Anthony Edwards)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 3, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Grab bag of best-loved holiday stories.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This collection of gently uplifting holiday tales has an emphasis on family closeness and tradition.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Night Before Christmas

Parents need to know that despite the Christmas title, there are stories about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa included as well. Each story is based on a classic children's book. Most of the Christmas stories focus on secular aspects of the holiday, though one takes place at the Nativity scene. African American, Hispanic, and white families are depicted celebrating unique but parallel traditions.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about which of the holiday stories they like the best, and why. What family traditions do you have for celebrating the holidays? Are there any that you saw in the DVD that you might want to try, like making a special holiday food as a family?

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