Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Simple, faith-based look at the true meaning of Christmas.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
VeggieTales: Merry Larry & the True Light of Christmas
What's the Story?
In MERRY LARRY AND THE TRUE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS, there's excitement in Spring Valley. Veggie Philip (played with gusto by Bob the Tomato) and Veggie Reggie have a fabulous opportunity: They've been asked to decorate the entire Spring Valley Mall for Christmas! There's no end to the lights, the sparkle, the dazzle they can create. There's even a glimmering train and a massive fireworks display. Only the mall's Christmas Elf (played winningly by Larry the Cucumber) is doubtful. Isn't there more to Christmas than shine and spectacle? Enter Christina, a little girl who comes to the mall hoping only to raise money and find helpers for an elderly neighbor whose home is nearly falling apart. It isn't long before Phillip and Reggie, aided by the Christmas Elf and the discovery of an ancient creche (a replica of the Nativity), really do find the holiday's true meaning.
Is It Any Good?
Simplicity, humor, clever music and songs, and a desire to inspire good works and faith are the trademarks of The Veggie Tales. This entry is no exception. There's a pervasive gentleness and an earnest wish to connect to kids in a positive way. Some entries in the Christian series are more religious than others; because this episode is about Christmas, the values are very clearly tied to God and the birth of Jesus. Still, the underlying message is about giving, helping, and "loving thy neighbor," which works in any season.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways in which giving and helping are satisfying. Describe how you feel when you give a gift to someone you love. How is that different from the feelings you have when you receive such a gift? Are both meaningful to you?
How can you and your family be giving and helpful at Christmas time? Plan one activity with your family to make a difference in someone's holiday experience.
What do you think is meant by the phrase "Christmas spirit"?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 22, 2013
- Cast : Mike Nawrocki , Phil Vischer , Si Robertson
- Director : Brian K. Roberts
- Studio : Big Idea
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Holidays
- Run time : 47 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate