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Parents' Guide to

What She Wants for Christmas

By Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Silly holiday flick has some adult relationship talk.

Movie NR 2012 90 minutes
What She Wants for Christmas Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Krekker
Krekker Parent
December 25, 2015
age 10+

Worst movie I've seen in a while

If I could rate this movie with "0 stars" I would have. Firstly, I was completely frustrated by the bratty, spoiled, sassy and lippy protagonist of the story. I would be hard pressed to find a worse role model for my children. She had no thought for any other person but herself (ie. she kidnaps Santa and demands to get what she wants with no thought about the other children he would be disappointing by not coming that night). Secondly, everything was so completely unrealistic - the plot, the house they lived in, the mountain of gifts under the tree for one child (!!) and the sudden change in the relationship between the adults at the very end. The lines and the acting was horrible. And the 'rant' by the mom to the dead beat dad (that went on way too long) was not something that children need to see or hear, even as movie spectators. Even the message given by Santa at the end that kids only need believe in him or in 'Christmas magic' and their dreams will come true is a silly lie. This movie was a complete waste of our time.
desir
desir Adult
December 4, 2015
age 10+

Topic of divorce and deadbeat dad

If your child is in a situation where a parent is not in Their life, they may not want to watch this movie. An awkward scene with an adult conversation with the mother telling off her daughter's father for not being in the child's life was a little too much for kids. So much so that I set up an account in this site just to bump the original age recommendation of 7 :o/.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In a secret letter to Santa, Abigail (Brianna Dufrene) reveals the gift she secretly has been hoping for all year. Not convinced Santa will deliver, Abigail waits until her mom (Denise Boutte) goes to sleep, then waits in ambush for the man in red. Unbeknownst to her, Abigail's father (Christian Keyes), who's been absent for the last five years, has secretly snuck into the house dressed as Santa along with his elf-costumed assistant (Jackie Long) to make sure she has a magical Christmas. While Abigail holds Santa hostage, her father's assistant tries to determine what she really wants for Christmas, while neighbor Moosie (Lily Solange Hewitt) tries to enact her own plan to rescue Santa so she gets her presents delivered this year.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

WHAT SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS has a really cute concept and some adorable details. And it's refreshing to see a kids' Christmas movie that doesn't have all white characters. But unfortunately, once you get past the first half, the flick starts to fall a little flat. The relationship between the parents is mostly kind of sad, and the discussion of why the dad hasn't been around for the last five years feels a little too adult and depressing for an otherwise silly movie. And Abigail, who claims she's been perfectly good all year, seems a bit too conniving and bossy to be believable.

But kids no doubt will love Abigail's elaborate schemes for getting what she wants for Christmas. And there are some really great messages about the importance of working hard to get what you want. It's some moderately good Christmas fun but probably not a film you'll watch again next year.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes Christmas special. Is it getting the gift you really want? Or spending time with your family? What holiday traditions are special to your family?

  • What do you really want for Christmas? What gifts are you excited to give?

  • What's your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

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