Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching Christmas special values friendship and listening.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
An Almost Christmas Story
What's the Story?
In AN ALMOST CHRISTMAS STORY, Moon is a tiny owl curious about the world and fascinated by shiny things. She thinks she knows everything! After an incident in the forest, she ends up inside a pine tree that is taken to Rockefeller Plaza, in New York City. Suddenly, everything she knows is gone! In the busy city filled with twinkling Christmas lights, Moon will meet new friends, escape foes, and find Luna, a girl who's also trying to find her way back home. Together, they learn to communicate and care for each other, and discover that it's OK not to know.
Is It Any Good?
This holiday special brings lots of cheer and a bit of melancholy, reflecting the mixed feelings of Christmas as one grows up. An Almost Christmas Story is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age tale about change. It explores expectations, disappointment, knowing it all, and knowing nothing. Its messages are subtle and nuanced, which may be hard for younger viewers to interpret, but that shouldn't take away from their enjoyment of the movie. With stunning visuals and a lasting message, this special has all the qualities needed to become a holiday classic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Christmas movies like An Almost Christmas Story. What do you think makes a movie "a Christmas movie"? Does this one qualify, in your opinion?
Both Moon and Luna's parents worry about letting their kids explore the world. Why do you think adults are sometimes more afraid than children?
When the pigeons first meet Moon, they don't recognize her as an owl because she is small. Do you think it's fair to label others based on your own ideas of what they should be? Can you think of a situation when that has happened in your life?
What is Christmas for you?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 15, 2024
- Cast : Jim Gaffigan , Natasha Lyonne
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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