Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inclusive look at holidays has some problematic behavior.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Arthur's Perfect Christmas
What's the Story?
In ARTHUR'S PERFECT CHRISTMAS, Arthur and his friends prepare to celebrate the holidays in different ways. Various traditions and foods are highlighted as the excitement builds and the kids learn important lessons about what's truly important.
Is It Any Good?
It's a rare thing to find an intentionally inclusive holiday special that kids will actually want to watch; thankfully, this show is packed with different holiday traditions, and it's also engaging. There's a lot for kids to relate to in Arthur's Perfect Christmas, no matter what their own traditions may be. Things go slightly off the rails when the storyline focuses on a newly divorced mother's anxiety about giving her son the perfect Christmas. It's over the top and will likely confuse younger viewers, though the eventual message that holidays can be whatever you want them to be is a good one. The character of Muffy, the spoiled rich girl who only thinks of herself, is similarly unsatisfying. While she does learn to be a better listener, her elitist attitude and greed are never properly addressed. On the other hand, young viewers will relate to some of the more realistic depictions of the holidays. Arthur's efforts to find his mom the perfect present, and his heartbreak when things go wrong, is something they'll feel right along with him. Also relatable is D.W.'s anguish over writing the perfect letter to Santa Claus. For reasons both good and bad, this holiday special will give families lots to talk about after the credits roll.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the different ways that holidays are celebrated in other cultures. What were some of the traditions that you learned about for the first time?
Talk about how Muffy treats Francine. How do you think it makes Francine feel? Was apologizing for not listening enough or does she have more to apologize for?
How does uncle Fred show empathy toward Arthur? Why is this an important character trait?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 23, 2000
- Cast : Michael Yarmush , Oliver Grainger
- Network : PBS Kids
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Holidays
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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