A Christmas Tree Miracle

I am often asked what my favorite Christmas movies are. I usually reply :White Christmas, Christmas in Connecticutt and Die Hard 1.This movie now has overtaken all the others as the number 1 choice. Why?Made in 2013 and directed by JW Myers, the story centers on an upper middle class American family falling on hard times. David George ( Kevin Sizemore) loses his banking job. He goes broke and loses his home. His family is broken by this. Once so complacent about their wealth and good fortune, they are now destitute. They end up seeking refuge in a church. They have reached rock bottom.A kindly old man Henry ( Terry Kiser) is delivering a Christmas tree to the church and offers them sanctuary at his Christmas tree farm. He offers David and his son a job. Why is Henry so kind? It appears that David once bought coffee for Henry at a cafe when he thought Henry was destitute.Why is this such a terrific movie?The casting for this film was first rate. None of the actors are big names but they all gave terrific performances.Julie the mother ( Claudia Esposito) was strong and sympathetic. The three children -Nick ( Barrett Carnahan) , Natalie ( Emily Capehart) , and Nina ( Siomha Kenney) gave mature and utterly convincing performances.The two male leads David George ( Kevin Sizemore) and Terry Kiser ( Henry Banks) were outstanding.Terry was played as a kind of a happy go lucky optimist whose kindness shines through his every pore. David was strong despite his difficulties.This film could have become schmalzy and goey. It never becomes that because the acting is so convincing and the circumstances so real . In this Covid age, losing a job is happening at every turn and in every country.The message sent by Henry is that you cannot beat good, clean honest living. This world worships wealth and position, almost at the cost of everything else. People do bad things to get ahead. But is it really worth it?This movie is not only for Christmas viewing. It is relevant every part of the year. The lesson being taught is: be appreciative with what you have. Honesty is really the best policy.A really wonderful movie!

I don't expect any miracle to suddenly lift me out of poverty - especially since my own choices and lack of them landed me here. But I don't think I'd change a lot, except to consider how my situation seems to hurt family - more than it hurts me, frankly. I look at my brothers working themselves ragged to maintain two different kinds of lifestyles that look and feel pretty empty to me, when the only reaction either of them can muster in times of stress or conflict is rage. No prayer; no faith; totally dependent upon their own steam. How hard that must feel! Oh, I felt distressed - devastated, even - for a very long time, it's true - and problems do seem to have a way of continuing to pile up. But I wouldn't trade the faith I've found that things will work out if I pray and work at them for the life either of my brothers lead - not for anything. I didn't even consciously have that thought formed in my mind until I watched this movie, but it made me realize that I KNOW how genuinely I am blessed!

This was one of the best movies of this time.I would highly recommend everyone to see it.Your heart will be touched with the realization that truth and happiness are as close as the love in your heart and that Trusting in God will always lead you to the best possible life.

Great movie with morals and values. Teaches about what is really important in life. Highly recommend!

We have a multi-generational family in our home and this is a movie we enjoyed watching together and will keep for our holiday collection. The storyline is about not believing in things that are based on materialism and acquiring, but on the intangibles: love, hope, and faith. A Christmas story told without the redundant Scrooge elements. At a time when movies are dark, demeaning, and dull, this one has light and warmth and reminds you of what really matters and how easily we slip into a comfortable lifestyle that can be gone in a snap. Yes, it has a miracle, duh, it says to expect that in the title.I loved the little girl and her cello and the transformation of the teenage daughter who once demanded the latest fashions to finding something unexpected in the exact opposite.It is a low-budget film that delivers a warm story portrayed by actors who feel more like you and me, rather than high-powered Hollywood types. Although movies like these frequently don't have the production values and distribution behind them, they are often better stories--because these have a message that makes us better--than the high-budget films Hollywood keeps vomiting out. I will take the low-budget with values over the hype and parading evil any day.Disclosure: I know Kevin Sizemore, which is why I finally bought and watched this movie. However, I will keep this movie to watch again because I enjoyed it.

This movie is excellent! Really makes you think about what’s really important in life. I bought several to give as Christmas gifts!

I enjoyed this Christmassy film - a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours when the weather is bad and you don't want to go out. Money mad family who like the good life become homeless after Dad loses his job. Their whole lifestyle is questioned and they reevaluate their life which results in major changes when someone gives them a helping hand. I won't tell you the storyline as that would just spoil it. This is not a film for those who prefer action films - this is a feel good film for you and the kids. Sit down with a few a few bags of popcorn, sweets and pop and enjoy quality time together.

I try and watch this every Christmas. Could be a little sentimental for some but I find it endearing. Well acted, funny in parts and contains a lot of home truths.

A modern day well-off family end up down on their luck. When it looks like they have lost everything that's important to them, they meet a kindly stranger who helps them re-evaluate their life. There is a bit of sentimentality in this film, but this is to be expected in this sort of movie. The storyline is pretty good and the ending wraps up things nicely.

After watching this film on a satellite channel I was more than happy to purchase my own copy.

Thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas film. It is one of those weepy type of films with a strong message. It reminds us all what Christmas should be about. Happy to Highly Recommend this great family film.