A Christmas Tree Miracle (2013) User Reviews

A Heartwarming Tale Of Hope and Miracles!

[angiequidim · 8/10 · 23 December 2013]

David George (Kevin Sizemore) is a land developer with a successful career, a beautiful family, and could have everything material anyone could every wish for. This holiday season the George family can't wait for all the holiday surprises coming to them except the one they did not expect. The family is used to comfort and modern conveniences but that all changes in the blink of an eye when David loses his job. The family doesn't seem to take the situation seriously and continues to live the extravagant lifestyle they are used to.

This catches up to them and the family is forced to leave that lifestyle behind. With no where to go, the family is taken in by a local Christmas tree farmer who offers the family a fresh start and a new outlook on life.

The movie is heartwarming and the story is written very well. This is a movie that can be played throughout the year because of its heartwarming tale of family and hope. The lessons it teaches are not preachy but words of wisdom that we all can reflect on year round.

Kevin Sizemore was well cast as the lead in this family feature, playing the breadwinner of the George family. He plays the hard-working successful character as well as the hardened hero who learns a thing or two and rises from the ashes. The chemistry between Sizemore and Esposito as the husband and wife unit keeping their family together during the good and bad times was amazing and with the dialog can evoke an emotional response from the most hardened of hearts. The cinematography was done quite well capturing the vision of the writer. Each of the scenes depicted the success of the family, the fall from grace, the vastness of the family trying to find themselves in uncharted territory and the rise back from the ashes. This is a wonderfully shot independent piece.

A Christmas Tree Miracle is everything a holiday film should be...

[michaelguyallen · 8/10 · 3 June 2014]

OK, firstly, it's obvious I could be perceived as biased, considering I'm in the film. But I'm also one of those "film" people; I wouldn't b.s. a product just to push myself. That being said, this movie does have it's mild, rather unnoticeable to the untrained eye, low budget flaws, but it is EVERYTHING A HOLIDAY FILM SHOULD BE!

A Christmas Tree Miracle covers a lot of very real issues many of us face in the world today, that we may never really pay much attention to. From young love & ignorant apathy, to living beyond one's means, being ungrateful for your blessings, and true loss... It wraps it all up in a clear, simple, yet beautiful story that reminds viewers what the holiday season, and life in general, is truly about.

It's only downfalls are with overall production: the extensive post production voice-overs take a little away from the performances at times, otherwise the acting is quite strong throughout. And the lighting & editing seem to lack well versed finish. That is why I, someone who is in the film, deducted 2 stars from it's total: I give it an 8/10. Regardless, the story, the feeling, still shines through like the lights on our trees.

A Christmas Tree Miracle very well make any viewer tear up, at very least you will get some of those feel-good goosebumps while watching it. And I bet that if given the right push, watching it could become a holiday tradition for millions, year after miraculous year.

Great film

[heather-willis516 · 8/10 · 2 January 2014]

My family really enjoyed this movie...It is a great story of faith, love and Christmas. It really makes you appreciated the important things in life and not to worry so much on the things that aren't. I think that the story line is one that a lot of families, especially families today, can relate to. I know that my family did. It is so easy these days to get consumed by work, friends and money...this movie helps remind the viewer that life is short and to see the joy in the small things.

I really recommend this to anyone who loves Christmas movies and loves basically any feel good movie. It will now be a part of our family Christmas tradition!

Great Job Kevin Sizemore!!

Pleasantly Surprised!

[PctnBoy · 10/10 · 28 May 2014]

Every year it seems like there are a ton of new holiday movies. I really just would like to keep tabs on the few that I watch every year and that be the end of it! Having said that, this movie was given to our family as a gift for Christmas and the family who gave it to us in town, they wanted to WATCH IT WITH US! WHAT? So, we planned a night and we started watching "another" Christmas movie, because that's what you do during the holidays. Withing about 15 min I noticed there wasn't any talking and everyone (all 15 of us from 8 years to 72) were silent and hanging on every word said. Very quickly I and my entire family realized, that this is a movie you HAVE TO SEE EVERY HOLIDAY SEASON! The message it gave to viewers was fantastic and will reminded you every year to start your new year off on a good foot! No....it's not your typical Christmas movie...it is so much more. Hope everyone else enjoys "A Christmas Tree Miracle" as much as my family did.

Not a miracle to believe in

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 18 February 2020]

Really wanted to like 'A Christmas Tree Miracle' when seeing it as part of my extensive Christmas film quest, certainly so much more than how it turned out to be. The concept was interesting and sounded like it would be a heart-warming and charming festive film with content worth relating to. Christmas, as has been said quite a few times, is my favourite type of year, though occasionally you may not think so reading a small handful of past reviews of the films from this film quest (which did very much vary in quality).

While 'A Christmas Tree Miracle' is not unwatchable or awful by all means, it doesn't have enough of what makes Christmas so special to me and is somewhere around low middle as far as the films as part of my festive film quest go. Personally don't agree with the above average rating as of now here and agree more with the more indifferent/negative opinions of the, on here, mixed critical reaction. If asked whether 'A Christmas Tree Miracle' is worth the look, my answer would be see it as a one time watch for curiosity and completest value but no it is not something that is highly recommended.

'A Christmas Tree Miracle' has good things. It is very nicely filmed and the scenery is lovely on the eyes as well. Some parts on the soundtrack makes one smile and well up with nostalgia.

It was mostly very difficult to get behind the characters and didn't think very highly of the acting in general, but Nina is a very likeable and easy to identify with character and Siomha Kenney's acting as her shows a mature deeply felt performance. Terry Kiser also comes over well. The message is a good one and well intended, not falling into the trap as much as other festive films seen recently of being delivered with too much of a heavy hand.

However, most of the acting is at best one-dimensional, some even not looking as if they wanted to be there. A couple of exceptions aside, the biggest one being Nina, the characters are deeply unsympathetic and at worst obnoxious, especially the mother. Their decision making tends to be rushed and not make sense, and one really gets irritated by and starts to hate them. Other than the message, the story didn't connect with me. Too mawkish and contrived and hurt even further by slack pacing, being far too reliant on unrealistic coincidences (not much point naming worst offenders as there is far too much of this aspect and none ring true) and things happening out of nowhere for no real reason. Not unless they were explained in draft form or even filmed but left on the editing room floor.

From the very beginning the dialogue is really cheesy and trite, with no depth, lots of groaners and awkward lines that one doesn't thankfully hear a lot in everyday life. The music is far too constant and can be rather over-bearing. There is not an awful lot of heart or warmth here with so little to engage with or connect to. The direction never rises above routine and mostly doesn't even reach that.

Overall, not awful but mediocre. Needed more heart, realism and characters worth giving a toss, sorely lacking here. 4/10

Great Film for the family with a GREAT message!

[mslurid · 10/10 · 29 May 2014]

This film is funny, heart warming, thought provoking, unique, family oriented and honest with a touch of seasonal magic. If you're looking for a film with a message of love, caring, fellowship and also for the entire family this film is it! From joyful, seasonal holiday themes to real life struggles, this film touches on many subjects and is sure to leave you crying AND smiling at the same time. The characters are all extremely believable with their own hardships, positive qualities, weaknesses and unique abilities. This film truly touches on the reason for the season!

Unlike many other holiday themed films, this film does not focus on Santa, presents or reindeer but focuses on a real life struggle of a modern family who seems to have it all. The story accurately depicts the ability to get caught up in material gain, and sends out a clear message on how giving to those who need it most is the best gift of all.

Giving to those in need can change everyone's life for the better, and this film follows a family as they battle and learn from the concept of living simply with the best intentions instead of living extravagantly with all of the wrong priorities.

First World Problems: The Movie

[Machiavelli84 · 4/10 · 16 December 2019]

"A Christmas Tree Miracle" centers around the George family, a rich family who live a very modern, materialistic life. Around Christmas, the dad is laid off from his job, and suddenly the family is forced to try to make ends meet while still living their same lifestyle. Unfortunately, things don't go so well on that front, and the family is eventually forced to move out to a motel. Things continue to go downhill, until someone's generosity makes the family learn the true meaning of Christmas through embracing the simple life. Or something. Truth be told, this is a plotline that could have been cute, and could have been endearing, and could have delivered a great message, but the overall delivery ruins it.

Part of the problem is that, as a whole, you REALLY don't feel for the characters, namely because all their decisions make no sense for someone in their situation, and most of what happens to them is really their fault. For example, the mom says they're trying to live "normally," but this involves going on ski trips, buying new cars, etc., and ALL while the dad is unemployed. The dad doesn't seem keen to get any job for a sustainable income, and I'm guessing he's not even pondering looking outside their small community for a job, because you never hear about him going for interviews elsewhere and, as far as moving goes, the family never seems to even leave the county. The wife also REFUSES to sell the house and move elsewhere, for no other reason than "I love this house." Yes, I know, this is supposed to be a movie about character development and how the characters change over time. I get that. However, the characters are so over the top ridiculous in their reaction to their condition, and exhibit zero common sense in how to handle it, that you won't feel ANY sympathy for them. And I write this as someone who has not only been laid off in the past, but has had to make lifestyle changes, temporarily move in with extended family, and make personal sacrifices, all while supporting a wife and child. To be fair, there is a scene at the 30-minute mark where the dad visits grandpa, and gramps lets loose into him with all the mistakes he's done. My wife and I were literally cheering for that character, because he was basically saying all the things we had opined up to that point. Unfortunately, nothing changes in the family, and they still suffer the consequences of their decisions - which, again, leaves you unsympathetic to their plight. Even after the family gets some help, the dad is ready to back stab the person helping them - which, again, makes you really not like him, and by the end of the movie the only reason you care about the parents at all is because the script basically tells you to.

That being said, there are perhaps three characters who stood out to me: Nick George (Barrett Carnahan), the oldest son who exhibits more common sense than his parents; Henry Banks (Terry Kiser), the kind old man who runs a Christmas tree farm and helps the family out; and Nina George (Siomha Kenney), the youngest daughter. These characters stood out for me for two primary reasons: 1) they're played by the best actors in this whole movie; and 2) they're the only likable characters in the whole flick. This is especially true for Nina: Siomha Kenney plays her role remarkably well for a girl of her age, and outshines older actors around her, and Nina is so selfless and thoughtful as a character that you actually feel REALLY bad for the kind of environment she has to grow up in. Seriously, there are scenes in this movie where she'll be so sweet and be met with such coldness that THOSE parts broke my heart more than anything involving poverty. (This also, once again, makes you feel very little sympathy for the family.) I'm saddened to see that her page seems to involve only this movie, as I feel like she could go on to do bigger and better things.

In terms of the script, the writing can be really ridiculous. I've already written on how unsympathetic you'll be about most of the characters. On top of this is some really laughable dialogue. For example, when the oldest daughter is told she'll have to rely on a landline phone, she responds, "A landline phone? Gross!" Seriously? "Gross"? Who talks like that? She also thinks take-out pizza is only $2, even though I think even the most spoiled teenager would be well aware that even the cheapest pizza does NOT cost $2. Add on top of this some character turns that make no sense. For example, later on in the movie the daughter learns to sew from an old timey sewing machine... but this character change makes absolutely no sense given how we've established her as a selfish, ignorant brat who would have had zero interest in hard work and old-time values. Also, the politician character in this movie, while not portrayed as perfect, isn't portrayed initially as evil, but at the very end of the movie he suddenly comes across as a major sleazeball to such an extreme that I half-expected his mustache to grow a few more inches so that he could twirl it like Snively Whiplash. Besides this, there are elements in the script that are introduced but not really explored. For example, the relationship between the oldest son and the homeless girl seemed like a good premise, but all they do is hint that it's gonna happen and leave it at that. (I actually cared more about that minor subplot than I did the relationship between the mom and dad.) Another example is the politician's wife, who reveals early on that she's struggling with her husband's political duties, and later on covers for the mom to save her from embarrassment, but after that she's basically written out of the film. She could have played a larger part at the end, or had her own character turn, but the script doesn't really give you anything close to that.

I rate this 4 stars because, as I said at the beginning, this film has a good premise, and there are a few moments that, if they had been in any other movie, COULD have been great. Also, I commend once again Mr. Carnahan, Mr. Kiser, and Ms. Kenney for their acting jobs.

A modern day family discovers the true meaning of giving after losing it all.

[cindcarn · 10/10 · 3 June 2014]

This is an excellent family film! The heartwarming story catches your interest immediately as this family who has everything begins to lose what they THINK is important. They are forced to look at each other with new eyes and new surroundings, and in the process are blessed with a love and spirit of giving that out-weighs all that they lost! The acting is superb! Kevin Sizemore's portrayal of David George is wonderful, as is the performance of Claudia Esposito, who plays his wife. This couple tries desperately to hold things together as their life falls apart and I feel their pain. The family's teen-age children are such typical self-involved teens. Barrett Carnahan, who plays Nick is a handsome, extraordinary actor with a bright future, for sure. Beautiful Emily Capehart (Natalie) added an endearing humor to the film. Seasoned actor, Terry Kiser, gives an excellent performance as the man who opens this family's eyes to the true spirit of giving. What a great actor! This is a beautiful story, written in such a superb way that has you laughing, then crying, then cheering the family on. It's a story that all families would enjoy and be blessed by. The perfect Christmas movie!

Predictable, plodding

[chicory111 · 1/10 · 27 November 2014]

Everyone likes a feel-good story: formerly selfish person becomes generous, a family comes to appreciate the simple things in life when their formerly affluent and materialistic lifestyle disappears. This might have been one of those stories, but the script is so trite and predictable, you almost can shout out the lines before the actors say them.

Calling some of the cast "actors" is generous. A few were particularly incapable of exhibiting a range of emotions (overall, they covered the range from A to C; the "Natalie" character never made it to B).

The story makes little sense but even if you suspend disbelief, it's just boring. It's just random scenes of people talking to one another. No action, no tension, no drama whatsoever. Just annoying, unbelievable people talking, interspersed with cute comments from the little girl. Then more talking. Then annoying mannerisms from the tree farm guy. Stop laughing! Stop repeating everything! And some talking.

And why was the same can of peas on the food bank shelf for an entire year, anyway? Perhaps no poor folks in Wheeling like peas (the good ones, that is).

Simple gifts lead to unexpected goodness

[jagough49 · 10/10 · 23 December 2015]

Other reviews praise the film, briefly, or are scathingly dismissive. If you know some gritty details of the story you can make up your own mind. PLOT SPOILER!! I think "A Christmas Tree Miracle" is simply lovely. (But I think the original "Miracle on 34th Street" is a BEAUTIFUL film that ought to be watched every Christmas.) "A Christmas Tree Miracle" is a film of redemption, and the rediscovery of clarity and fundamental values. Structurally, the script has a deeply satisfying succession of gentle, touching moments of tiny good-deed now and unexpected natural-consequence later. It is about how to make sense of bad things and survive, and do good in the world. First we see, in black-and-white, a family in a church pew. A child's voice-over explains her family has nothing, but she knows this is going to be their best Christmas ever. Then we cut to the earlier beginning, in color. The family is squabbling as they line up, reluctantly, and distractedly, to be professionally photographed for their family Christmas card: mother-organizer, father-busting-to-finalize-a-deal-on-his-cell-phone, high-school-son-eager-to-meet-up-with-his-girlfriend, high-school-daughter-endlessly-texting-her-friends. The 6-year-old daughter is the only one smiling, as she clutches her cello. (Later we hear the father, David George – memorably, "the man with two first names" – has been estranged from his father for years; the mother did little to help her sister cope with their own mother's decline into old age, …) Rushing to get their children to school, the mother, Julie George, forgets to bring tinned goods to the school's Christmas charity drive. Fortunately the little girl, Nina George, has brought a can of peas, and written a marker-pen-message: "You will have a Christmas miracle". Later, the George family hurries to the young girl's school concert. She is scheduled to play the old Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts", but the daughter, Nina, sees the other members of her family paying her no attention at all. She quietly leaves the stage without playing a note. In the ladies' restroom, the mother, Julie, overhears sobbing in a cubicle. She tries to help the distressed woman the wife of an obnoxious local senator who is at the Christmas concert to smoodge potential voters – his endless campaigning and conceited self-preoccupation has brought his wife to tears. Julie consoles her. Shortly before Christmas, David (the dad) goes to work. He is suddenly fired! He is told the owner is at his wife's funeral. Clearing his desk, he signs a copy of his family-photo Christmas card for the company owner, saying, "Sorry for your loss". Then, in a coffee shop, David overhears a shop assistant hassling an old man – buy something or get out. Could the old man be living on the street? He explains, with a radiant smile, it is cold outside. He wanted to get warm for a few minutes, and think. "Thinking is free, isn't it?" David GIVES the old man the cup of coffee he has just received, and the old man stays. Confident that he will soon get another job, David and Julie act and spend as if nothing is wrong. On Christmas day, the older daughter, Natalie, hates the brightly colored jacket she had asked for. "Give it away!" she says in ill-temper! But David doesn't get a new job. The children leave their expensive private schools and go to public schools. At the school lockers, Nick sees two nasty boys picking on a weedy lad. He warns them that his dad is a policeman (he isn't). The bullies leave. The victim is thankful: the bullies were not just taunting, they smashed his cell phone – again! – the third phone smashed! Nick gives him his own cell phone: has no use for it, and he doesn't know why he still carries it, because it "has no service". The bank forecloses on their double-mortgaged mansion in the swanky suburb. With no money coming in, David, foolishly, prevents Julie from getting a tutoring job: her salary would be like using a water-pistol on a house fire. He stubbornly claims it is HIS responsibility to care for the family. When they can't pay the next week's rent at their cheap motel, where they have relied on charity food, they are suddenly evicted in the middle of the night. Desperate, they go to their local church, and fall asleep. So far, overall, the George family (except for cheerful, innocent little Nina) have all been generally unpleasant. Deserved, or not, watching their social and financial humiliations has been rather harrowing, so far. But this is where the story turns. For the good. Unexpectedly. There are many heart-warming twists. They are woken in the night by a strange old man who is delivering an early Christmas tree to the church. He remembers David as the kind man who gave him a cup of coffee, months ago. He shows them where the church has charity food and offers them to come to live with him, and help him with his unusual job. He owns a huge Christmas tree farm, where he GIVES trees to anyone that needs one – because, he explains, he wants to GIVE people Christmas! This is not the end. It is a CHANCE for a new beginning. (This is not "Les Miserables", or "Oliver Twist", or any other GREAT work of literature with a central theme of redemption. But it is as good as "A Christmas Carol", and "It's a Wonderful Life"!) Yes, it is predictable, sentimental, … But it is well made, well cast, well acted, and thoughtfully scripted. However far-fetched some of it may seem – a Christmas tree farm that GIVES away its trees!!! – NOTHING happens that could NOT logically happen. There is no magic. No angels. No Santa Claus. No wishes that miraculously come true. But there is a kind of miracle, and an abundance of the good will that you would hope for in a GREAT Christmas film. John Gough – Deakin University (retired) – [e-mail]

Not much of a Christmas movie.

[siemenzijlstra · 1/10 · 15 December 2018]

This movie is just terrible in every way. You get dragged slowly through a painfully predictable story with unbelievable coincidences throughout in an attempt to make the story somewhat interesting. The scenes are just unbelievable conversations, there are all extremely heavily lighted and there is pretty much no acting. The "music" is played throughout the whole movie. No build ups no action. Just a waste of time.

timely and heartwarming tale

[gafromga · 10/10 · 9 December 2018]

I really love this story. the message was very clear. the selfish nature was evident from the beginning. sometimes you have to get puled down in order to be lifted up. i saw this movie when i needed to be lived up. nicely done. it was not typical cookie cutter hallmark movie.

How is this movie rated so highly?

[flumen · 2/10 · 18 December 2017]

This movie is truly one of the worst Christmas movies I've seen in a long time. Now, the story is okay and the message is good, BUT the acting (if you can call it that) and production value is very poor.

Except for the little girl, none of the characters are likeable and their actions are foolish and inexcusable. The tree farm owner is so creepy and has a weird fascination/bond with the little girl. It's weird and disconcerting all at the same time. Just skip this movie and turn on Hallmark. They're movies are WAY better in comparison!

'David George, the man with two first names!'

[robvegart · 10/10 · 24 October 2023]

An incredible breath of fresh air around the holidays or for Christmas in July. A story of a phoenix rising with hope from the ashes of ruin. A family going from outward wealth and a haughty heart to the humbling reality of despair and everyday challenges of basic needs till one day crossing paths with an unsuspecting stranger at the least likely of times whom shows them that there is more to life than just the outward wants and opportunities the world offers. A stranger who embodies the true spirit of giving, not just around the holidays but for all seasons. Usually most holiday movies are of romance and achievements of outward pursuits, but this is a must movie for true spirit of heart seekers of what sharing and caring blindly are at its very core. Terry Kaiser's plays an open minded kind hearted tree hatchery farmer whos sad but hidden life altering consequence shows us the true meaning of abasing and blind love. Kevin Sizemore plays an ambitious naive father whom is oblivious to his families true needs until a life humbling reality hits him and affects his home yet remaining penitent of what lies ahead. Siomha Kenny plays Sizemore's youngest daughter in this epic Christmas drama where the biggest of all pure heart's of true faith and humility really do come in the smallest of packages. Claudia Esposito play's aside Kevin Sizemore as his faithful and persevering wife whom looks past the despair and keeps the family humble and honest enduring trying times. These strangers unexpectedly meet up via the faith of a little girl coincidentally, but not on a Sunday as you might otherwise think. As the two entities befriend one another they manage to work things out in spite of differences as well as come to terms with whom they are for the greater good. There is every type of virtue and value to be had, as well as good wholesome innocent viewing for the entire family. Would recommend this with my eyes closed. This is a winner of the heart and one Christmas movie for the ages. 10 stars + 2.

True to life example

[davidlenzo · 4 December 2021]

Live beyond ones' means is deadly. Be married lose job, get sick or both you have 90% chance wife leaving you directly because of that. Chance of getting back together are nilly! You lost respect. Another more capable man wil take over. Or you will lose all you had to wife and stuck in a studio to rebuild; however there are many reasons to lose by no error of own. If it is your fault by bad luck or bad choices the affect is the same. Detrimental to one's mental health and recovery to win.

Not to bumb you out. Keep you relationships proper, non toxic, ditch toxic anybody. Plus build savings, wealth, pinch. Put money away.

You and wife survival, kids wants are last, love will outlast toys, allowance, and any entitlement. I'm 57 with nobody and no money.

Can't wait for the nap. Its misery and double hard to get out of the basement. Good luck to you.

Dave.

Good Movie

[terry-kimbrough · 4/10 · 14 November 2015]

This movie has a great message. You could even look past the bad acting if it weren't for the horrible directing. I've never seen JW Myers' work before, and hope to never see it again. The constant frame change gave me a headache. Instead of developing a scene, he would just constantly frame the actors face while they talked, then snap cut to the next actor talking. It overwhelmed what was really a good movie.

The movie itself was very predictable, but aren't all Christmas movies.

You lose something, you learn the true meaning of life, you gain something. Plus, keeping the family together is a must, especially with Christmas around the corner. The best part is that the kids learn to respect something other than money. They learn that family and friends are the true wealth in life. Again, this movie has a great message.

Best I've Seen this Season

[jestech · 10/10 · 26 December 2016]

Yes I know excellent is a perfect score, but it is heartfelt and I just watched the film. I see that it was made in 2013 yet I had never seen it. I thought I had seen just about every Christmas Movie. It was modern and heartwarming. The movie is great for a family to watch together, no vulgarity, just a little stinginess which is humans all over the world. The story was well written, I can usually figure out the the plots but this one was so well written it through a few surprises my way. The actors and actresses were perfect for the flick, which goes to prove you don't have to be a headlining star to make a film a hit. So kudos's to the cast, crew and writers.

Thank you to the creators for the film. I loved it Holly B. Roberts

A Miracle Indeed!!

[eaglespiritnews-56943 · 8/10 · 25 November 2018]

It's a heart warmer for the whole family. Worthy of popcorn and hot cocoa, and don't forget the marshmallows. You'll wanna be ready because this one is gonna be good! Ok it starts out slow, then it's a bit heart wrenching before it really starts getting good. But it is well worth the viewing by the whole family and I do mean the whole family. Especially if the family is going through some hardships of any kind. Be it good bad or indifferent. Just watch and enjoy!!

A Heart-Warming Experience.

[mrmac9 · 10/10 · 15 November 2014]

Many Christmas films are totally forgettable but this one stands out like a brilliant beacon in the winter night sky. I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth and sincerity of this film which emphasises in a gentle way the things that truly matter in life. It avoids the Christmas clichés of materialism, snowy scenes and 'Ho Ho Ho' Santa's. The cello-playing little girl was enchanting and her scenes with the old man added to the appeal of the film. After watching this film today I thought a lot about my relationships with my family and friends - something which I usually take for granted.

A family film that I can thoroughly recommend and one which can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Well done to all involved.

A New Yearly Christmas Movie

[debbieshuart · 10/10 · 19 November 2014]

It's been a long time since there was a new Christmas movie that a family could watch year after year - this is one of those.

Each year at Christmas time I pull out the movies that I've accumulated throughout the years. To me they are the classics. I am adding A Christmas Tree Miracle to this collection. I'll be watching it every year.

A Christmas Tree Miracle is a movie to remind people how blessed they really are. This movie is about family. It is about looking beyond the material gifts that we are programmed to expect to receive. It makes you look into your heart, to appreciate the gifts that are there year round, family and friends. It helps to teach a lesson that many have forgotten - that Christmas is about giving, not receiving.

It might be termed pure schmaltz by some but to me it truly shows what people and Christmas are all about.

Take the time to watch it yourself .......

A wonderful family film with a great message.

[forrisday · 9/10 · 2 June 2014]

Amazon.com's favorite time of year is here....I mean Christmas is here. I say that kiddingly but in reality we as Americans have become a nation of consumers who need to constantly be buying stuff to make us happy. Think about it. Buying material things doesn't really make anyone happy for long term. Many people live far above their means. Many people work all the hours they can so that they can pay the never ending credit card bills for junk they can't even remember buying. OK, I'm off my soapbox.

"A Christmas Tree Miracle" is a heartwarming Christmas movie that touches on this very subject. It's a film about the George Family who live the "good life" as an upper class family in the suburbs. The husband, David, (Kevin Sizemore) has a great paying job but is preoccupied with work all the time. His wife Julie (Claudia Esposito) is stressed trying to constantly please everyone in the family and the two teenage kids Nick (Barrett Carnahan) and Natalie (Emily Capehart) are vile little creatures who want and expect to get whatever it is they think they need at any given moment with no thought as to how much things cost. There is also a very young daughter, Nina, (Siomha Kenney) who is the only one that has any appreciation for anything. A dysfunctional family for sure but probably more common than we would like to admit.

The family is turned upside down when David loses his job. At first the entire family is in denial and continue to spend money at a ridiculous rate thinking a job is just around the corner. A year goes by and we see their savings and material things disappear until alas they become homeless. With nowhere to go a kindly Christmas tree farmer, Henry Banks, (played by Terry Kiser...best known for his portrayal as Bernie in the film Weekend at Bernie's) offers them shelter and jobs working on the farm. He decides to show them that it is the simple things in life that lead to true happiness. Will the family learn anything or will they just move on?

I definitely liked "A Christmas Tree Miracle" a lot. It is a well written movie although I must say I got a bit confused as I watched the character arcs, particularly on the Dad and the two teenage kids go a bit crooked. What I mean by that is just when you think they have their change of heart they go and do another nasty deed. The film could have been shortened a bit by losing some of the repetition to reaffirm to the viewer how selfish the characters could be. Just a small thing but it did confuse me slightly. The only other small thing was the way the film was colored. It had a washed out look that I would expect to see in a crime drama and not the vibrant colors I would expect to see in a Christmas tale.

With that said "A Christmas Tree Miracle" is a really festive and fun movie with a great lesson. The story was more involved than a standard Lifetime or Hallmark Channel movie, but it could certainly be run on either of those stations and fit right in. It is not a chick flick. Anyone could enjoy it. My wife loved it and she is a tough cookie when it comes to movies so bravo to the filmmakers on this one. Bottom line, anyone who enjoys heartwarming movies with substance in the storyline will love "A Christmas Tree Miracle".

Great Life Lessons to Learn from this movie

[tawiggin-208 · 10/10 · 21 December 2023]

I feel like this movie teaches some major life lessons within this piece of art and one of them involve the role of fathers, because the ending credits mention For My Dad, so I feel like that this is a good reminder about how fathers play a role within this movie, highly recommended to watch this film.

I also believe in the fact that this film also teaches the art of parenting and how it plays a role in the lives of how children to behave and how it is important to have the parents mentor the adolescents and sometimes let the adolescents learn a thing or two about being open minded to change and to also understand the consequences of your actions.