Holiday Books and Movies That Bring Christmas Magic to Life

While lately, Disney movies have required a parental preview, this one is a beautiful addition to your holiday viewing. The film has an accompanying picture book, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: The Dance of the Realms”writtenalongside the movie to appeal to the audience. 

The story is an adaption of the original Nutcracker, introducing the idea of four realms of this imaginative world – The Land of Sweets, the Land of Flowers, the Land of Snowflakes, and the Fourth Realm. The story follows Clara, who embarks on an adventure into this enchanting world. 

Message: Though initially entangled in the wrong conflict, Clara ultimately discovers the courage and wisdom to set things right.

If you have a Netflix subscription, I highly recommend watching the short film Angela’s Christmas. Based on the book Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt, this heartwarming story is perfect for the holiday season.

The story follows Angela, a sweet and compassionate little girl who attends Christmas Eve service with her family. While at the church, Angela notices the baby Jesus doll in the nativity scene is dressed in only thin clothes, and she worries He might be cold. Driven by her kind heart, Angela sneaks the doll home to wrap Him in warm clothes, intending to return Him in time for Christmas.

When the doll is reported missing, Angela’s family helps her make things right. She returns the doll and is forgiven by a kind policeman, leaving everyone with a heartwarming lesson.

Have you heard about the five guardians of childhood? These fictional superheroes include Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost. William Joyce wrote the picture book centered on Jack Frost, specificallyexplaining how he came to be. In the movie “Rise of the Guardians,” Jack Frost is a pivotal character who plays a crucial role in defeating the evil Pitch, who instills fear in children’s minds and undermines their belief in the other guardians. The movie explores the classic battle between good and evil, showcasing the struggle between right and wrong. Set in winter, many scenes take place in Santa’s workshop, where Yetis work diligently to create toys for children. It’s a magical and imaginative film that all my kids enjoyed watching, even my child who usually doesn’t like movies.

You can read the full book series here. This movie is available to watch on Amazon Prime and Peacock.

Message: Hope, belief, and courage will always triumph over fear and evil.

This beloved classic by C.S. Lewis is a must-watch (or read) during the Christmas season. The story beautifully incorporates elements that resonate with the holiday spirit. From the arrival of Father Christmas, who equips the Pevensie children with gifts to aid them in their battle against evil, to the enchanting winter wonderland of Narnia under the White Witch’s spell, the tale is rich with festive imagery.

You can watch this movie on Disney Plus. It also has an adorable and beautifully illustrated picture book.

Message: At its heart, it’s a story of forgiveness, redemption, and the triumph of good over evil—a theme that echoes the deeper meaning of Christmas.

I recently checked out a book from the library for my kids to read so we can watch the movie together afterward. The story follows a boy named Nikolas, who embarks on a journey to find his missing father in the snowy wilderness. Along the way, he encounters magical creatures and faces extraordinary challenges. As the story unfolds, Nikolas develops the qualities that define Santa Claus—generosity, kindness, and a deep love for children. His adventures lead him to uncover the magic and joy of Christmas, and he ultimately takes on the role of spreading that magic to the world, becoming the beloved figure of Santa Claus.

The book belongs to a 3-part series that you can find here on Amazon.

Message: The true essence of Christmas comes from what is within our hearts and the love we show others. 

The movie, released in 2024, is a wonderful adaptation of the classic book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, first published in 1972. The story follows a group of mischievous siblings, the Herdman, who cause trouble wherever they go—bullying kids at school, playing pranks around town, and instilling fear in everyone. Unexpectedly, they end up in the church nativity play, and as they learn the story of Jesus, they begin to connect with the emptiness in their own lives. Their unique portrayal of the nativity touches the hearts of the townspeople, who, in turn, open their hearts and welcome the Herdmans.

This book is also available in picture book format. Read the book and watch the movie in theaters nearby.

Message: This story teaches us that all are welcome and redeemed by Christ, and sometimes it is the small things that can touch a broken heart so be kind to others this Christmas season.