Why Do Some Christian Parents Discourage Their Children from Watching Christmas Movies?

In the realm of family traditions and holiday celebrations, one of the most beloved traditions in many homes is watching Christmas movies together. However, this joyous activity can sometimes spark controversy, especially among those who are part of the Christian faith. Why do some Christian parents not allow their kids to watch these movies, and what are the underlying reasons behind such a decision?

The Center of Christmas

For many Christian parents, the true meaning of Christmas lies in the Savior’s arrival on Earth, as opposed to a mythical figure like Santa Claus. When Christmas movies place greater emphasis on magical elements and festive characters rather than the message of the birth of Jesus, it can be disconcerting. According to one parent, "I could see Santa and not Jesus being the center, and magic bothering religious parents." This sentiment reflects a desire to maintain a religious focus rather than a secular or fantastical one.

Rejection of Non-Religious Elements

Some Christian parents are specifically averse to the portrayal of characters that are not rooted in the Bible, such as the Ghost of Christmas Past in “A Christmas Carol”. They believe that these elements do not align with their religious teachings and can potentially confuse their children about the true meaning of Christmas. For these parents, the fear of imparting incorrect or misleading beliefs is a significant factor in their decision.

Disapproval of Magic

Another contributing factor is the perception of magic as a non-religious concept. In many Christian traditions, there is a strong belief that even seemingly harmless magic can be seen as counterproductive to their faith. One parent emphasized, "Perhaps for whatever stupid reasons they are against magic—learning some tricks like pulling a quarter out of someone’s ear is wackadoodle dumb." This perception often stems from a deep-seated belief that such practices are not aligned with religious values.

Perception of Fiction

A common argument against allowing children to watch Christmas movies is the belief that these movies are entirely fictional and therefore trivial. One Christian parent observed, "And do not understand what ‘fiction’ is." For these parents, the line between reality and fantasy is stark, and they feel that indulging in fictional stories can undermine their children's ability to differentiate between the two.

A Personal Perspective from a Latter-day Saint Family

Not all parents share the same perspective, however. Take Amy, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for example. Despite her Christian faith, she and her family are enthusiastic about watching Christmas movies. As she explained, "As a Christian parent who loves that movie, I’ve already seen it twice this year and it’s not even halfway through November!" This example showcases the range of experiences and beliefs within the Christian community, highlighting that not everyone views Christmas movies in the same light.

Understanding and Respecting Differences

Comprehending and respecting different perspectives is crucial in modern society. While it may be challenging to reconcile different viewpoints, open dialogue and understanding can help bridge gaps and promote a harmonious environment. For Christian parents who decide to limit their children's exposure to certain Christmas movies, it is important to communicate the reasons behind their decisions in a way that is both respectful and enlightening.

Ultimately, the decision to allow or discourage children from watching Christmas movies is a deeply personal one. It is rooted in religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and individual values. By acknowledging and respecting these differences, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding community during the festive season.