Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
Past Movies
Movie Resources
Concert Reviews
Book Reviews

Top 10
Contact Us

Every Christmas season, Christian parents are faced with the dilemma of what to do about Santa Claus.  One thing is for sure: he cannot be ignored.  Santa seems an indelible part of our cultural myth.  You simply cannot exist in North America without having some kind of exposure to the Santa legend.  He is everywhere, from the mall to the television to the decorations on our houses; he is even in some of our churches on Christmas Eve.  Many Christian parents I know have completely embraced Santa and encouraged their children to believe wholeheartedly in him.  On the other hand, there are those of us who feel very uncomfortable about his invasion into a space that seems like it ought to be reserved for Jesus and Jesus alone.  But should we simply disenchant our children, eliminate all of the magic of the season and focus on teaching them the doctrine of the incarnation instead? 

The newest Christmas story from the makers of the ever-popular VeggieTales series, Saint Nicholas – A Story of Joyful Giving, may offer parents at least a partial solution to this problem.  This movie tells a “veggiefied” version of the real-life Saint Nicholas, the third-century Bishop whose legacy evolved over the years into the Santa Claus that we recognize today.  In this movie, Bob the Tomato tells the story of St. Nick to a group of children who seem more concerned with what they will be getting for Christmas, rather than what they can give to Laura Carrot, whose father is in danger of loosing his job.  The point of the story is to emphasize that “we don’t give to make our selves happy, we give because we are happy, because of the gifts that God has given us.”  The movie comes with all of the Veggie trademarks that viewers over the years have come to expect, including plenty of humor just for parents and a silly song (this one is a variation of the genre, a “Helpful Humanitarian Song” by Mr. Lunt, who sings an appeal for donuts for his dog).  The movie also encourages participation in the Operation Christmas Child project, in which people fill shoeboxes with gifts for needy children around the world.  The idea is that children will be inspired to give to less fortunate people after watching the movie. 

For parents looking for some kind of happy medium in the Jesus vs. Santa dilemma, VeggieTales’ Saint Nicholas may offer some help.  Why not tell children about the “real” Santa, and encourage them to celebrate St. Nicholas’ Day (observed by people all over the world on December 6th) and leave Christmas for Jesus alone?  Our children can only benefit from being told the real-life stories of some of their Christian ancestors, even when the characters are portrayed by a cucumber, a tomato, a bell pepper, a squash and several French peas. 

Jennifer Monroe 

In the town square, the children are trying to figure things out, while Bob and Larry are trying to explain Christmas traditions.  After we hear the question “What does Santa have to with Baby Jesus?”, we are off to Greece, then setting up the tradition of Veggie Tale stories working in both the past and present.  We begin by meeting Nicky the Pepper, the first new Veggie in five years.

Nicky’s dad is a fisherman known for being charitable to the locals who need help, with his faithful servant Octavius (Mr. Lunt) at his side.  The evil but rich Gustav attempts to thwart his efforts.  After a tragedy, Nick is left to fend for himself.  Unable to handle the pressure, he flees to Bethlehem.  In the midst of materialism, he hears something at the Nativity Chapel that changes his outlook.

Upon arriving at home, Nicky learns Gustav has taken over his small town, and has outlawed charity.  Nicky still wants to help others, so he goes underground.  As his disguises and costumes evolve, some traditions surrounding Christmas begin to emerge.

The second feature is a “Helpful Humanitarian Song with Mr. Lunt”.  In the mode of “We Are the World” and “Do They Know It’s Christmas?,” we are introduced to “Donuts for Benny,” a plea for food for a mangy street dog.  The movement is a huge success, which leads to some unintended consequences.

Meanwhile, can Laura and her dad rely on a Christmas miracle?  Will the money be raised?  Will Gus suddenly undergo a change of heart for the holiday season?  Or does the story of Santa Claus prove to be just a story?  Given that this is Veggie Tales, you probably know the answer to that.  Either way, this DVD is well worth the time spent.

Brian A. Smith
20 February 2010