ADOPTING ST. NICK
Home starts with the people around you
Should You Watch It?
Yes. This heartwarming Christmas movie celebrates community and family bonds as much as romance. Hardware store owner Maren raises her adopted daughter, Leah, as a single mom. When they join a program at the local retirement center, they meet Kris, Leah’s partner, and Reid, the center’s program director. As Maren helps Reid around the center, sparks fly, and Reid begins to consider putting down roots.
The engaging narrative explores several relationships and maintains a steady pace. Amy Groening and Michael Rady share strong chemistry, as do Taylor Blake and Randy Apostle.
At its heart, the movie celebrates the many forms of fellowship, from Maren and Leah’s close relationship and their shared grief over Maren’s late father to Leah’s participation in the Companion program and Maren’s offer to help Reid renovate the center. Romance adds another layer as Maren and Reid grow closer. These relationships highlight the joy people bring to one another’s lives.
Light Christian elements pop up through its Christmas celebrations, although the festivities remain secular. With its emphasis on goodwill, family, and community, this charming holiday movie offers families a wholesome choice for Christmas viewing.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESWhen single mom Maren and her daughter Leah join a companion program at the town’s local retirement community, they meet Kris, Leah’s new companion, and Reid, the center’s program director. Leah’s determination to figure out whether Kris is really Santa Claus leads to a series of events. Maren helps Reid around the center and shows him the importance and enrichment of connecting with the community.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars for a heartwarming Christmas movie that celebrates love, family, and the joy in finding of meaningful connections. From Maren and Leah’s strong mother-daughter bond and their fond memories of Maren’s late father to their participation in the retirement center’s Companion program, the movie highlights the joy of showing up for others.
Romance adds another layer, and Maren and Reid’s relationship develops at a believable pace. Leads Amy Groening and Michael Rady share charming romantic chemistry, while Taylor Blake and Randy Apostle make an equally delightful pair. Their performances capture the warmth of a sweet bond between a child and a grandfather figure.
Families seeking a wholesome Christmas romance will find plenty to love in this wonderful celebration of family and friendship.
The Worldview
A light moral worldview run throughout that celebrates connection with family, community, and romance. The story rewards kindness and generosity. Reid learns to put down roots and value deep relationships. Maren offers to help Reid renovate the center.
Other community members pitch in to put on the party Leah eagerly anticipates. The companion program teaches Leah that although her grandfather died, she can still find similar bonds with others, such as Kris. Family matters here, as Maren devotes herself to her adopted daughter Leah as a single mother. Both speak fondly of Maren’s late father.
Light Christian elements appear since all the characters celebrate Christmas throughout the movie. However, the celebrations remain secular. The movie contains no objectionable content and offers a safe option for the whole family.
Though the story never mentions Christ, its message of love, generosity, and community echoes the biblical call to love one another. Families can use it to point children toward the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus. As 1 John 4:7 reminds believers.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
A light moral worldview, promoting the importance of family and community connections, as well as helping others and being kind. There are some light Christian elements, such as the celebration of Christmas, but the celebrations are secular in nature
Foul Language
No foul language
Violence
No violence
Sex
A couple kiss
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse;
Miscellaneous Immorality
No other objectionable content.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
By the end of the movie, Reid realizes the importance of putting down roots and finding community. Why do you think these community connections are so important? Proverbs 27:17
Maren and Leah are still struggling with the loss of Maren’s father. How can our relationship with God comfort us in times of grief? Psalm 34:18
Leah’s relationship with Kris teaches her that she can build strong connections with people, even after losing a loved one. What does scripture tell us about developing familial bonds with fellow Christians? Matthew 12:48–50
The Final Word
ADOPTING ST. NICK delivers a cheerful Christmas romance that celebrates neighbors who show up for one another and the bonds that turn strangers into family. The delightful cast brings plenty of holiday warmth, and with no objectionable content, families can enjoy it together. It earns an easy spot on this year's family Christmas watchlist.
