THE TREE THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
Preserving the past while saving a family’s future.
Should You Watch It?
If you want a gentle Christmas story for the whole family, this is a strong choice. The movie offers a somewhat unique plot, natural acting, emotional moments, and enough twists to hold your attention through the end.
Its three-star rating reflects real limitations. The story becomes predictable as it nears its conclusion, some acting feels shallow or contrived, and the final act moves through character and plot developments too quickly. A continuous soundtrack also underscores many scenes more heavily than necessary.
The film’s moral worldview, family values, and Christian elements give it a warm holiday spirit. You can watch it with children without facing significant objectionable content. WORTH WATCHING for a family Christmas movie night.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESMolly leaves her publishing job in New York and returns to Vermont after learning that her family’s Christmas tree farm is facing foreclosure. The bank plans to sell the property to a development firm that wants to build a mountain resort.
A special tree from Molly’s childhood leads her back home and gives her fresh determination to save the farm. Along the way, she must face painful parts of her past, old relationships, and the question of what kind of future her family should build.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is an enjoyable, generally well-made television drama with some noticeable weaknesses. The plot is unique enough to create interest, and its many twists sustain attention for much of the movie. The emotional moments are effective, drawing viewers into the characters’ difficulties.
The acting is top-notch for the most part, though some performances feel shallow and contrived. The story becomes somewhat predictable near the end, and the last act moves too quickly through character and plot development. The continuous soundtrack also unnecessarily underscores the mood in many scenes.
The Worldview
This is a morality play in which good prevails over evil. The film emphasizes treating people fairly, strong family values, small business, banking, and personal financial responsibility. Molly’s family shows Christian qualities through its attitude toward others and its belief that God has blessed them.
The antagonist, Lucas’ father, stands apart from that standard of decency. He allows anger over his divorce to fuel greed and uses his power against a family’s home. The film rebukes that greed and presents family, kindness, responsibility, and preservation of the past as better priorities than personal gain.
The movie includes Christian faith elements without making them its sole focus. Its central longing is to preserve a family’s home and future. Scripture reminds us, “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong moral worldview in a Christmas story about treating people fairly, with strong family values and one mention of the blessings of God, plus a strong emphasis on small business, banking and taking personal financial responsibility; no foul language but one character uses the word “fracking” and another character is called a “snake”; glass of beer and wine consumed over dinner; and, mention of divorced parents, greed but rebuked, character takes out his anger on a family and tries to take away their home and characters throw snowballs at a window in anger (though there’s no intention to break it).
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Molly returns home to help preserve her family’s farm. What responsibilities do we have toward our families, and how can we serve without losing sight of wisdom and limits?
Galatians 6:2 · 1 Timothy 5:8The story contrasts personal responsibility with greed. How can financial decisions honor both diligence and love of neighbor?
Proverbs 22:7 · Philippians 2:4Molly must face the pain of her past while working toward the future. How can God use difficult memories without allowing them to control us?
Isaiah 43:18–19 · Philippians 3:13–14Molly’s family believes God has blessed them. What does it mean to recognize God’s gifts while still working faithfully through hardship?
James 1:17 · Colossians 3:23The Final Word
This is a heartfelt, family-friendly Christmas drama with a moral worldview, Christian elements, and virtually no objectionable content. Its predictable ending and rushed final act keep it from greatness, but its warmth and values make it a good holiday choice. WORTH WATCHING.
