An Angelic Christmas could be described as a cross between Christmas at Hallmark and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas – in a good way! It’s an uplifting story of an angel giving her celestial best to earn her wings and accomplish what God desires in the little town of McCattysville at Christmastime.
You see, McCattysville hasn’t always been a haven for grouches. In fact, when the quaint, small town caught Samantha’s husband’s eye years ago, he vowed to return one day with his family to live. But as life (and war) would have it, he didn’t come home, compelling Samantha to complete his sentimental journey, with her young girls, Delainey and Loren. Things like money and friends are in short supply for the little, depressed family when Celest, an extraordinary and yes, a bit quirky angel, visits Delainey and Loren. Her mission: to earn her divinely appraised wings, and title of Guardian Angel. And periodically, she receives visits from The Chief (Cameron Arnett), her own Guardian Angel who shares encouragement and a perfectly handsome smile.
Seeing that helping others makes for happiness, Celest helps the girls devise a plan to massage some holiday TLC into the cranky town of “ChillsVille”. Soon, the trio are passing out homemade chocolate chip cookies and the townspeople light up like Christmas candles! Next, townsfolk begin finding painted rocks with loving messages, recreating a delightful time for the grateful little town. It’s all wonderful . . . until we meet Mrs. McCatty (Tammy Tsai), for whose family the town was named. Against any kind of joyful get-together, Mrs. Grinch snarls and complains until authorities shut down all crowd-gathering, cheerful festivities.
The festive Christmas mood quickly dims. Eventually, Delainey goes on a loud tirade, griping out Mrs. McCatty. And Loren asks Celest some tough questions, specifically about her father – questions Celest cannot answer. At this point, Celest considers herself an angelic flop, disappearing in a twinkle, and stamping her feet in a conversation with God. Fortunately, God is patient, and The Chief is quicker than reindeer, reminding Celest it’s not over yet, and that God has something to share.
Production-wise, An Angelic Christmas sparkles. The acting is convincing, keeping us engaged, and the snowy small-town setting is perfect for the season and story. However, a problem might surface for some viewers with Delainey’s character being directed to badger Mrs. McCatty so loudly and perhaps with Celest’s character throwing a hissy fit up to the Lord.
Some families may like to discuss the fact that secular films often display positive points, including acts of kindness, which is good. However, what separates a true Christmas film is it will portray the biblical, true account of Christ coming into the world. Although An Angelic Christmas is a Christmastime movie, it is secular. Our angel Celest makes it a pleasure to watch for all ages. It displays no objectionable elements and is an uplifting film. This movie has earned the Dove Seal of Approval for all ages.
