As we approach the holiday season —and further, the holiday movie season—movies like Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer feel right at home. They’re cozy, colorful features, extracting the best of humanity, even compacted into animated films geared to younger audiences. Elliot is no exception: holiday friendly, beautiful animation, and exceptional messages.

Elliot (Josh Hutcherson of Hunger Games fame), who is actually a horse, longs to live like reindeer, the very ones who lead Santa’s sleigh during Christmastime. Although Elliot finds himself competing for a spot to drive Santa on Christmas Eve, there is a further plot point involving the decline of reindeer and the rise of technology-driven flying cars. It is up to Elliot’s determination as a small horse striving to be a greater reindeer to prove the value of that tradition is just as important a consideration as the advancement of technology.

Elliot is light on its feet and appropriate for all viewers—especially in how it focuses on integrity over identity. It is Dove-Approved for All Ages. The Dove Take

Elliot is an excellent example for younger viewers on how he gives his all to reach a goal, no matter the odds, instead of allowing himself to be stuck in who he is. Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer captures the very best during the holiday season.