Deck the Halls (2006)
Synopsis:
Deck the Halls is a holiday comedy that follows the rivalry between two neighbors, Steve Finch and Buddy Hall. Steve, a traditional family man, prides himself on his well-planned Christmas celebrations. However, his new neighbor Buddy has a different idea of holiday spirit. Buddy decides to decorate his house with so many lights that it can be seen from space, which disrupts Steve's carefully organized plans. As the two men compete to outdo each other, their antics escalate, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic events. The film showcases their escalating battle, involving everything from elaborate light displays to unexpected pranks, all set against the backdrop of the festive season.
Where To Watch: Deck the Halls
Parental Feedback
Deck the Halls, released in 2006, is a family comedy film rated PG, making it suitable for kids. The movie centers around the comedic rivalry between two neighbors during the holiday season, offering a light-hearted and festive tone. Parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the humor and holiday spirit, while others express concerns about the competitive and sometimes mean-spirited behavior depicted.
Why Kids Should Watch Deck the Halls
The movie provides a fun and festive experience with some positive takeaways.
- Promotes the importance of family and community during the holiday season
- Features a humorous rivalry that can be entertaining for children
- Colorful holiday decorations and festive scenes appeal to kids
- Offers a comedic portrayal of holiday traditions
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Deck the Halls
Some parents are concerned about the competitive and sometimes negative behavior shown.
- Depicts rivalry and one-upmanship that may not be suitable for all children
- Includes scenes of characters being unkind or deceitful
- Some jokes and humor may be confusing or inappropriate for younger kids
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about the competitive behavior and mean-spirited humor.
What Parents Should Know About Deck the Halls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The movie shows moments of reconciliation and understanding between neighbors. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The rivalry and conflict between neighbors may require parental guidance to explain. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters eventually face the consequences of their actions, leading to a resolution. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | There are scenes where characters learn to apologize and work together. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the value of community and understanding during the holidays. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Deck the Halls offers a festive and comedic take on holiday traditions, with its colorful visuals and humorous rivalry. While it has its strengths in promoting family values and community spirit, the competitive and sometimes mean-spirited behavior may not sit well with all parents. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can help children understand the importance of kindness and cooperation. For those seeking a more straightforward holiday message, alternatives like "The Polar Express" or "A Charlie Brown Christmas" might be preferable.
Official Deck the Halls Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Deck the Halls
Deck the Halls's most common core values include Being a good neighbor, Conflict resolution, and Family love. The movie Humorously explores the importance of being a good neighbor as Steve and Buddy's rivalry pushes them to learn how to coexist peacefully. Their escalating antics serve as a backdrop for kids to understand the significance of resolving conflicts amicably. Through their journey, children see how the characters eventually find ways to communicate and compromise, highlighting the value of conflict resolution.
Family love is another core value that shines through as both families navigate the chaos of the holiday season. Despite the rivalry, the film underscores the importance of family bonds and how they can be strengthened even in challenging times. An example from the movie is when the families come together to support each other, showcasing the power of family love in overcoming obstacles.
Other Core Values Explored: Appreciating family | Forgiveness | Friendship | Generosity | Gratitude | Kindness | Letting go | Making good choices | Patience | Perseverance | Problem-solving | Respect | Responsibility. | Teamwork | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Deck the Halls
Importance of Family: In Deck the Halls, kids learn the significance of family as Steve and Buddy's rivalry begins to affect their loved ones. The movie shows how their families are caught in the middle of their feud, highlighting the need to prioritize family over personal conflicts. This lesson is reinforced when both men realize that their actions are impacting their families' happiness and decide to work together for a more harmonious holiday.
Embracing Differences: The film teaches children the value of accepting others' differences. Steve and Buddy have contrasting ideas about celebrating Christmas, which initially leads to conflict. However, as the story progresses, they learn to appreciate each other's unique perspectives and find common ground. This lesson encourages kids to be open-minded and accepting of those who may have different views or traditions.
Letting Go of Control: Steve's obsession with having the perfect Christmas is challenged by Buddy's spontaneous approach. Through their interactions, children see the importance of letting go of control and embracing the unexpected. This lesson is illustrated when Steve learns to relax and enjoy the holiday season, even if things don't go exactly as planned.
Practicing Empathy: The movie highlights the importance of empathy as Steve and Buddy begin to understand each other's motivations and feelings. By putting themselves in each other's shoes, they develop a sense of compassion and understanding. This teaches kids the value of considering others' perspectives and being kind-hearted.
Choosing Forgiveness: As the rivalry escalates, both Steve and Buddy make mistakes that hurt each other. The film demonstrates the power of forgiveness when they choose to let go of their grudges and reconcile. This lesson shows children that forgiving others can lead to healing and stronger relationships.
Other Lessons Learned: Learning from Mistakes | Building Friendships | Valuing Deep Connection | Spreading Kindness | Enjoying the Journey
Why Kids Love Deck the Halls
Deck the Halls is a whirlwind of holiday chaos and laughter that keeps kids entertained with its silly jokes and outrageous stunts. The movie is a rollercoaster of slapstick comedy, where pranks and mishaps between the two rival neighbors, Steve and Buddy, lead to hilarious and unexpected situations. Kids will be thrilled by the over-the-top light displays and the wild antics that unfold as the neighbors try to outdo each other. The film is filled with awkward situations and funny moments that make it a joy to watch.
As the characters navigate their rivalry, kids will enjoy the fun of making new friends and the excitement of standing out in a crowd. The movie's vibrant holiday setting and the characters' crazy adventures create a festive atmosphere that captures the imagination. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, Deck the Halls is a delightful holiday treat that keeps kids laughing and engaged from beginning to end.