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Christmas Oranges a Movie Review

Christmas Oranges

In the enchanting world of “Christmas Oranges,” the magic of the holiday season comes alive with heartwarming tales of hope, friendship, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of a quaint, snow-covered orphanage, this heartwarming film follows the journey of a spirited young girl who finds herself facing adversity with unwavering resilience and a touch of wonder.

In this timeless Christmas story, we are transported to a bygone era, where tradition and the spirit of giving flourish. Amidst the festive decorations and the sweet scent of pine, the story unfolds, revealing the lives of endearing orphans and their nurturing caretaker, a woman with a heart as big as the season itself. As the children eagerly anticipate the joys of Christmas morning, one little girl stands out – the spirited and curious newcomer, Violet.

Despite her difficult past, Violet’s infectious spirit brings joy to the other children, and she soon becomes an indispensable part of their tight-knit family. But as the holiday approaches, Violet’s dreams of finding a forever home seem dashed when she learns of a mysterious local legend known as the “Christmas Oranges” – a tale that speaks of lost love, forgiveness, and the true meaning of the season.

As snowflakes fall and carolers sing, the orphans embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery, compassion, and the power of the human heart. Through laughter, tears, and the transformative magic of Christmas, they learn that even in the darkest of times, love and compassion can light the way.

“Christmas Oranges” is a heartfelt celebration of the joys of giving and the profound impact a little kindness can have on one’s life. With its nostalgic charm, endearing characters, and a timeless message, this heartwarming holiday film will touch the hearts of audiences of all ages, reminding us that the true magic of Christmas lies in the warmth of our hearts and the love we share with others. So gather around the fireplace, embrace the spirit of the season, and let “Christmas Oranges” fill your hearts with wonder and delight.

Our Christmas Oranges Movie Review

As we move into the holiday season, the kiddos and I sat down to watch Christmas Oranges. The Beauty Queen had read the book by authors, Linda Bethers  and  Ben Sowards , but the rest of us were going into this movie without any glimpse of spoilers.

The story is set in a children’s orphanage and from the perspective of Rose, a child who was left on the doorstep of the Greenwoods Orphanage as an infant. Mrs. Hartely is the motherly caregiver. At Greenwoods the orphans are cared for greatly by Mrs. Hartley and live as a family. There are struggles but Mrs. Hartley always makes everything more of a celebration.

christmas oranges dvd

Then tragedy strikes and the children of Greenwoods lose the only home many of them have known. Some are adopted, however, Rose is shipped to Irongates, an orphanage that severely contrasts the kindess and love within Greenwoods.

At Irongates, Mr. Crampton has many rules, and disobeying the rules lead to punishment, including solitary confinement in the attic. Rose feels out of place, but soon makes friends with one of the orphans of Irongates named Emily, who takes Rose under her wings and attempts to protect her from the malice of the other children.

Mr. Crampton’s brother, Joe, often arrives at Irongates and brings joy to the dreary orphanage. Rose learns that every Christmas Joe brings an orange for each child. Rose has never had an orange and finds hope and joy in this gift. The other children describe the oranges to Rose, from their delicious taste to their fragrance, building up the anticipation.

Rose breaks the rules and faces Mr. Crampton’s punishment. Will she get to celebrate the giving of the Christmas oranges? Experience the gift of giving as this story unravels.

My children and I enjoyed this movie. It seems like a storyline of so many holiday movies. However, my children really took to the characters. They felt so much gratitude for what we have and enjoyed describing an orange to each other as if they were sharing it with Rose.

I cried, and The Beauty Queen confessed she was so touched that she cried twice!

It truly tugs at the heartstrings.

Why Your Family Will Love Christmas Oranges:

“Christmas Oranges” is a great family movie for several compelling reasons:

  1. Heartwarming Story: At its core, the film tells a heartwarming story of love, compassion, and the joy of giving. It revolves around the experiences of orphans during the holiday season, promoting themes of resilience, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas. Such positive and uplifting messages are perfect for family viewing, as they can inspire meaningful discussions and reinforce important values.
  2. Timeless Themes: The movie captures the essence of Christmas by delving into timeless themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. It embraces the spirit of forgiveness, the significance of family (both blood-related and found families), and the power of hope – themes that are relevant and touching regardless of the era.
  3. Strong Moral Lessons: As children and adults alike watch the characters navigate challenges and grow emotionally, they are exposed to valuable life lessons. The film emphasizes the importance of empathy, kindness, and the understanding that the true joy of Christmas lies in sharing love and happiness with others.
  4. Nostalgic Setting: “Christmas Oranges” transports viewers to a bygone era, infusing the film with a delightful sense of nostalgia. The snowy landscapes, vintage decorations, and heartening traditions harken back to simpler times and create a charming atmosphere that captivates the whole family.
  5. Diverse Characters: The movie features a diverse array of characters, each with their quirks and strengths, making it easy for different family members to find someone they can relate to or empathize with. This inclusivity fosters a sense of connection and understanding among viewers.
  6. Emotional Connection: The film’s well-crafted narrative and relatable characters forge an emotional connection with the audience. It elicits genuine laughter, tears, and moments of reflection, thereby engaging family members on a deeper level and creating a shared experience.
  7. Appropriate for All Ages: “Christmas Oranges” is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that both children and adults can enjoy the film together. It avoids excessive violence, profanity, or adult themes, making it suitable for all members of the household.
  8. Encourages Family Bonding: Watching “Christmas Oranges” together provides an opportunity for family bonding during the holiday season. It encourages parents and children to watch, discuss, and enjoy the film side by side, fostering a sense of togetherness and strengthening family ties.

Overall, “Christmas Oranges” stands as a heartwarming, touching, and engaging family movie that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons, making it an excellent choice for families to enjoy together during the festive season.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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