Christmas Every Day

Christmas Every Day is a heartfelt American family comedy movie produced in 1996, directed by Larry Peerce. The film features the impressive cast such as Robert Hays, Bess Armstrong, and Erik von Detten who do more than just play their characters; they bring them to life in this delightful Christmas movie.

The story revolves around the protagonist, Billy Jackson, played by the talented Erik von Detten. Billy is a nonchalant teenager who cares little about the joys and wonder of Christmas. He's more concerned with his personal issues and interests, such as grabbing the attention of the popular girl at school or dealing with his pesky younger sister. Billy's indifferent attitude towards the holiday season is upsetting to his family, especially his Uncle David, portrayed by Robert Hays, who wants Billy to understand the significance of Christmas beyond the commercial and materialistic aspects.

The character of Uncle David is the owner of a failing shoe store, who is equally struggling to keep his business afloat amidst the festive cheer. This makes him more desperate to make Billy apprehend the importance of Christmas spirit. Yet, Billy's high spirits take a hit when he reads a story to his younger sister on Christmas Eve, featured in the magical Christmas book that Uncle David gifts them. The story speaks of a dear Christmas wish coming true. Unaware of the impending consequences, Billy offhandedly wishes for Christmas every day and wakes up the next morning to find that his wish has indeed come true.

The story progresses as Billy finds himself stuck in a loop where every day is Christmas. Initially, he's euphoric, enjoying the constant bouts of festivities, presents, and endless indulgence. But the continuous cycle soon turns into a dread as he finds himself dealing with the same events over and over again. This dread is emphasised by the delightful performance by Bess Armstrong as Billy's loving yet exasperated mother who, like the rest of the family, is blissfully oblivious of Billy's peculiar circumstances.

Christmas Every Day creates an engaging ground, where Billy realizes that the repeated Christmas isn't a glitch but a lesson he needs to comprehend to break the cycle. For this, he must understand the sincerity behind holiday sentiments of love, sharing, and empathy, and apply those feelings beyond the holiday season.

Furthermore, Billy's gradual evolution into a compassionate person works as a metaphor for personal growth and maturity. His character progression mirrors the journey that many adolescents go through as they learn empathy, responsibility, and the values of familial love and support.

While Billy's transformation is at the heart of the narrative, the film also presents additional conflict through Uncle David's shoe store subplot. Various characters trying to save the business adds another layer of drama and a sense of urgency to the narrative. This thread not only adds to the plot complexity but also provides a well-rounded picture of the community's efforts to help one of their own, amplifying the movie's central theme of caring and sharing.

Christmas Every Day is a family-friendly movie that seamlessly blends humor, emotions, drama, and holiday spirit into a coherent narrative. Vibrant set designs and a warm color palette complement the cosy Christmas vibes of the film. Performances by the cast are both believable and engaging, bringing out the distinct shades of their characters with precision.

For a movie aimed at a younger audience, Christmas Every Day doesn't shy away from complex themes and issues. It subtly presents these elements without making the narrative too heavy for its intended viewers. It nicely balances Christmas cheer with profound lessons on life, making it enjoyable yet meaningful.

In conclusion, Christmas Every Day is a charming movie filled with Christmas magic, unanticipated adventures, and touching family moments. At its core, it is a journey of personal growth and understanding the real essence of Christmas, which is far beyond the festive decor and plentiful presents. It's an enjoyable watch for those looking to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and take away a heartwarming message of love, kindness, and understanding. The film serves as a reminder of the essential aspects of life, making it a festive classic for everyone in the family.