It Nearly Wasn't Christmas

It Nearly Wasn't Christmas is a soul-stirring family movie released in 1989. The film features esteemed actors like Beverly Rowland, Charles Durning, and Risa Schiffman in pivotal roles, and it is an exceptionally well-crafted production that highlights the magic and wonder of the festive season while imparting critical life lessons, making it a must-watch feature film for the holiday season.

The main narrative of the film revolves around two parallel storylines. Charles Durning, renowned for his exceptional acting prowess, brilliantly portrays the legendary character of Santa Claus. As the tale unfolds, Santa is depicted as becoming disillusioned by the lack of the Christmas spirit among people in today's materialistic world. Dismayed by the cynical outlook towards Christmas and the true spirit of giving, he decides to take a year off from his annual duty of gift-giving, questioning the relevance of his role slowing down the Christmas cheer.

Simultaneously, the story also follows a young girl brilliantly played by Risa Schiffman. The little girl personifies the innocence and belief system that children usually have. Despite facing personal challenges, she refuses to let go of her belief in Santa Claus and the true spirit of Christmas. The lack of Christmas cheer in her surroundings doesn't quell her enthusiasm for the holiday.

Beverly Rowland adds depth to the narrative by skilfully playing the role of a concerned mother, attempting to regain the lost cheer in her daughter's life. The strained mother-daughter relationship sets up a strong background to the film's heartfelt storyline, drawing viewers into their life situations.

As Santa Claus takes an unsolicited break and lands in the real world, disguised as a mortal, the narrative takes a heartwarming turn. With the enchantment of the holiday season slowly ebbing away, it becomes crucial for Santa to bring back the joy and faith that are traditionally associated with Christmas. The plot weaves an endearing tale as Santa's path crosses with the young girl and her mother, leading to an unexpected, joyful friendship.

The magic of the film lies in the interweaving of these two unique yet converging stories. It showcases Santa's journey through disillusionment and reinstatement of faith, while it's paralleled by a young girl's continuous belief in the magic of Christmas and her mother's earnest effort to kindle her daughter's lost happiness.

This film immerses its viewers in an emotional rollercoaster, as it is not just a story about Santa's journey, but it explores deeper themes of faith, hope, and the true spirit of the holiday season. The characters beautifully reflect the diverse perspectives of society towards Christmas, ranging from skepticism to blind faith. Their narratives take an empathetic approach towards understanding the concept of Christmas, moving beyond the commercialization of the holiday and focusing on its real essence – love, sharing, and goodwill.

The director successfully manages to capture the joyous spirit of Christmas in his storytelling, transporting viewers to a wintry wonderland full of light and hope. The compelling narrative, laced with moments of sentimentality, humor, and warmth, ensures that It Nearly Wasn't Christmas does more than merely entertain – it reminds its audience of the highlights of the human spirit.

Charles Durning brilliantly exemplifies his versatility by portraying Santa's persona perfectly, with his easy humor, gentle kindness, and infectious happiness. His chemistry with the young Risa Schiffman and the sharp witted Beverly Rowland is a delight to watch, as they all come together to highlight the true essence of Christmas.

In summary, 'It Nearly Wasn't Christmas' is a classic holiday film that beautifully highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating the wonderful spirit of Christmas. This heartening narrative provides a fresh perspective to viewers, reminding them of the true meaning of Christmas, and delivering a universal message of love, hope, and altruism. It's a timeless family movie to enjoy during the festive season, imbued with enough charm and warmth to captivate viewers of all ages. The film serves as a poignant reminder that the magic of Christmas resides not in the gifts or the decorations, but in the love and joy we share with one another.