Kidsongs: We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Kidsongs: We Wish You A Merry Christmas is a delightful family-friendly holiday classic from the early 1990s that combines catchy musical numbers with charming scenarios, based around the magic and joy of Christmas. The film stars a talented and diverse cast of youngsters including Mary Bartram, Michael Bennett, Christian Buenaventura, and Jahi Chilombo, along with a group of their fellow 'Kidsongs Kids.'

Directed by Bruce Gowers, the movie is part of the larger Kidsongs franchise, which consists of various music videos and albums tailored towards children. These productions transformed popular kids' tunes into engaging visual stories and this particular title is no different, delivering an array of festive songs in ways that entertain and educate young minds and entertain the adults too!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas unwraps an hour of holiday fun and music that draws on the traditions of the yule season, while offering a delightful balance of narrative and song. The movie introduces the beauty of Christmas with a captivating plot that seamlessly ties in the music numbers.

The film opens with an enchanting setting - Mrs. Wilson's daycare, beautifully decorated with Christmas charms. This sets the stage for a memorable Christmas Eve filled with anticipation and warmth. All the children at the daycare are excited about the upcoming holiday, preparing for the big day in full zeal—decorating the place, setting up the Christmas tree, and of course, singing their hearts out with Christmas carols. Each child holds a special wish for Christmas, creating an emotional subplot that further adds depth to the movie.

The contribution of the lead stars, Mary Bartram, Michael Bennett, Christian Buenaventura, and Jahi Chilombo cannot be overlooked. Dressed in colourful holiday-themed clothing, they give standout performances, their lively spirits and genuine interactions with each other and their environment adding that spark that is different from your typical scripted Christmas film.

The engrossing storyline and heartfelt performances are further complemented by the musical ensemble. As the title suggests, the soundtrack of the movie features the beloved carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" along with other holiday favorites such as "Jingle Bells", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth", and the hauntingly beautiful "Silent Night". Each song is imaginatively woven into the narrative, with choreographed performances and animations that genuinely capture the magic of Christmas.

The inclusion of several multicultural songs in the soundtrack is an additional treat. Songs such as "Feliz Navidad" and "O' Christmas Tree," broaden the cultural perspective of traditional Christmas celebrations while showcasing the diversity of the film's cast and the message of global togetherness during this special time of year.

Another striking aspect of Kidsongs: We Wish You A Merry Christmas is the production quality. The set designs feel warm and cozy, replete with Christmas lights, ornamented trees, soft snowfalls, and beautifully wrapped presents. The children's costumes are colorful, quirky, and just plain fun. Moreover, the use of sophisticated puppetry and intricate animations contribute to an overall visual feel that is both nostalgic and inviting.

In addition to the entertainment factor, the movie offers education elements, subtly teaching children about the joy of giving, the importance of friendship and teamwork, and the value of having patience and maintaining excitement for the big day.

Kidsongs: We Wish You A Merry Christmas struck a chord with kids and parents alike when it was released in 1992, and continues to freshen up the holiday season with its Christmas spirit and jubilant musical numbers. The movie is more than just holiday entertainment, it is a celebration of childhood and the magic of traditions wrapped up in the joy of song and dance. The movie's intention is clear—to capture the jubilance and anticipation of Christmas among children and it succeeds in every aspect, making it a holiday classic for all families.