This film is an honest documentary that examines how a variety of people think about Christmas and their experiences with it, from the past to the present.
I really enjoyed this film and found it insightful. The plot is easily relatable because it highlights struggles and expectations that come with celebrating the holidays. The camera work is crystal clear; the angles and shots are amazing and give good contrast to the many different perspectives that we see. The different spokespersons talk about what Christmas time was like for them and what they find stressful about Christmas. For example there is a woman who recalls working at a retail store during COVID19 on Christmas and she describes it as exhausting, stressful and full of anxiety. Many of the people who speak are in costume, Christmas attire - Santa hats, elf inspired clothing and are other things symbolic to Christmas. The sets are informal - in private homes, on the beach, and elsewhere where families celebrate Christmas. The background music is well selected, ranging from cheerful to very sad, depending on the stories that people are telling. The music really stands out, especially the orchestra pieces by Tchaikovsky as they represent the Christmas spirit perfectly. I can't decide which one is my favorite because all of the parts were my favorite parts.
The film's message is to not stress out about Christmas; remember that it's more about family than presents.
I give Stressmas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sumay B. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
This film is an honest documentary that examines how a variety of people think about Christmas and their experiences with it, from the past to the present.
I really enjoyed this film and found it insightful. The plot is easily relatable because it highlights struggles and expectations that come with celebrating the holidays. The camera work is crystal clear; the angles and shots are amazing and give good contrast to the many different perspectives that we see. The different spokespersons talk about what Christmas time was like for them and what they find stressful about Christmas. For example there is a woman who recalls working at a retail store during COVID19 on Christmas and she describes it as exhausting, stressful and full of anxiety. Many of the people who speak are in costume, Christmas attire - Santa hats, elf inspired clothing and are other things symbolic to Christmas. The sets are informal - in private homes, on the beach, and elsewhere where families celebrate Christmas. The background music is well selected, ranging from cheerful to very sad, depending on the stories that people are telling. The music really stands out, especially the orchestra pieces by Tchaikovsky as they represent the Christmas spirit perfectly. I can't decide which one is my favorite because all of the parts were my favorite parts.
The film's message is to not stress out about Christmas; remember that it's more about family than presents.
I give Stressmas 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Sumay B. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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