{"id":12763,"date":"2024-11-03T04:49:14","date_gmt":"2024-11-03T11:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=12763"},"modified":"2025-10-24T13:50:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T20:50:57","slug":"all-about-family-the-true-meaning-of-christmas-and-helping-others-in-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/all-about-family-the-true-meaning-of-christmas-and-helping-others-in-need\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever * All About Family, The True Meaning Of Christmas, And Helping Others In Need"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-12771\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-poster.jpg?resize=124%2C186&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"124\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-poster.jpg?resize=200%2C300&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-poster.jpg?w=533&amp;ssl=1 533w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 124px) 100vw, 124px\" \/>The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully&#8230;and now they&#8217;ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play&#8217;s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. comments, \u201cIn Emmanuel it\u2019s Christmas time and it&#8217;s time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene, ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?\u201d Carter P. adds, \u201cI like <em>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<\/em>.\u00a0 It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.\u201d See their full review and interview with director Dallas Jenkins below.<\/p>\n<p>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<br \/>\nBy Ryan M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v-Tr_BB9ZoA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In Emmanuel it\u2019s Christmas time and it&#8217;s time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Gxwr_jN86ME?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12770\" style=\"width: 258px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12770\" class=\" wp-image-12770\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231219-00229rc.jpg?resize=248%2C165&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"248\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231219-00229rc.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231219-00229rc.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231219-00229rc.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12770\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kynlee Heiman, Matthew Lamb, Mason Nelligan, Beatrice Schneider, Ewan Wood, Essek Moore. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The storyline is about a town preparing for their much awaited 75th Christmas pageant. Unfortunately, the organizer, Mrs. Armstrong (Meriam Bernstein) breaks both her legs, so Grace (Judy Greer) volunteers to replace her to organize the pageant. Hoping to get free snacks, the Herdmans force their way into the pageant, creating chaos all around them and putting Grace under a lot of pressure to replace them.\u00a0 Grace is facing a difficult time to get the pageant going and the final results leave everyone speechless.<\/p>\n<p>I love every character in this movie, especially the Herdmans \u2013 Beatrice Schneider as Imogene, Mason D. Nelligan as Ralph, Matthew Lamb as Claude, Evan Wood as Leroy, Essek Moore as Ollie, Kynlee Heiman as Gladys.<\/p>\n<p>The main characters are almost all kids and their performances as bullies are outstanding, and we also see their vulnerability eventually.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12769\" style=\"width: 259px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12769\" class=\" wp-image-12769\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231221-00145rc.jpg?resize=249%2C166&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"249\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231221-00145rc.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231221-00145rc.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231221-00145rc.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12769\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman and Judy Greer as Grace in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There are so many funny moments like when Gladys jumps and scares the three boys. This movie is based on a best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. Dallas Jenkins\u2019s direction shines in the selection of locations, sets, decor and acting.\u00a0 The film does switch eras between current and the 1920s.<\/p>\n<p>There are a couple of important messages in this movie \u2013\u00a0 a reminder that we should not judge a book by its cover and that everyone deserves a chance to prove what they can do when they feel supported. Be aware that this is a Christian oriented movie presenting the nativity in a very refreshing way.\u00a0 Will it become another recurring Christmas movie?\u00a0 Let\u2019s hope so!<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning Nov 8, 2024. Check it out.<\/p>\n<p>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<br \/>\nBy Carter P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AtBzz9fV0pc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12768\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12768\" class=\" wp-image-12768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-240124-00444rc.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-240124-00444rc.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-240124-00444rc.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-240124-00444rc.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12768\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Essek Moore, Ewan Wood, Lorelei Olivia Mote, Matthew Lamb, Molly Wright as Beth, Beatrice Schneider as Imogene Herdman, Mason Nelligan, Kynlee Heiman, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allen Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I like <em>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<\/em>.\u00a0 It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.<\/p>\n<p>The storyline is about the Herdmans who are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, bully, and now they\u2019ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant.\u00a0The film is based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson.\u00a0 It follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for food and walk away with the lead roles in the town\u2019s Christmas pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time, and she and her daughter, Beth (Molly Belle Wright), along with her husband Bob (Pete Holmes), are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play\u2019s mischievous stars might just end up teaching the community the true meaning of Christmas.<\/p>\n<p>This movie is full of heart and, although the antics of the Herdmans are outrageous, the behaviors of the church children and adults are humorously familiar.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12767\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12767\" class=\" wp-image-12767\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00326rc.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00326rc.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00326rc.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00326rc.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12767\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pete Holmes as Bob and Judy Greer as Grace in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allan Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n<p>It is an entertaining and heartwarming movie for the whole family at Christmas time. It highlights the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most beautiful nativity scene. The costumes and the nativity scene are exceptional.\u00a0 The setting makes it look just like a barn the night Jesus was born.\u00a0 My favorite part is the ending when the children are acting out the play and the nativity scene.\u00a0 The community comes together and realizes what is really important on Christmas.\u00a0 Judy Greer, as Grace, gives a very believable performance as the mother and director of the church performance.\u00a0 She is patient and loving with her community and all of the children.<\/p>\n<p>The children in the film are Charlie (Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez), Imogene (Beatrice Schneider), Claude (Matthew Lamb) Gladys (Kynlee Heiman), Ralph (Mason Nelligan). Speaking of the children, they all give fantastic performances, especially Molly Belle Write as Beth.\u00a0 She is funny and teaches the importance of Christmas and being kind to others.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_12764\" style=\"width: 261px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12764\" class=\" wp-image-12764\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00247rc.jpg?resize=251%2C167&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00247rc.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/bcpe-unit-231208-00247rc.jpg?w=700&amp;ssl=1 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 251px) 100vw, 251px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-12764\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pete Holmes as Bob, Molly Wright as Beth and Judy Greer as Grace in Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo Credit: Allan Fraser<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There is so much chemistry between these characters that I could feel it as I watched the film.\u00a0 They all connect to being there for each other, their church and community.<\/p>\n<p>The film\u2019s message centers on how people should not be judged, how redemption is important, and how tradition can be altered by perspective. It is important for children to learn the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, and this story does just that.<\/p>\n<p>I give <em>The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<\/em> 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults.\u00a0 You can see<em> The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in<\/em> theaters beginning November 8, 2024.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cT7x4HpCICc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, they steal, they bully&#8230;and now they&#8217;ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (The Chosen) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are in over their heads, especially against a town that wants them to kick the Herdmans out. But the play&#8217;s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham. Screenplay by Ryan Swanson, Platte F. Clark and Darin McDaniel.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Ryan M. comments, \u201cIn Emmanuel it\u2019s Christmas time and it&#8217;s time for their annual pageant. But, the Herdmans family, a group of bullying kids led by their older sister Imogene, ruin everything they touch, decide that they will be part of the pageant. Will it be the best pageant ever?\u201d Carter P. adds, \u201cI like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  It is about family, the true meaning of Christmas, helping others in need and is heartfelt and funny at times.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[8358,1783,4371,20,8366,8364,8367,8365,6024,32,1075,5005,4417,4414,8360,8361,8359,8355,636,1166,8356,8357,8362,8363],"class_list":["post-12763","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-beatrice-schneider","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-christian","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-classic","tag-church-comedy","tag-family-christmas-show","tag-family-comedy","tag-family-friendly","tag-family-movies","tag-holiday-movie","tag-judy-greer","tag-kevin-downes","tag-kingdom-story-company","tag-kynlee-heiman","tag-mason-nelligan","tag-matthew-lamb","tag-molly-belle-wright","tag-movie","tag-movie-reviews","tag-pete-holmes","tag-sebastian-billingsley-rodriguez","tag-the-best-christmas-pageant-ever","tag-the-true-meaning-of-christmas"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3jR","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12763","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12763"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12763\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14492,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12763\/revisions\/14492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12763"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12763"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12763"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}