Sunday, November 16, 2014

Buck Denver Asks . . . Why Do We Call It Christmas DVD Review and Giveaway

A couple weeks ago, I was contacted by FlyBy Promotions to review the newly released DVD called Why Do We Call It Christmas from the Buck Denver Asks ... What's in the Bible Series. This was actually one the items I wanted to purchase for my daughter as a Christmas stocking stuffer this year. I eagerly responded with a "Yes" and checked my mailbox daily until its arrival. It has truly been a blessing! One of my favorite holidays to celebrate is Christmas. Each year I try to focus my attention on adding more Christ-centered activities, crafts, movies, and stories to our day. This movie is one that is definitely at the top of our list!

One extra special bonus for reviewing this product is that they generously donated one copy of the DVD for me to giveaway on my blog. Be sure to check out my giveaway at the end of this review.

About the DVD (From the Website)
Cutting down trees? Hanging stockings? Santa Claus? What do any of these have to do with Jesus' birthday? More than you'd think! Join VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer along with intrepid newsman Buck Denver and all his friends on an amazing journey into the world's most popular holiday! Sure, you know the Christmas story. But do you know the story of Christmas? Don't miss the whimsical, educational, "Christmical" party to end all Christmas parties as Buck Denver Asks … Why Do We Call It Christmas?

Topics Addressed
  • Where do we get the word Christmas?
  • Why is it called Christmas?
  • Why do we celebrate on December 25th? 
  • When was Jesus born?
  • What do Christmas trees have to do with Jesus?
  • Who is St. Nicholas? 
  • Who is Santa Claus? Where did he come from?
  • What is Hanukkah?
  • Who is Emmanuel?
  • Luke 2 Story
  • What are the "12 Days of Christmas?"
  • And MUCH MORE
Here’s a little sneak peak of the movie. Watch the video trailer below!

My Thoughts
The creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer, and his crew have developed another fabulous and popular series for children. This 60-minute DVD utilized puppetry and animation to bring the story of Christmas to life. It captured my daughter's attention, but I would suggest breaking the movie up into smaller viewing segments for younger children. Alyssa will turn 7 this week but she's always had a long attention span. Meaningful lessons and fact-oriented topics enabled us to gain a better understanding for the holiday. I have to admit when I saw the list of topics being discussed, I didn't know all the answers to the questions. It was in my best interest to snuggle on the couch, eat some buttered popcorn, and watch the movie with my daughter. 

I was a little worried about the puppetry at first and wondered if they would distract from the message, but this was not the case. The colorful, animated puppets complimented the content with humor. The characters were witty, lovable, and curious. Alyssa couldn't get enough of the puppets and still heard the message loud and clear. Additionally, the sing-a-longs included in the show are playful with catchy tunes. 

I truly appreciated the segment explaining Santa Claus. The true story of St. Nicholas was presented and revealed how "Santa Claus" came to be today. The video was careful not to spoil any secular or Christian traditions that you have with regards to Santa Claus. Furthermore, if you discuss Christmas celebrations around the world, then the Hanukkah segment will appeal to you. A few years ago, I read the history behind the "12 Days of Christmas." I was fascinated with how Christians still followed their beliefs and shared the Word when they were told not to. This section of the video clearly stated the origins and meaning behind the 12 Days of Christmas. Scripture references are scattered throughout the journey. These verses can be memorized or used as a mini devotion with your children. You can discuss how the scripture verses apply to their life. I also loved the explanation about why we have Christmas trees. A missionary named Boniface used the tree as symbol to teach a group of pagans about CHRIST even though they believed trees were sacred.   


The family-friendly content entertained, educated, and informed us. It was a perfect balance! The movie delivers a powerful and important message about the "true" reasons why we celebrate Christmas and explains the historical origins behind the familiar traditions that we cherish while helping children make the relevant connections to the birth of Jesus. My daughter and I are learning more then I ever hoped. 

Bottom Line
Why Do We Call it Christmas is a heart-warming movie that sparked a curiosity in our hearts and minds. The confusion we had about certain traditions slowly faded away after watching this video. It made us want to learn more about our traditions and think about how they relate to the birth of Jesus. Everything seemed historically and biblically accurate as far as I could tell.  

This is a high-quality video production that will capture the attention of your children while providing answers to some often confusing questions. Don't be surprised if you find yourself engaged in the story as well, because it addresses interesting topics. 


We ENJOYED this show and know that this movie will be one we watch every year as a reminder. This production far exceeded my expectations. Personally, I would love to own the entire collection in the What's in the Bible series!    

Price
Visit the What's in the Bible Store to purchase Buck Denver Asks . . . Why Do We Call It Christmas? You won't be disappointed! This DVD retails for $14.99, but it is currently on sale for only $9.97 through 12/18/14. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to receive a FREE Sing through the Bible DVD with your order through 11/18/14 (excluding digital-only purchases). 

Additionally, all orders over $25 receive FREE standard US shipping. Sounds like the perfect time to grab this resource to share with your family this Christmas. There's also a Why Do We Call It Christmas book and other Christmas products available to purchase if desired. 

Note: Prices and deals are subject to change at any time. 

Recommendations
I DEFINITELY recommend Why Do We Call It Christmas to ALL families with children 8 and under searching for a way to explain those tough yet confusing "why" questions that are beautiful children tend to ask us around Christmas time. If you want to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas, then consider purchasing this video. Parents of Christian faith will appreciate the material presented. Consider purchasing this movie as a Christmas gift for a child or relative to enjoy. I also highly suggest that Sunday School teachers add this tool to their Children's Church Library or find a way to implement it into their Christmas study lessons. 

Other Resources
Social Media
Twitter (#WhyDoWeCallItChristmas)
Pinterest
Google+

Be sure to visit the official website to learn more! 

Disclaimer
I received a free, complimentary copy of this product as part of FlyBy Blogger Promotions in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GIVEAWAY TIME
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners are randomly selected using Rafflecopter.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.


Would you like to win a copy of this DVD?
Christmas is right around the corner and this would be a great gift!
Enter the giveaway now for your chance to win. Good luck! 

If you don't see the Rafflecopter widget, please give it time to load or click on the link to enter. Thank you so much!


Thank you for visiting A Learning Journey! Please leave a comment  and enter the giveaway before you leave.


2 comments:

  1. I commented on http://totplay.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-day-using-sonrisas-spanish-school.html#comment-form

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  2. On of my favorite Christmas traditions is that we open presents one at a time from youngest to oldest. I love seeing everyone open each and every gift.

    ReplyDelete