Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

film

The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

1971

It's Christmas Eve, early 1930s on Walton's Mountain. As the family prepares for the holiday, they anxiously await Pa's return home from his job in the city some 50 miles away. He is late, and Ma and the grandparents hear on the radio a report of a bus accident that worries them. Oldest son John-Boy must step up to help grandfather cut down a Christmas tree, and upon learning the concern about Daddy sets out to find him.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Mostly gentle family drama, but younger children may find the reported bus accident, separation, and uncertainty about a parent’s safety mildly upsetting. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Religious themes3/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

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What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The family fears Pa may have died in a bus accident, creating suspense, but no main character dies and grief is not a major focus.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Christian faith, prayer, church, and the religious meaning of Christmas are recurring parts of family and community life.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

The parents have a loving marriage, but romance is background rather than a central storyline; there is no sexual content.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes are tense as the family worries about their father's safety during a blizzard.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

There may be minor period-appropriate social or medicinal alcohol use, but it is brief and not glamorized or central.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief, non-graphic depictions of the dangers of traveling in a winter storm.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

John-Boy shows significant courage in venturing out into a storm to find his father.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Inspires reflection on family traditions and the importance of storytelling.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story mainly centers on a white rural Appalachian family in the 1930s, with limited representation of other backgrounds or identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into life during the Great Depression and rural American history.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, empathy, and community support are central narrative themes.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of family unity, resilience during the Great Depression, and love.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The parents are depicted as hardworking, caring, and principled figures.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. What beliefs or religious ideas appear in the story? How do they influence the characters?
  3. Which choice in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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