A Charming Film Starring Zachary Levi as Teddy

A film that highlights the Christmas spirit about a talking teddy bear. Zachary Levi stars as the voice of Teddy who is as imaginative as the little girl who wants to own him. Teddy’s Christmas Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children. 

This film was originally titled Teddybjørnens Jul and released in Norway in 2022.

Teddy’s Christmas Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

Snowflakes, fragrant almonds and twinkling lights create the perfect atmosphere at Mariann’s (8) Christmas market visit when suddenly she discovers an unbelievable secret: on the top shelf of the lottery booth, the sweetest teddy bear has just moved his head and started sniffing. Feeling an instant connection with the living toy, Mariann can’t think of any better wish for Christmas and tries to win him. However, Teddy has different plans, dreaming of a wealthy owner who can teach him everything the world has to offer. But when Teddy is taken away to a woodshed, his new best friend, the hedgehog Bella, helps him realise what really counts in life.

My Synopsis:

Eight-year-old Mariann is a girl with a vivid imagination, and when she believes she sees a teddy bear move on the top shelf of a carnival game booth, she is committed to getting that bear. However, when she goes back with money, the bear has already been won by a mysterious man. Now, the movie shows us Mariann’s obsession with finding the bear, but it also highlights the most adorable stuffed teddy bear, voiced by Zachary Levi, and his vision of finding a rich family to take him on travels around the world. While Mariann is learning about selfishness and the true meaning of Christmas, Teddy is busy learning some lessons, too. His lessons come from his new hedgehog friend who teaches him about hugs and family.

Teddy’s Christmas Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

There is no foul language. However, there are a few uses of crude language, such as dang and stupid. 

An animal-shaped candy is being eaten, and the comment is made, “You can have a piece from the butt.”

Violence:

Since this movie is rated G, there is very little violence. However, there are some accidents. A Christmas tree gets knocked over. 

Mariann’s dad “yells” and gets a little angry. Mariann says, “He doesn’t see the things I see.” (He does apologize for yelling). 

A child breaks into a house and ends up breaking a Christmas present.

Spiritual Content:

This film has talking toys. Is this one girls imagination or “magical toys.” There really isn’t ever an answer to this. In fact, this is similar to Toy Story as no one but the young girl sees the toys move or talk.

There is a mention of a “spirit.” I assume it is a Norwegian spirit.

A young boy asks his dad if he is Santa. The dad says, “No.” the boy asks, “Do you swear?” The dad says, “I swear.”

Other Content:

At one point, the Teddy Bear says, “Rich teddy bears are happy teddy bears.” He learns that this is not the truth.

Furthermore, the mom says, “Daddy & mommy make mistakes too. Especially Daddy. He’s such a klutz.” While it is true, it probably isn’t the best thing to say to a child about their father. 

Grandma & Grandpa kiss (this happens in my house, too!), and Mom and Dad cuddle in bed. 

Deception:

Mariann is told to clean up her room, and she haphazardly cleans it by placing everything on a carpet and rolling it up. She shoves the entire thing into a wardrobe.

Positive Content:

This film highlights a Christmas holiday in a small town in Norway during an unspecified period. However, it does appear there are cars and electricity. It may be mid-century (1950s).

It depicts a simpler time with few Christmas presents and overall possessions. The Christmas activities involved getting a tree, decorating the tree, gingerbread cookies, grandma and grandpa coming, and a Christmas market.

Furthermore, mom handles situations in a loving and caring manner. Even when faced with challenges in raising children, she does not overreact. 

After a young person breaks a friend’s Christmas present, they give up their big present to replace it. 

Teddy’s Christmas Christian Review – My Viewing Recommendations

This is a Norwegian film that was filmed in a Norwegian town. Furthermore, it is dubbed in English. However, it is an adorable film that is suitable for the whole family. Be aware that it may be too slow-moving for some children. One of the most endearing messages of this film is the true importance of family, and it is better to give than receive.

Teaching with Teddy’s Christmas:

This is one of the better Christmas movies we have seen this year. Furthermore, it has plenty of teachable content. The most notable is how Mariann makes amends when she breaks someone else’s property. Discuss how we should take responsibility for our actions and the importance of not just apologizing but also making amends, which includes restitution.

Another great idea is to use this movie to teach about the holiday season in Norway and their Christmas customs. It is always exciting to learn about different traditions around the world.

​Additionally, you can teach your child about making the holiday season special without the hustle and bustle. Adopt some new traditions, or add some old ones that you have never done before or only did as a child.

About the Movie:

Rating: G

Release Date: December 1, 2023 (United States)

Runtime: 1 hour, 16 minutes

Genre: Family/Adventure

Studio: Fantefilm Fiksjon

From Alf Prøysens Wonderful Universe

Director: Andrea Eckerbom

Written by: Lars Gudmestad, Harald Rosenløw Eeg

Producer: Martin Sundland

The Cast of Teddy’s Christmas

Mariann played by Marte Klerck-Nilssen

Teddy voiced by Zachary Levi

Roger (dad) played Jan Gunnar Røise 

Hilda (mom) played by Mariann Hole

Paula played by Medina Iqbal

Paula’s dad played by Nader Khademi

Bolla voiced by Lene Kongsvik Johansen

Lillebror played by Vegard Strand Eide

Aspen played by Gunn Tove Grønsberg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Teddy’s Christmas?

Teddy’s Christmas was released in theaters December 1, 2023. At that time, it was not streaming.

What Norwegian customs are highlighted in Teddy’s Christmas?

Risengrynsgrøt is a rice porridge with cinnamon, sugar, and butter that is served on Christmas Eve and includes a boiled almond. Whoever gets the serving of rice pudding with the almond gets a marzipan pig.

Julenissen: This fairy tale creature delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. He wears a red hat and has a beard.

The local Christmas Market is very popular in Norway.

Who released the film, and in what countries has it been released?

This film was originally released in Norway by Nordisk Film. Capelight Films released it in Germany. Ascot Elite released it in Switzerland. Additionally, Polyfilm was responsible for the release in Austria, while KMBO released it in France. 

Who is Alf Prøysen?

Teddy’s Christmas is part of a Christmas trilogy by Alf Prøysen. The first was Santa Swap Merry Christmas Mr. Andersen by Terge Rangnes, and Forgotten Christmas directed by Andrea Eckerbom.

But who was Alf Prøysen? Alf was born in 1914 in Rudshøgda, Norway, and died in 1970 in Oslo, Norway. He is best known for being an author, poet, and songwriter. Teddy’s Christmas is based on Alf Prøysen’s song “Teddybjørnens Vise.”