Parents' Guide to

A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Kermit and friends deliver a cheery holiday tale.

Movie G 2008 60 minutes
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 11 parent reviews

Markoosh
Markoosh Adult
November 21, 2021
age 16+

Unbelievable - NOT for kids

I cannot believe this received an “age 4+” rating. At 11 minutes into the movie a woman an an extremely low cut dress with TONS of breast exposure is introduced as the result of a “wish” made by Beaker. She is very obviously meant to be sexual and is moving around, kissing, and pawing at him in a seductive manner. 100% NOT appropriate for kids and I was astounded it was in a muppets movie. I can’t even attest to the rest of the movie because we immediately turned it off. We have four sons and are raising them to understand that viewing women in a sexual manner is not appropriate. Likewise, that it is inappropriate for women to dress and behave sexually. But in a movie for CHILDREN?!! Good lord…..no thanks!!
foreveraking
foreveraking Adult
November 27, 2021
age 18+

Too much sexy stuff & inappropriate content

This movie is not appropriate for kids! Early on there's scene with Beaker and he makes a wish and a woman in a tight fitting short red dress appears by his side hugging and touching Beaker. Shows women as sex symbols and that it's okay for men to want them solely for their sex appeal. Then the little prawn guy flirts with, oogles, and makes suggestive noises/comments to any lady who appears. Pass on this one!
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It's Christmas Eve, and Muppet friends Kermit (voiced by Steve Whitmire), Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson), Fozzie Bear (also Jacobson), and Gonzo (Dave Goelz) are finishing up their errands before heading off on a Caribbean vacation. When Gonzo's curiosity causes mayhem at the post office, he mistakenly leaves with some letters addressed to Santa, including one from his young neighbor, Claire (Madison Pettis). Determined to follow through on his promise to mail them for her, Gonzo persuades his friends to forego their vacation and instead set out for the North Pole to deliver the letters directly to Santa. Not surprisingly their journey is fraught with mishaps -- but with holiday magic to back them up, they discover the true spirit of Christmas.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (11 ):
Kids say (1 ):

A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA is as fulfilling to the holiday spirit as Christmas dinner is to the holiday appetite. Few other stuffed stars can rival the Muppets' unique blend of comedy, adventure, and musical accomplishment, and this special weaves themes like loyalty, friendship, and good will into a delightful, tune-filled tale that the entire family can enjoy together.

While the story is clearly geared toward kids, adults in particular will get a kick out of seeing celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, and Sopranos heavies Tony Sirico and Steve Schirripa -- who make mobsters seem as cuddly as the Muppets themselves -- try to keep pace with their cushiony costars. Whether you grew up with the Muppets or this is your (or your kids') first time meeting them, you'll be enchanted from start to finish by this heartwarming holiday tale.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why the Muppets have been so popular for so long. Do you enjoy the Muppets' adventures? Why or why not?

  • Why do you think these characters still appeal to viewers decades after their debut? What is it that makes them appealing to both adults and kids?

  • What other Muppet movies have you seen? How did this one compare to those? How have the Muppets changed over the years? Can you think of any other characters that have enjoyed similar popularity with fans?

Movie Details

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