It's a Wonderful Christmas (film)

It's a Wonderful Christmas is a 2025 computer-animated Christmas film directed by Butch Hartman, the creator of The Fairly OddParents, in his directorial debut. Inspired by Home Alone and featuring re-recorded orchestrations from the 2007 album of the same name by Contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith, the film's screenplay was written by Hartman, based on an original idea he developed.

Set in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area during 2007, the story focuses on a high school truant who has been grounded by his parents and has to protect his preschool-aged sister from two thieves (and brothers) who have broken into their house. Along the way, John finds that the true meaning of Christmas not only about being with your family, but also celebrating the birth of Jesus. It is produced by Sanrio Co., Ltd., with partnership from Billionfold, Inc., Robot Communications, Shirogumi, Inc, 1492 Pictures, and 21 Laps Entertainment.

The film was released worldwide on Netflix on November 21, 2025. It received mixed reviews from critics and earned over 30 million viewers.

Story
In 2007 in the small town of Conway, South Carolina, 16-year-old John Sherwood is in a downward spiral. His grades are slipping into straight F's, and he's been constantly lying. His mom Teresa and dad Matthew, are concerned. One week before Christmas, his mom finally snaps and grounds him for the Christmas season when he punches his 3-year-old sister Elizabeth in the stomach after being caught at a party he was forbidden from entering. For the next few days counting down to Christmas Day, his laptop, car keys, and cell phone have been confiscated. He is only to do chores and catch-up homework from the high school classes he had skipped up to this point, and is forbidden from leaving the house. Not to mention he will not be getting any presents as a result of what he had done.

While his parents are out doing last-minute Christmas shopping, he has to stay home and take care of Elizabeth. It is at that point when two burglars, brothers Timmy and Jimmy Jones, break in. And now, John has to find a way to outsmart the two thieving brothers and protect his younger sister.

Characters
John Sherwood (Grant Palmer) - The main protagonist. A rebellious teenager who has been grounded for a month after sneaking out to a party and punching his younger sister in the stomach as a result of getting caught. He now has to protect her while they're left home alone during their parents' last-minute Christmas shopping errand.

Teresa Sherwood (Erin Krakow) - John's mother. She is incredibly concerned about her son's recent behavior.

Matthew Sherwood (Daniel Lissing) - John's father, who is just as concerned about his son as Teresa.

Timmy Jones (Jay Leno) - a burglar who breaks into the Sherwood family household while John and Elizabeth have to stay home.

Jimmy Jones (Jason Bateman) - Timmy's brother.

Transcript
It's a Wonderful Christmas (film)/Transcript

Credits
It's a Wonderful Christmas (film)/Credits