I was recently given the opportunity to see the movie The Heart of Christmas.
SYNOPSIS
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS, set in Washington, Illinois at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, tells the story of Dax Ryan Locke, who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 13 months old. Told in flashback from the perspective of his mother Megan, a successful businesswoman, the storyline unfolds when her commitment to faith and family is renewed after reading a spiritual blog. After neglecting her family due to her business commitments, Megan is stunned to find hundreds of homes lit up for Christmas on Halloween. Confused by this scene, Megan is moved to learn that her neighbors Mark and Trish have rallied the community to bring Christmas holiday cheer to the Locke family upon Dax’s final return home from St. Jude. Dax’s father Austin is deeply concerned about Dax’s prognosis but optimistic and open to new forms of treatment. During their hospital stay they meet others facing the same situation who encourage them to blog about their journey. We also meet the team of incredible doctors who provide great care but are ultimately unsuccessful in curing Dax’s cancer. Determined to give Dax one last Christmas, Austin surprises Julie and Dax with a Christmas tree – even though it’s October. The neighbors quickly catch on and surprise the Lockes by showing up at their home to give Dax, his family, and the community at large a magical night to remember.
The fact that the movie is based on a true story and that part of the proceeds from the DVD purchase goes towards St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital makes this a must-see. The storyline is one that will touch your heart, make you smile, make you cry and cause you to truly appreciate your own life and children more. Although I can’t say the acting was award winning drama I do believe it made a great Christmas movie.
This movie really hit home for me for many reasons. When Gabby first went into the hospital for her Hemispherectomy it was a very scary time for us. I felt lost and confused, alone… The mother of Dax starts a blog to keep their family and friends informed on his progress while living in the hospital. I remember those days. I started our first family blog when Gabby was admitted into the hospital for the extended stay. I will be honest, I started the blog so I didn’t have to communicate with multiple people. I didn’t want to think about what was going on with Gabby let alone explain it in detail to every family member, co-worker and friend that called. It was upsetting and exhausting. Of course as a mom I appreciated all the support and prayers so I didn’t want to just shut everyone out, therefore the blog made sharing our news run smoothly.
I’m a strong believer in taking part in your community. Seeing the whole neighborhood join together and celebrate Christmas early just to see Dax smile was amazing. I just wish we had neighbors that were half as close to us as the Locke’s experienced. A strong community is so important and such a blessing.
Have you seen The Heart of Christmas? What was your favorite part? Are your community members supportive of one another?
I’m giving away two copies of The Heart of Christmas on DVD. Just enter the Rafflecopter form below.
Full Disclosure: I received a copy of The Heart of Christmas for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine.
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I’m a military kid. One year my dad was in Korea during Christmas, so my mom did a special 12 Days of Christmas thing for us four kids. Every day she read from a booklet about the meaning of each gift from the song, and then we’d all open one present.
Emily Rachelle´s last [type] ..Iiiit’s Party Time!
My favorite memories are of Christ,as morning with my brothers.
The quiet time with my husband and daughter at the holidays!
I treasure time with my husband who works out of town. momlovesdeals at gmail dot com
I love spending time with family. Have not seen the movie, would love to.
Going to Union Square in San Francisco to see the big tree at Macys
The Christmas as a child when I gave my sister a present she really wanted. I was so excited to give it to her.
i cherish the moments when we’re able to get the whole family together including my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.
All of us together and making memories each year.
Lisa´s last [type] ..October Books and Movies
Christmas 2011 – the last Christmas with my Dad.
Dinner with everyone around the table is always my special memory’s!
Eating a big family breakfast
My oldest was only a month old his first Christmas and I remember going over board with gifts for him.. He slept the whole time and I kept showing him all the things “santa” got him. And I couldn’t wait to dress him up and decorate the house for him.. LIke I said though he was only 1 month old and didn’t realize I did any of this.
But I cherish this memory because for the first time ever in my adult life Christmas was magical again. My oldest is now 5 and I love that he can help decorate and bake cookies.
Making cookies for santa on christmas eve with my grandmother.
mundaneminnie at gmail dot com
I cherish memories of Christmas with my grandparents and big family dinners with all my cousins and extended family.
With my father, now that he has passed away, I cherish those times even more.
Decorating & baking with my kids!