Let me confess: I love an awkward family Christmas photo.
You know the kind…
The ones where someone’s blinking; some family member is halfway cut out of the frame; there could be a cat involved; at least one kid is pouting or pulling some kind of face; and if you’re lucky, there’s a truly regrettable sweater involved. These photos are a time capsule of imperfection, and honestly, they are my favorite holiday laugh.
This year, I dug into the archives to unearth a gem: one of my family’s awkward Christmas photos featuring my five kids. Three of them aren’t even looking at the camera — intentionally, mind you — there is some “inappropriate” boy humor when it comes to two ornaments; and it’s just the kind of chaotic beauty that perfectly sums up the holidays. (You can see it below. You’re welcome.)
And it’s also why I am obsessed with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie. Because nothing captures the hilarity, heart, and holy mess of the holidays quite like this story.
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Plot
Adapted from Barbara Robinson’s classic 1971 book, this movie is a love letter to every kid who ever wore a wonky angel costume and every mom who cried tears of joy when it didn’t all fall apart.
At the center of the story are the Herdmans — six scrappy siblings with zero filter, zero experience with church, and zero interest in following the rules. Naturally, they take over the annual Christmas pageant, much to the horror of the town. What unfolds is a chaotic, hilarious, and deeply moving look at grace, kindness, and how sometimes the most unexpected people end up teaching us the biggest lessons.
It’s basically like looking at one of those awkward family photos — you start out laughing, and then, by the end, you’re wiping away a tear.
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ Movie Review
Y’all, this movie is everything I hoped it would be. It’s funny, it’s heartfelt, and it beautifully captures the spirit of the original book. The cast is phenomenal (more on Judy Greer in a minute), and the production strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern charm.
What I loved most, though, is how relatable it feels. The Herdmans are a little wild and a lot messy, but aren’t we all? Whether you’re the kid holding the baby Jesus doll upside down or the mom praying the sheep costumes hold up for one more scene, this story will resonate with you.
It’s a reminder that the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, the magic is in the mess. And sometimes, that mess is immortalized in a Christmas photo you’ll laugh at for decades.
Inside ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ with Judy Greer
Now, let’s talk about Judy Greer, who plays the mom in this movie and is as delightful in real life as she is on-screen. If you caught our recent For The Love podcast episode together (if not, listen here), you already know she’s a national treasure.
Judy told me that filming this movie felt like stepping into a real-life Christmas pageant, complete with all the hilarity and heart that comes with it. She nailed the role of the overwhelmed-but-determined mom trying to hold everything together—a vibe I think we all recognize, especially if you’ve ever tried to orchestrate a family photo where everyone looks happy.
Judy also shared some behind-the-scenes moments, including what it was like to film the movie in wintry Winnipeg with a cast full of kids on set. She also said what’s so beautiful about the story is that it’s about unity, compassion, and empathy. And it’s about being welcoming.
The Charm of Awkward Family Christmas Photos
Let’s be honest: Perfect Christmas photos are overrated. The awkward ones? They’re where the real stories live.
But here’s the thing: These photos aren’t just funny, they’re a snapshot of what the holidays are really about. They’re messy, chaotic, and completely beautiful in their imperfection. Just like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, they remind us that what makes the holidays special isn’t how perfect they look but how they make us feel.
If you’re looking for a holiday movie that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even reflect on your own awkward family photos, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is it. It’s a celebration of the mess, the magic, and the meaning of Christmas—all rolled into one.
So gather your crew, put on those matching pajamas (or don’t, no judgment), and enjoy this film together. And if you happen to capture an awkward photo along the way, embrace it. Years from now, that’s the one you’ll cherish most.
Happy watching, friends (you can see a sneak preview here). And remember: it’s not about the perfect picture—it’s about the people in it.
