Angela’s Christmas is a heartwarming animated film and book that has captivated the hearts of many.
The story is based on the children’s book “Angela and the Baby Jesus,” written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the book and film, from the story’s inspiration to the memorable quotes and soundtrack.
The story behind Angela’s Christmas: Frank McCourt’s inspiration
Frank McCourt, the author of “Angela and the Baby Jesus,” drew inspiration for the story from his own childhood experiences.
Raised in the impoverished streets of Limerick, Ireland, he was surrounded by a loving family who constantly struggled to make ends meet. As the eldest of seven siblings and the son of an alcoholic father, McCourt experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life in Ireland during the 1930s and 1940s.
These experiences would later inspire him to write his best-selling memoir, “Angela’s Ashes,” which would go on to win the Pulitzer Prize.
The story of Angela’s Christmas is based on a story McCourt’s mother, Angela, told her children during the Christmas season.
The tale of a young girl’s determination to bring warmth and comfort to the baby Jesus on a cold Christmas Eve resonated with McCourt and would later become the basis for his children’s book.
Book summary: Angela and the Baby Jesus
“Angela and the Baby Jesus” tells the story of six-year-old Angela, who is deeply concerned for the baby Jesus in the nativity scene at her local church.
Worried that Jesus is cold lying in the manger, she decides to take matters into her own hands by “rescuing” the baby Jesus and bringing him home to warm him up. Her actions cause quite a stir in the small Irish town, leading to a series of events that ultimately teach Angela and her family the true meaning of Christmas.
The book is filled with warmth and humor, making it an enjoyable read for both children and adults alike.
McCourt’s vivid descriptions of life in Limerick during the early 20th century provide an engaging backdrop for the story, while his ability to capture the innocence and determination of a young child make it a heartwarming and memorable tale.
Film summary: Angela’s Christmas
“Angela’s Christmas” is a 2017 animated short film directed by Damien O’Connor and based on the book “Angela and the Baby Jesus” by Frank McCourt.
The film follows the same storyline as the book, with the young Angela (voiced by Lucy O’Connell) setting out to ensure the baby Jesus is warm and comfortable on a cold Christmas Eve.
The film captures the spirit of the book, with stunning animation bringing to life the town of Limerick and its inhabitants, while the voice cast, which includes Ruth Negga and Brian Gleeson, brings depth and emotion to the characters.
The film has received critical acclaim and was even nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program.
A parent’s guide to Angela’s Christmas
“Angela’s Christmas” is a delightful film and book that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The story teaches important lessons about kindness, empathy, and the true meaning of Christmas, making it a perfect addition to any holiday movie marathon or bedtime reading list.
Parents should be aware that the film and book do touch on themes of poverty and hardship, which may be difficult for some children to understand.
However, these themes are presented in a way that is sensitive and age-appropriate, allowing for valuable discussions with children about the importance of helping others and appreciating the things we have.
When and where does Angela’s Christmas take place?
“Angela’s Christmas” takes place in Limerick, Ireland, during the early 20th century.
The story is set on Christmas Eve, giving the tale a magical and festive atmosphere. The historical setting allows readers and viewers to gain insight into the challenges faced by families during this time, while still maintaining a lighthearted and heartwarming tone.
Film locations: Bringing Angela’s Christmas to life
Although “Angela’s Christmas” is an animated film, the creators went to great lengths to ensure that the setting accurately reflected the Limerick of Frank McCourt’s childhood.
The animation team visited Limerick and studied photographs and historical records to create a realistic depiction of the town and its architecture.
The film’s locations include the iconic St. Mary’s Cathedral, where the nativity scene that inspires Angela’s actions is located, as well as the streets and houses of Limerick, which are brought to life with meticulous detail.
Who’s who in Angela’s Christmas: Character breakdown
The main characters in “Angela’s Christmas” include:
- Angela: The young protagonist of the story, voiced by Lucy O’Connell in the film. Angela is a kind-hearted and determined girl who wants to ensure that the baby Jesus is warm and comfortable on Christmas Eve.
- Mother: Angela’s mother, voiced by Ruth Negga in the film. She is a loving and patient woman who cares deeply for her family and tries to instill good values in her children.
- Dorothy: Angela’s older sister, who often teases and argues with her younger sibling but ultimately supports her actions.
- Tom: A local boy who helps Angela in her quest to warm up the baby Jesus and learns a valuable lesson in the process.
- Aggie: The town’s gossip, who spreads rumors about Angela’s actions and causes a commotion in the community.
Memorable quotes from Angela’s Christmas
“Angela’s Christmas” is filled with memorable quotes that capture the spirit of the story and its characters.
Some notable examples include:
- “It’s not stealing if it’s for a good reason.” – Angela, justifying her decision to take the baby Jesus from the nativity scene.
- “The baby Jesus is cold. I have to warm him up, or he’ll catch a death of cold.” – Angela, explaining her actions to her family.
- “You can’t put a price on the warmth of a baby’s heart.” – Angela’s mother, comforting Angela after the events of the story.
Where to watch ‘Angela’s Christmas’ – streaming, download and DVD options
‘Angela’s Christmas’ is currently available to stream on various online platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Netflix.
The movie is also available on DVD and Blu-ray; nice idea for a gift to a ‘Angela’s Christmas’s fan.
The soundtrack by Darren Hendley
The film “Angela’s Christmas” features a beautiful and moving soundtrack composed by Darren Hendley.
The music perfectly complements the story, capturing the emotions and atmosphere of the tale.
The soundtrack includes instrumental pieces as well as original songs, such as “Angela’s Christmas Theme,” which has become a favorite among fans of the film.
‘Angela’s Christmas’ screenplay by Will Collins and Damien O’Connor – Analysis, and where to download it
Will Collins and Damien O’Connor wrote the screenplay for Angela’s Christmas, doing an excellent job of bringing the story to life on the screen.
While there were some changes made to accommodate the format of a movie, the screenplay does a good job of capturing the essence of the story.
The screenplay is available for download online, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting or movie-making.
The screenplay provides insight into Will Collins and Damien O’Connor’s creative process and his approach to storytelling.
Curiosities and trivia about Angela’s Christmas
- The film “Angela’s Christmas” has a running time of just 30 minutes, making it a short but sweet addition to any holiday movie marathon.
- Frank McCourt’s book “Angela and the Baby Jesus” was published posthumously in 2007, two years after his death.
- The film was produced by Irish animation studio Brown Bag Films, known for their work on other popular children’s shows such as “Doc McStuffins” and “Octonauts.”
Tips for Angela’s Christmas cosplay and dressing like the characters
If you’re looking to dress up as your favorite characters from “Angela’s Christmas,” here are some tips to help you get started:
- Angela: For Angela’s outfit, look for a simple dress with a Peter Pan collar, a cardigan, and a pair of Mary Jane shoes. Add a brown wig with bangs and a red ribbon to complete the look.
- Mother: To dress like Angela’s mother, wear a long skirt, a blouse with a high collar, and a shawl or cardigan. A bun hairstyle and simple makeup will help you achieve her appearance.
- Dorothy: Dorothy’s outfit consists of a dress with a dropped waist, a cardigan or sweater, and knee-high socks. A short, curly wig and a headband will complete the look.
- Tom: To dress like Tom, wear knickerbockers or rolled-up trousers, a button-up shirt, a vest, and a newsboy cap. Add a pair of suspenders for an extra touch of authenticity.
- Aggie: Aggie’s outfit can be created with a long skirt, a blouse with a high collar, and a shawl or cardigan. A hat or headscarf and a pair of glasses will complete the look.
Gadgets and collectibles related to ‘Angela’s Christmas’
If you’re a fan of ‘Angela’s Christmas’, there are several gadgets and collectibles that you may be interested in, such as action figures, posters, t-shirts, and other memorabilia.
These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie.
Video games based on Angela’s Christmas
While there are currently no video games directly based on “Angela’s Christmas,” fans of the story may enjoy interactive holiday-themed games that capture the spirit of the season. Some popular options include “Christmas Stories: Nutcracker,” “Santa’s Christmas Solitaire,” and “The Christmas Spirit: Mother Goose’s Untold Tales.”
Frank McCourt: Biography and other works
Frank McCourt was born in New York City in 1930, but his family moved back to Ireland when he was four years old.
He spent much of his childhood in Limerick, where “Angela’s Christmas” is set, and later moved to the United States, where he taught writing at several universities.
McCourt’s most famous work is his memoir “Angela’s Ashes,” which was published in 1996 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography.
The book tells the story of his childhood in Limerick and has been praised for its powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions of poverty and hardship.
McCourt also wrote two other memoirs, “Tis” and “Teacher Man,” which further explore his life experiences and career as a teacher. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 78.
Angela’s Christmas ending explained
The ending of “Angela’s Christmas” is both heartwarming and bittersweet.
After Angela’s “rescue” of the baby Jesus causes a commotion in the town, she is forced to return him to the nativity scene.
However, her actions have inspired the community to come together and donate blankets and warm clothing to the needy families in Limerick.
The final scene of the film shows Angela and her family sitting down to Christmas dinner, surrounded by the warmth and love of their community.
It’s a poignant reminder that while the holiday season may be about gifts and material possessions, it’s ultimately about coming together and caring for one another.
When does ‘Angela’s Christmas 3’ come out ? Sequel updates
Given the huge success of ‘Angela’s Christmas 3’, we are all waiting for the release date of the sequel or the announcement of a spin-off of the movie.
They do that about anything now, I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it about Angela’s Christmas.
In recent months, some statements by Damien O’Connor and Ruth Negga hint at an imminent date on the release of ‘Angela’s Christmas 3’, and we will keep you updated as soon as we have a firm date.
While waiting for the official release of Angela’s Christmas’ new chapter, you could relive the emotions and mood of the movie by reading the book ‘Angela and the Baby Jesus’ or Frank McCourt’s other books.
Damien O’Connor: Other films and projects
Damien O’Connor, the director of “Angela’s Christmas,” has worked on several other films and television shows throughout his career.
He is the founder of Brown Bag Films, the Irish animation studio behind “Angela’s Christmas,” and has directed several other projects for the company, including the animated TV series “Octonauts.”
O’Connor has also directed several short films, including “I’m Fine, Thanks” and “After You,” which have been screened at film festivals around the world.
Similar films and books to Angela’s Christmas
If you enjoyed “Angela’s Christmas,” there are several other films and books that you may also enjoy:
- “The Polar Express” (2004): This animated film, based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, tells the story of a young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
- “A Christmas Carol” (1984): This classic film, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his journey to find the true meaning of Christmas.
- “Little Women” (2019): This adaptation of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott tells the story of four sisters growing up during the Civil War and their struggles and triumphs as they navigate life and love.
- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (1983): This made-for-TV movie, based on the book by Barbara Robinson, tells the story of a group of mischievous children who take over their town’s Christmas pageant.
- “The Snowman” (1982): This animated short film, based on the book by Raymond Briggs, tells the story of a young boy who builds a snowman that comes to life and takes him on a magical adventure.
As for books, fans of “Angela’s Christmas” may also enjoy:
- “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” by Susan Wojciechowski: This heartwarming story tells the tale of a grumpy woodcarver who learns the true meaning of Christmas when he is asked to carve a nativity scene for a young boy.
- “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: This classic short story tells the tale of a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy Christmas gifts for one another.
- “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore: This beloved poem tells the story of a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and is a classic holiday tale that has been enjoyed by generations of children.
Conclusion
“Angela’s Christmas” is a timeless tale that captures the true spirit of the holiday season. Whether you’re reading the book or watching the film, the story is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the importance of kindness, empathy, and community.
We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with everything you need to know about “Angela’s Christmas,” from the story’s inspiration to the memorable quotes and soundtrack.
So grab some hot cocoa, cozy up with your loved ones, and enjoy this heartwarming tale this holiday season.
