This heartwarming family Christmas film stays true to the humor and heart of the book. Like the beloved novel it’s based on, The best Christmas competition ever doesn’t shy away from showing the six Herdman siblings – Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Claude, Ollie and Gladys – in all their “worst kids ever” glory (yes, they smoke!). Beatrice Schneider shines as Imogene, the intimidating and feisty leader who relishes the drama of the competition. The Herdmans’ growing interest in the Nativity story is both endearing and a reminder of how little they learned about Christmas in their homogeneous Christian community. Their mother, mostly absent, has never explained its meaning and leaves the children to fend for themselves in every way.

The young actors capture their characters well and the church mothers are amusingly judgmental, which makes the “terrible” Herdmans all the more likeable. Graham’s narration is both heartfelt and funny. Director Dallas Jenkins, known for his faith-based projects like The elected officialsmakes this adaptation accessible to secular audiences while retaining enough spiritual elements to appeal to Christian families. With a light touch of evangelism, the film offers an old-fashioned Christmas comedy, filled with laughter and a heartfelt message.