Now Available -- THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS on DVD (Review and Giveaway)

 Buy now for only $10.95 from Amazon.

 Synopsis:

"Based on a true story that gained national attention, the film tells the story of Austin and Julie Locke, who are devastated to learn that their young son Dax has been diagnosed with cancer.  With courage, determination and faith they decide to give the boy one last Christmas – even if it has to be in October!  When the community sees their decorations and learns the truth of what’s going on in their home, a truly moving outpouring of care and support occurs that people really need to see to believe. It’s a great relief to know that this kind of thing really occurs in our society today, despite all our problems.

THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS is also a tremendous Christmas film that many families will add to their favorite holiday movie collections. It teaches valuable lessons about life, faith and community and features popular singer/songwriter Matthew West, whose title song received Emmy® nomination."

My Thoughts:

With the holidays fast approaching, I am seeing more and more holiday films hitting store shelves, and expect to see and watch over a dozen more on television.  But, when it comes to the holidays and family friendly movies, I am always drawn to true stories or those that offer hope.  Being a young adult cancer survivor myself, I value each and every day I am given to spend time with my family and friends.  And, the holidays are the best time of year to use as a way to show them how much they mean to me.  But, as I have to go for frequent scans and doctors visits at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, I see other pediatric and adult cancer patients just starting their fight, or continuing a never ending battle, which they and their family hope they win.  Moments like these make me realize how precious life is, and how important it is to slow down and really enjoy those around you.

With that being said, I had the opportunity to watch a screener of The Heart of Christmas last night, and was in tears from start to finish.  If you cry at movies, this movie will have you going through a box or two of tissues.  But, after you are done watching the movie, you will be glad that you did, as it will make you reassess your life and busy workload, and make you want to enjoy the upcoming holidays, as you never know what can happen to you or someone you love.

In this film, a young boy, named Dax Locke is diagnosed with cancer and wants to celebrate one last Christmas with his family.  But, the only problem is that it is still Halloween.  With the help of the local townspeople and his parents, his wish for Christmas is granted.  Even though this is the type of movie you know what will happen, it will still warm your heart seeing people coming together to make a little boy's dying wish come true.  And, the look on little Dax's faces when he sees all the lights and neighbors caroling is priceless and will melt your heart.

I will definitely be picking up a copy of this film to watch again during the upcoming holiday season and sharing with family and friends.  It was nice seeing child star Candice Cameron Burke playing the mother.  I grew up watching her on television, and now am watching her play a mother, while I am a mother myself.  Boy, am I old. :-)  Time does really go by fast, so make sure you slow down, especially during the holidays to treasure those around you.

What amazed me at the end of the movie was finding out that Dax's story has inspired others, and that the Dax Locke Foundation was set up in his honor to help raise $1.7 million -- enough to run St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for an entire day.  Yes, you read that right -- one day.  So, consider helping this worthy cause by donating to St. Jude's this upcoming holiday season.  Every little bit helps.

----GIVEAWAY----

Three (3)  lucky readers will win a DVD copy of The Heart of Christmas to enjoy with their family.  To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Disclosure:  I watched a screener version of this movie online thanks to the vendor, in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.