Based on Richard Paul Evans' novel of the same name, The Christmas Box is a 1995 made-for-TV drama/fantasy movie, starring Richard Thomas, Maureen O'Hara, and Annette O'Toole, with child star Kelsey Mulrooney taking on a supporting role. Winner of a Primetime Emmy, The Christmas Box is Miss O'Hara's 3rd to last work. After this, she would go on to make 2 more TV movies, before retiring and bringing an end to her six-decade career.
Part-owner of a busy ski shop, Richard Evans (Richard Thomas), lives with his wife, Kerri (Annette O'Toole), and young daughter, Jenna (Kelsey Mulrooney), in a small apartment in suburban Salt Lake City. Although Richard's business is successful and he is at a point where it may be possible to open a second store in another city, the long hours he has put in have robbed him of time with his family. Grieved by how much Richard's workaholism keeps him away from home, weary of the problems which come with managing their apartment complex, and feeling it is not a good environment for Jenna, Kerri suggests they take on a live-in caregiver role for the wealthy, elderly Mary Parkin (Maureen O'Hara). Though he has no desire in the world to do such a thing, to appease Kerri, Richard agrees to an interview with Mrs. Parkin; he makes a bad first impression, though, and upon leaving the interview, it seems unlikely that their family will be chosen for the position.
As it turns out, the Evans family is chosen by Mrs. Parkin to be her caregivers. Although she really doesn't desire to have live-in domestic help, widowed Mary has unwillingly agreed with her lawyer that her tenuous health requires another's presence in the home. Adamant that remaining in her home with strangers is preferable to having to leave it, the elderly lady grudgingly offers the position to the Evans family, and they move in just before Thanksgiving.
Thrilled to be living in the beautiful Parkin mansion, Kerri and Jenna soon break through the icy wall Mrs. Parkin has erected around herself, becoming quite close to her. Richard, however, can't seem to get on with the old woman. Besides disapproving of everything he does, she asks the most bizarre questions of him, such as "What was the first gift of Christmas?" With the holiday rush and the hoped-for expansion keeping him busy at the store and Mrs. Parkin's strange, probing questions, Richard finds himself incredibly stressed. His sleep is disrupted by dreams of angels calling his name; on top of that, he is drawn to the beautiful, old Christmas box---with its trove of love letters---in the attic Will Richard be able to figure out what it is Mary longs for him to understand before it's too late?
One of my family's absolute musts during the Christmas season, The Christmas Box is a tender, lovely, heart-tugging movie, which always brings me to tears. The characters are ones who will capture your hearts---even Richard. You so want him to "get it," to understand the lesson Mary is trying to impart to him before it is too late. While I love The Waltons, I have never been a John-Boy fan, so I wasn't sure Richard Thomas would work for me in this movie. Alas, he does. I like his character, and I enjoy the comical way Mr. Thomas brings him to life.
Maureen O'Hara aged beautifully and gracefully. She's 75-years old here, and she's totally lovely. The beauty of her youth has not diminished with age...nor has her acting ability. She does a terrific job as the feisty, but loving, Mary Parkin. Little Kelsey Mulrooney is completely charming as Jenna, and she and Miss O'Hara have wonderful chemistry together. Annette O'Toole is totally believable as the kind, loving, gracious Kerri.
Although the characters in the story have the names of Richard, Kerri, and Jenna Evans, the story is not an autobiographical one. It actually was a story Mr. Evans wrote for his two young daughters, and he never intended for it to be published. To read more about how The Christmas Box touched hearts and became an international bestseller, visit Mr. Evans' website (HERE).
Out on DVD, The Christmas Box should be easy to track down. One of its releases pairs it with its prequel story, Timepiece, starring James Earl Jones, Ellen Burstyn, Kevin Kilner, and, Naomi Watts (in the Mary Parkin role which Maureen O'Hara will have in The Christmas Box). Additionally, The Christmas Box is available in its entirety on YouTube. It's a lovely movie, with a timeless, much-needed message, and I highly recommend it, whether at Christmastime or anytime during the year.
Happy viewing!