Clapham’s 2025 Christmas Viewing Guide
Stories shape souls. This is a belief we return to at Clapham time and time again. In last week’s blog post, we reflected on the importance of building common ground and choosing social capital during the holiday season.
As is our tradition, this week we’re sharing films that the Clapham staff have been watching and recommending. As we celebrate a season marked by the humility and grace of a newborn child, these films invite deeper conversation about loving our neighbors and choosing peace.
Although not a Christmas movie, for a film that creatively and thoughtfully explores faith, I have not seen one that rivals the new installment in the Knives Out series, Wake Up Dead Man. It portrays a sympathetic young priest who is flawed but not offensively, and contrasts grace-filled and hate-filled Christian witness. It offers commentary on the outrage culture, and the manipulation of "true religion" by political actors. Finally, it focuses on Jesus-centered versus self-interested religion, and an atheist skeptic affected by acts of grace. There are many poignant moments, including one at the end which comes from just a lingering camera shot of a cross, as well as "easter eggs" that reference both Larry Norman and T.S. Eliot in the song credits. This may be the best mainstream, faith-centric, but not faith-market film since two of my favorites, Hacksaw Ridge and Silence.
- Mark Rodgers, Principal
It’s been described as a “heart-warming tale,” which it most certainly is, but we forget things are sometimes heart-warming because the heart was first cold. In this beautifully written and illustrated book (and with audiobook by James Earl Jones) we explore loss and gain, sadness and joy; hope and grief. It reminded us children have a way of unearthing our humanity; including in this story one child in particular.
- Peter Mitchell, Senior Associate
Klaus is a multi-generational classic—entertaining for children and deeply thoughtful for adults. Set against a Nordic backdrop, it’s a reimagined origin story of how our Christmas traditions came to be.
At the same time, for the adults on this thread, it poses a deeper challenge: what does it mean to surrender? Although not explicitly religious, through my Christian lens it becomes a beautiful affirmation that God doesn’t waste what once motivated us, no matter how imperfect the intention. He takes us as we are -- imperfect motives included -- and redeems and redirects them to reset our hearts and multiply our impact, producing the fruits of purpose, peace, joy, and friendship.
- Anna Fronzaglia, Senior Associate
Recommend engaging all things American Revolution this festive season to build up anticipation for America's 250th! Especially, David McCullough's 1776, which culminates with Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Day, which was a turning point in the war, initially just a glimmer of hope after a disastrous campaign in New York. The Christmas crossing was a heroic, unexpected act amidst frozen conditions in which John Glover and his Marblehead regiment led the logistical maneuverings. This herculean effort led to the gift of these United States and of liberty.
I hope to have some time this Christmas season to watch the Ken Burns documentary, to make up my own mind as to whether it serves its purpose as a uniting, depolarizing story without just being a return to catharsis-inducing historical storytelling on the one end, or dismissed simply as being a woke telling on the other.
- Jonathan Markgraaff, Associate
Listening to this husband-and-wife duo at their annual Christmas live show felt more like being invited into their living room—raw, soulful, funny, and deeply human. Their Christmas album, A Johnnyswim Christmas, carries that same warmth: simple, honest renditions that feel cozy, reflective, and perfect for slowing down during the season.
- Jay Han, Operations & Events Manager
Heartfelt renditions of classic Christmas carols and songs, Sleeping at Last's Christmas album has become a go-to Christmas album for me. A thoughtful mix of theologically rich Christmas hymns, such as "I Heard The Bells", as well as more light hearted songs like White Christmas. An instant Christmas album classic!
- Emily Fuller, Executive Assistant & Office Manager
As we shared last week, being “home for the holidays” often comes with moments of tension and misunderstanding. This film captures that familiar reality—clashing personalities, awkward comments—yet it does so with a light touch and a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously. Beneath the humor and chaos is a love for one another that ultimately draws the family back together. It’s a necessary reminder of what matters most: extending love and grace to one another.
- Libby Scroggins, Associate and Communications Manager
We hope you enjoy, Merry Christmas from the Clapham team!
