Why DO We Call it Christmas, anyway???

It's Christmastime! Buck Denver and his friends are starring in a brand new DVD, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" --And you're going to love it!

While most Christmas shows are entertaining, only Phil and his friends can pull off being  “edutaining”.  I know that’s not a real word– so don’t try it on Words With Friends– but I can’t think of a better word to describe this incredibly entertaining and super educational Christmas show.  Phil Vischer explains it beautifully during his intro to the show when he says, “We all know the Christmas Story, but do we really know the story of Christmas?”  

   

As the show begins, we find Buck Denver feeling a little confused about why there are so many holiday traditions tied into celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Why do we drag trees into our homes and decorate them? Where did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fire come from? Why is Santa Claus even a part of Jesus’ birthday, anyway?  With the help of Sunday School Lady and Marcie, Buck sends out invites to all of his friends, hoping they can make it to his cabin in Indiana for a Christmas party.  Along the way, we see that it’s not only Buck who’s a little confused about where all the different Christmas traditions have come from.

You and your kids will truly appreciate how lovingly accurate each of these sometimes tricky questions are handled.  As you’ve come to expect from What’s in the Bible?, this show is witty, heart-warming and just plain fun to watch! And of course, the kids will get a beautiful lesson about the birth of Jesus–the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas! Look for some great new songs mingled together with some of your traditional holiday favorites.

I personally appreciated that kids with sensory integration issues won’t find this DVD overly stimulating, like some popular shows on TV. The songs aren’t obnoxiously loud with a lot of percussion and the movement of the characters is well regulated and not jerky or rapid.  The colors are bright and the story will hold their attention.  For the kiddos who love facts, this DVD is a goldmine!

If your family’s like mine, you probably already have a nice-sized Christmas movie library.  You’ll definitely want to add this DVD to your collection! It’s one that can be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the season!

I'm giving away a copy of, "Buck Denver Asks, Why Do We Call it Christmas?" For a chance to win this DVD, in the comment section below tell me what it is you love the most about Phil Vischer's newest series, "What's in the Bible?" If you haven't seen the series yet... just say that.  Winner will be randomly selected on Friday, November 24. 

Why Do We Call It Christmas? is now available in the WITB online store or in your local Christian bookstore.

I was given a copy of this DVD in order to review it. I have received no other compensations for this blog post. All opinions written here are mine.

REVIEW: What's in the Bible-- Buck Denver Asks Why Do We Call it Christmas

Ok folks! It’s time to take out the Snuggies, light a fire, pop some corn and make a batch of hot cocoa…it’s Christmastime in October!! Buck Denver and his pals are starring in a brand new Christmas DVD!–Buck Denver Asks Why Do We Call It Christmas? — and you’re going to love it!

While most Christmas shows are entertaining, only Phil and his friends can pull off being  “edutaining”.  Ok, I know that’s not a real word– so don’t try it on Words With Friends– but I can’t think of a better word to describe this incredibly entertaining and super educational Christmas show.  Phil Vischer explains it beautifully during his intro to the show when he says, “We all know the Christmas Story, but do we really know the story of Christmas?”     

As the show begins, we find Buck Denver feeling a little confused about why there are so many holiday traditions tied into celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Why do we drag trees into our homes and decorate them? Where did the tradition of hanging stockings by the fire come from? Why is Santa Claus even a part of Jesus’ birthday, anyway?  With the help of Sunday School Lady and Marcie, Buck sends out invites to all of his friends, hoping they can make it to his cabin in Indiana for a Christmas party.  Along the way, we see that it’s not only Buck who’s a little confused about where all the different Christmas traditions have come from.

You and your kids will truly appreciate how lovingly accurate each of these sometimes tricky questions are handled.  As you’ve come to expect from What’s in the Bible?, this show is witty, heart-warming and just plain fun to watch! And of course, the kids will get a beautiful lesson about the birth of Jesus–the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas! Look for some great new songs mingled together with some of your traditional holiday favorites.

I personally appreciated that kids with sensory integration issues won’t find this DVD overly stimulating, like some popular shows on TV. The songs aren’t obnoxiously loud with a lot of percussion and the movement of the characters is well regulated and not jerky or rapid.  The colors are bright and the story will hold their attention.  For the kiddos who love facts, this DVD is a goldmine!

If your family’s like mine, you probably already have a nice-sized Christmas movie library.  You’ll definitely want to add this DVD to your collection! It’s one that can be enjoyed by the whole family throughout the season!

Why Do We Call It Christmas? will be available in the online store at www.whatsinthebible.com or in your local Christian bookstore on October 18.

Phil Vischer teaches us What's In the Bible

When I mention Phil Vischer, what do you immediately envision?  A tomato, perhaps? A group of vegetables that can sing, hop, and tell Bible stories?  Well, yes, you're right...that's probably what most of us think about when we hear Phil's name! VeggieTales creator, aka Bob the Tomato.

But Phil has been hard at work for the last several years, since the 2003 Bankruptcy that forced him to sell Big Idea Productions.  Just what has he been up to, you ask? Well, doing more of what God has called him to do...create relevant, Biblically based children's entertainment that teaches kids about God.

With the 2008 launch of his online network variety show, JellyTelly , we were introduced to a new cast of characters.  Not a vegetable among them!! No, these players are all puppets!  This troop is held together by their front man...er... front puppet, Buck Denver ; TV anchorman and all around good guy who helps answer questions sent in from real children, as well as clarify some lesson objectives, and fix some sticky situations that the lovable, quirky cast of characters seem to get themselves into during the daily shows. 

These puppets personify several different real-person types that kids will both love and be able to relate to.  From the humorous Dr. Schniffenhousen; to the very knowledgable, grandmotherly Sunday School Lady; to Michael, who is...a kid.   This wonderful puppet-cast of characters also star in Phil's newest project, WHAT'S  IN THE BIBLE.

WHAT'S IN THE BIBLE (WITB), is truly some of Vischer's best work, to date!  In this series of 13 DVD's, Phil and his wacky Jellyfish characters explore each book of the Bible.  You will be amazed at how much knowledge you and your child can glean from just watching these DVD's!

Oh, and did I mention that the kids will LOVE watching these shows?!  How many five year olds can say "Pentateuch"?  After the second DVD, yours will, and as a bonus he/she will actually know what it is!

What about a completely fun, catchy song that will help them memorize all the Kings of Judah?  Have you heard of the Fabulous Bentley Brothers?  Oh you will...  

If you grew up in the 70's, School House Rock, and their lyrically smart songs were just a part of your Saturday morning cartoon routine.  If you're anything like me, even in college I was still signing (in my head) the Preamble of the US Constitution to the tune I learned many years prior through School House Rock.  It was painless, fun, and somehow...it stuck.  This same modality of teaching/ learning is just as effective when applied to God's Word. 

As a home schooling parent, part of my curriculum program is a Bible component.  I have yet to find a curriculum which is both entertaining and truly educational!  My choices have been Bible cartoons with great story but no educational or historical value; or they are so...what's the word I'm looking for... BORING!  Yes, very,very boring, dry, beat-it-into-your-head Bible history, boring.  Sort of painful for most kids to get through.  Sort of painful for most adults to get through, too!

This year we will begin using Phil Vischer's WITB, as our elementary curriculum.  I will add some art projects, and Bible memory verses, but I guarantee it will be a course where my second grader learns about God's Word, His story and His history!  Not painful in the least, very educational, and I'll even look forward to popping in the DVD and sitting alongside my son, as we have class!  Not bad!!

This isn't to say that WITB can't be thoroughly enjoyed without using the DVD's as a school course. Entertainment with a message;  that's really how they were designed to be enjoyed.  I'm just tweaking things...as usual. You know me!!

There are three DVD's already released in this 13 DVD series, and the fourth will release in October 2010. To order or watch a trailer go to the links provided:

#1  In The Beginning

#2  Let My People Go

#3  Wanderin' in the Desert

#4  (Pre-Order) Battle for the Promised Land

Here's Phil talking about the series and, well,... What's in the Bible...