Most Christmas stories tend to focus on the holiday aspect and minimize religious/doctrinal overtones. This film, on the other hand, is overtly religious, complete with quotations from the New Testament, such as "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16), and exhortations such as "Faith, is believing in something that you can't really see", as if that's a good thing. The overt religious plug in this film can be quite off-putting for the non-religious.In contrast, 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947), also starring Maureen O'Hara, succeeds in telling a warm and sweet Christmas story without plugging religion.By the way, you will notice that the little girl in 'The Christmas Box' is a dead ringer for Natalie Wood in 'Miracle on 34th Street'. I don't think that's accidental.

I recently watched The Christmas Box and loved it! Maureen O'Hara gave a great performance, the story truly had me interested, and the overall mystery of the movie kept me guessing.Maureen O'Hara, now in her older years, gave a great performance as a stern, sensible woman. She plays her character so convincing that I now have a hard time watching Miracle on 34th Street the same way! The story is not like a Hallmark movie where something goes wrong, someone fixes it, and everybody lives happily ever after. This movie keeps you on your toes and will eventually teach you something that you can carry with you for the rest of your life.The Christmas Box is most often referred to as a Christmas story, but I think that it is more than that. It has a bit of mystery mixed in, and just when you think you have the "question answered", the story takes a little twist.This is a family fun movie with a great theme. Although younger children will more than likely not understand it, it is a fine way to spend quality time with your older kids.

This is a handsomely produced tear-jerker, nicely played by MAUREEN O'HARA, RICHARD THOMAS and ANNETTE O'TOOLE and obviously aimed toward the Christmas market with a sweet tale about a mysterious Christmas BOX residing in the attic of an old lady's mansion.Maureen O'Hara is still a pleasure to look at and listen to in the role of a rather crotchety, firm-minded elderly lady who is in need of household help and accepts Thomas and O'Toole, along with their young daughter, when they apply for the job. Thomas needs the extra money to run a ski shop but is not exactly fond of O'Hara and her ways. It's his daughter, Jenna, who eventually does establish a bond with the woman and more revelations soon come about with respect to the mysterious Christmas box in the attic and O'Hara's past.It's strictly sentimental stuff, so be advised that the pace is on the slow side as the character revelations are gradually made clear. But if you like warm-hearted tales of Christmas (or any of the holidays for that matter), you can't go wrong with this one.Summing up: Handsomely produced with fine performances, well worth viewing.

This movie was very enjoyable. It was a sweet story with great actors & a very good script. Richard Thomas & Maureen O'Hara always do a wonderful job, as did Annette O'Toole. The script & dialog were not predictable or boring & the ending was not disappointing & had an excellent message. It is a story of love and lesson, without being overdone or boring. At times, it was very funny, also. One of our favorite holiday movies is "One Special Night" with Julie Andrews & James Garner. We will add this movie to our list, as well. We would recommend seeing this movie for a wonderful, heartwarming Christmas story.