Wondering if Netflix’s A California Christmas is ok for kids? Rated PG-13 for language and some sexual content, A California Christmas is a little saucier than your Hallmark movies. Here’s what parents need to know in A California Christmas Parents Guide.
A California Christmas Parents Guide on Netflix
Joseph (Josh Swickard), a wealthy charmer, poses as a ranch hand to get a farmer’s daughter (Lauren Swickard) to sell her family’s land, so his company can put up a shipping facility. In a classic spoiled rich boy falls for pretty girl, but is a liar and girl wants to kill him story, no knight in shining armor needed.
Here’s what parents need to know.
Language
There are a few salty words in A California Christmas like a couple of s-words, a few a-words, and hell.
Mature Content
The movie starts out with a girl in bed naked under the sheets. You don’t see anything but bare shoulders, but you get the impression Joseph is a playboy.
Also there is some kissing and one scene that may be uncomfortable for kids or teens. Two characters have implied sexual relations and they are show kissing and removing clothing. You see a girl in a bra and then removes the bra and you see a bare back.
There are some heavy topics like the loss of loved ones, moving on, and sick relatives with terminal illnesses.
Also, the family is in debt.
Characters drink wine and alcohol.
There is a fight at the bar with a couple characters punching each other.
Is A California Christmas Appropriate for Kids Under 10?
Put A California Christmas up there with Netflix’s Midnight at the Magnolia, Operation Christmas Drop, and The Princess Switch 2. Netflix is really trying to target that Hallmark Channel crowd. A California Christmas is a tad more risque than the other ones, and why I’d recommend this one for kids 13 and older.
While there’s nothing really new to see here, A California Christmas does leave you with that holiday feel. The two main characters Callie and Joseph do have great chemistry, as they should, since the actors are married in real life!
The supporting characters are funny and sometimes Manny’s comments are a little eye-roll-inducing, you can’t help but giggle. Kind of like a dad joke groan.
If you need another cheesy, tug-at-your-heart-strings holiday movie, then add A California Christmas on Netflix to your list.
