It actually is a Christmas movie. More specifically, it's a re-telling of the Nativity story.

Aye but is it something you'd watch with a bunch of 8 year olds?

Perhaps it's one on a technicality, in much the same way Die Hard is. But it's definitely not what most people think of when somebody says "it's a Christmas movie."

How so? I've watched it several times and not sure how it relates?

The baby (or the fact that it exists and will be born) is purported to be the savior of humanity. Sound familiar?

And the scene in the barn with the animals all around, c'mon.

Same, easily in the top 3.

It's also my favourite opening lines of any film:

> Newsreader: Day 1,000 of the Siege of Seattle.

> Newsreader: The Muslim community demands an end to the Army's occupation of mosques.

> Newsreader: The Homeland Security bill is ratified. After eight years, British borders will remain closed. The deportation of illegal immigrants will continue. Good morning. Our lead story.

What a way to set the scene