The Christmas Toy

Holiday • NR • Directed by: Eric Till • 50 minutes

It’s Christmas Eve in the Jones household, and the playroom is alive with excitement and anticipation of the new toys that will arrive the next day. Balthazar, the old and wise bear, is so excited that his stuffing is popping out of his seams as he begins his annual Yuletide speech. The other toys listen intently as Balthazar explains that the community must welcome the newcomers with open hearts – even though they each may be replaced as one of the children’s new favorite toys. Rugby, the toy tiger, feels he doesn’t need to listen to the old bear’s imparted wisdom – he knows that Christmas is his own special holiday because last year he was Jamie’s favorite gift, and consequently, the center of attention. He enjoys his elite position as Jamie’s best-loved toy and believes he will maintain his role as king of the playroom – if he can only get inside her package under the Christmas tree. During the course of their harrowing adventures, all the toys share in the realization that the power of love can overcome their own personal fears and insecurities. When Rugby nearly loses Mew during their frenzied trip back home, he learns his most important lesson of all: that love and friendship are more important than being a star.