WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Welcome back to Wholesome TV Picks. Today's Christmas classic is To Grandmother's House We Go starring Mary Kay and Ashley Olson. 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:14.000 It's funny, clean, a simple storyline, and above all emphasizes what is truly important this season: family. 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:20.000 Judging the title alone, you'd think it's a boring film just about going to grandma's house. But it's not. I think you'll be surprised. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:25.000 And the biggest question is what in the world drives them to go on their own to Grandma's house? 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:32.000 Welcome to Wholesome TV Picks. I'm Jennifer, homeschool mom of three, and I've spent over 35 years loving and rewatching wholesome TV. 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:39.000 If you're tired of endless scrolling or settling for shows that don't match your family's values, I'm here to help. 00:00:39.000 --> 00:00:45.000 Each week I share tried-and-true favorites so you can skip the stress and rediscover TV that brings your family together. Let's dive in. 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:53.000 To Grandmother's House We Go is about a set of twins, Sarah and Julie, going off to visit their grandma to give their mom a break. 00:00:53.000 --> 00:01:00.000 Sarah and Julie are a handful, and the mom is talking to a neighbor venting how she wishes she could have a break. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:06.000 The girls overhear her and are sad that they made their mom cry. That's what sparks this journey to Grandma's house. 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:12.000 The whole film is about their journey from one mode of transportation to the next. It's really cute. 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:18.000 The girls get into all kinds of mischief, and you might be reminded how much of a handful little kids can be. 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:25.000 Rhonda is a single working mom doing the best she can raising her girls and trying to give them a wonderful Christmas. 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:33.000 I want to give props to you parents who are single—because I don't know how you do it. You have a super strength I can't even imagine. 00:01:33.000 --> 00:01:39.000 Every parent has had moments where we've said things we regret. Words are like a tube of toothpaste—once they're out, we can't take them back. 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:47.000 We feel alone, struggling to figure parenting out. We don't mean to hurt our children, but it happens. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:55.000 This is true even with adult children. We all have complicated relationships, and sometimes broken ones. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:02:01.000 This film puts into perspective the value of forgiveness and moving forward—especially during the Christmas season. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:08.000 Rhonda eventually tells the girls she's sorry and explains that grownups get upset and say things they don't mean. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:14.000 It's easier to apologize when kids are younger, but it's a reminder to value the relationships we're given. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:21.000 This film also presents the idea that as a single parent, you can find love when you least expect it. 00:02:21.000 --> 00:02:28.000 There's a subplot about Rhonda finding love again, though she has no intention of doing so at first. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:34.000 The man she meets is a delivery truck driver named Eddie, played by J. Eddie Peck. 00:02:34.000 --> 00:02:41.000 Eddie is a typical bachelor—he doesn't like kids, he's focused on himself, and he's not thinking about family life. 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:47.000 Rhonda, on the other hand, revolves her entire life around her kids. 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:53.000 Eddie’s selfishness creates tension—Is this guy right for her? Probably not… but maybe? 00:02:53.000 --> 00:03:00.000 By the end, Eddie comes full circle. His heart changes. He becomes less selfish and learns that loving someone requires sacrifice. 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:06.000 It's a great example for kids to see how someone can grow and change. 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:13.000 What movie would be complete without villains? We have two bumbling crooks played by Jerry Van Dyke and Ray Perlman. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:19.000 They play Harvey and Shirley—delivery truck hijackers. They're a cute addition and their interactions with the twins are hilarious. 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:26.000 My kids and I have wonderful memories of this movie. Even now at 14, 12, and 8, they still enjoy it. 00:03:26.000 --> 00:03:33.000 It brings us together every Christmas and reminds us of when they were little. 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:39.000 I highly recommend it. It's a wonderful made-for-TV movie from the nineties—you can't go wrong. 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:46.000 The only caveat is one mild bad word—the H-word—which the girls make a funny gesture about. 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:53.000 You can watch the movie on Fandango.com and YouTube. Links will be in the show notes. 00:03:53.000 --> 00:04:00.000 If Wholesome TV Picks has helped you find a new favorite, share it with a friend who needs Christmas movie recommendations. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:07.000 Please help me with my 50 reviews by episode 50 challenge. Visit ratethispodcast.com/wholesometvpicks. 00:04:07.000 --> 00:04:14.000 That wraps it up for today. Don't forget to enjoy Christmas movies with your family this week. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:20.000 Join me next week for a classic movie that takes place on the sea at New Year’s Eve—and doesn’t go quite right. 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:26.000 Have a great rest of your week. Take care. And remember: your values matter, and your TV should too.