" Prancer " (1989).

[Joanna]

A wounded reindeer and a precocious eight-year-old girl form an everlasting bond in this tender holiday drama about true devotion and friendship. An enchanting film full of heart and gumption (Roger Ebert) Prancer will set your imagination aflight! Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell) plays an angel in her school pageant...but she becomes a real guardian angel when she finds an injured reindeer in the forest. Convinced that the deer is Santa s very own Prancer Jessica vows to nurse him back to health and return him safely home. But before she can carry out her plan Jessica discovers that her father (Sam Elliott) has made another -- very different -- plan of his own! Will Jessica be able to help her antlered friend find his way back to Santa in time to make their deliveries on Christmas Eve? The magical final scene is sure to make your heart soar! Featuring inspired performances by Cloris Leachman as Jessica scrabapple neighbor Abe Vigoda as the crusty veterinarian and MichaelConstantine as a worn-out department store Santa Prancer is a real charmer and one of the best family dramas of the year.

[Noel+]

This movie is slightly offbeat yet very Spirit of Christmas! It is one of my favorites about children and their strong will to believe!