Arnold’s Christmas

Arnold’s Christmas

Year: 1996

Runtime: 25 mins

Language: English

Directors: Stark Howell, Steve Socki

DramaAnimation

After Arnold is assigned Mr. Hyunh’s name in the boarding house’s Secret Santa lottery, he vows to give the solitary resident the most memorable Christmas and sets out to locate Mr. Hyunh’s missing daughter. At the same time, Helga wrestles with how to find the ideal gift for Arnold.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Arnold’s Christmas (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Arnold’s Christmas (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present-day, Christmas Eve during the story, and flashbacks to the Vietnam War era

The film is set mainly in contemporary times, specifically on Christmas Eve, a time symbolizing hope and reunion. It also includes flashbacks to the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon, portraying a significant historical period marked by chaos, displacement, and the search for reunited families.

Location

Hillwood, Sunset Arms boarding house, Vietnam

The movie mostly takes place in Hillwood, a cozy small town that serves as the central setting for the story. The Sunset Arms boarding house is where many characters reside, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. Additionally, the story features flashbacks to Vietnam, highlighting the country's history and the personal struggles of Mr. Hyunh.

🏘️ Small town 🏠 Boarding house 🗺️ Vietnam

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Main Characters – Arnold’s Christmas (1996)

Meet the key characters of Arnold’s Christmas (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mr. Hyunh (Baoan Coleman)

A Vietnam War refugee who carries the emotional weight of losing his daughter Mai during the Fall of Saigon. Despite his sadness, he remains hopeful that someday they will reunite, reflecting resilience and deep parental love.

🎖️ Refugee ❤️ Loving 🌏 Survivor

Arnold (Lane Toran)

A caring and determined boy who seeks to make Christmas special for Mr. Hyunh by finding his daughter. His kindness and persistence underscore the theme of generosity and compassion.

🎄 Kind-hearted 🎒 Determined 🤝 Compassionate

Helga (Francesca Marie Smith)

A girl torn between keeping her Christmas gift—a rare snow boot from her parents—and helping Arnold with his quest. Her actions reveal her caring nature and desire to do good, even if it means sacrificing something valuable.

🎁 Sacrificial 🤫 Secretive 💖 Caring

Gerald (Jamil Walker Smith)

Arnold’s best friend who assists in the search for Mai. His pragmatic attitude and support emphasize friendship and teamwork during a time of emotional significance.

🤝 Loyal 🚶‍♂️ Supportive 🧠 Practical

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

Major Themes – Arnold’s Christmas (1996)

Explore the central themes of Arnold’s Christmas (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎁 Generosity

The story emphasizes acts of kindness and giving, especially shown through Arnold's effort to find a meaningful Christmas gift for Mr. Hyunh. Helga's sacrifice in giving her snow boots further highlights the importance of selfless acts during the holiday season.

💔 Longing and Reunion

The narrative explores themes of longing for loved ones, as Mr. Hyunh searches for his daughter Mai after twenty years. The emotional reunion underscores the power of hope and perseverance, particularly during difficult times.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:57

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Unlock the Full Story of Arnold’s Christmas

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Arnold’s Christmas Summary

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Arnold’s Christmas Summary

Arnold’s Christmas Timeline

Track the full timeline of Arnold’s Christmas with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Arnold’s Christmas Timeline

Arnold’s Christmas Spoiler-Free Summary

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Arnold’s Christmas Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Arnold’s Christmas

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More About Arnold’s Christmas