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Monty's Christmas

Album: Gold Audio 07: On Thin Ice

Episode: 97

Lesson/Theme: The effects of divorce on kids; the importance of strong families.

Bible Verse: Malachi 2:16

Characters: Connie, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: December 16, 1989

Last Air Date: May 16, 2008

Description:
The Whittakers are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Everyone seems to be having a good time-except Monty. Something is bothering him, but no one knows what it is. The tension mounts when Jana jumps all over Monty after he accidentally drops and breaks an angel from the nativity scene. Then, when Monty decides to go to his room, he and Jana fight again. Monty leaves, and Jana remarks that Monty is just like his dad, Phil. Whit decides to try and reach Monty to see what's wrong, but even Whit can't break down the wall. The situation worsens when Jana calls her ex-husband to inquire about the kids' Christmas presents. Jana and Phil exchange harsh words, and Jana hangs up before Monty can talk with Phil. This causes even more strain. Monty runs out, and Jana attributes Monty's behavior to him inheriting his father's disposition. But Whit thinks it's more simple than that: Monty probably just misses his dad. Monty goes to the mall, where he runs into Connie, who is Christmas shopping. They talk, and through their conversation, Connie helps Monty understand that he's not the only one who is hurting-his mom is, too. Connie knows from her own situation that even moms are human and need love, sympathy, and compassion, just like everyone else. They finish shopping and return to Whit's house, where they build a snowman and start a snowball fight on the front lawn. They are soon joined by the rest of the Whittaker family. Monty and Jana exchange apologies. Monty gives his mom a pre-Christmas gift: a small glass angel. It looks like they'll have a happy holiday after all.

Questions:
Why was Monty so upset? Do you know anyone who is hiding from their sadness? How can you help them? Why was it so hard for Monty to understand that his mom was also hurting? How can you show a family member some love and understanding?