It is difficult to be too severe about this film. Sure, it is not the best Christmas film but it has so many similitarities with the classic old films of genre than it becomes, scene by scene, more than acceptable. It is a film for the kids , with dogs, children, toyshop and Santa , elves and humor and fair punishment against bad characters, a lovely Mrs Christmas and a lot of unrealistic situations. For me, the only problem remains the make-up for the poor Richar Riehle who becomes a sort of plastic Santa Claus. But , sure, the flavour of old fashion Christmas film and the dog saves a lot.