'Twas the Fight Before Christmas

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'Twas the Fight Before Christmas

2021

1h 31m

Documentary

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100%

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6 Reviews

49%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

In this true-life twist on a holiday fable, Jeremy Morris brings a whole new meaning to Christmas spirit when his extravagant seasonal display sparks a dispute with his neighbors that lands them all in court.

Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

At first it looks as though this is simply a documentary about an Idaho eccentric who drove his neighbours mad with a Christmas lights display that drew thousands of visitors. Then it gets darker... The ensuing distress is distressing to watch.

Dec 20, 2021

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Lucy Mangan

Guardian

It is an extraordinary portrait of a man who is convinced he cannot be wrong, who will always position himself - at least in his own mind - as the persecuted victim struggling to do right.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 26, 2021

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Claire Shaffer

New York Times

If your holiday dinner table sees some heated arguments this year, just be glad if it doesn't result in an actual melee, with armed standoffs in front of a blow-up Santa Claus.

Nov 25, 2021

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

The debate over individual rights versus community standards is shown in this fascinating documentary about how one man's determination to have a public Christmas celebration in his front yard turned into an epic legal battle with a homeowner association.

Dec 25, 2022

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JK Sooja

Common Sense Media

Ultimately a profile of Jeremy Morris and his Christmas house decorating obsession, this docu is both fascinating and terrifying.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 18, 2022

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James Croot

The Post NZ

While not all of it works - there are too many "dramatic recreations" used to illustrate what went down - like the best/worst reality television, it's the schadenfreude that really draws you in.

Dec 13, 2021

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Anne S

Jeremy thinks of himself as Mr Christmas. But right from the start he's a bully! Christmas may be a Christian holiday but Jeremy turned it into a Federal case. An HOA does have rules and regulations but as he showed sometimes those regulations might be renegotiated based on the elderly woman's three dogs. Of course his Christmas event probably cannot be compared to dogs. But still he never tried. All he ever did was remind the HOA he was an attorney non stop and record them and continue to bully, bully, bully! All anyone had to do is scratch his surface and underneath you'll find a scaley green skin. Sounds like the Scrooge who stole Christmas to me. That is not the real meaning of Christmas.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/02/25

Full Review

Sonia A.

Frightening display of human behavior. After watching this film, I appreciate my neighbors so much more.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/25

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Amart M

Truly, the nightmare neighbor from Hell. May we all be delivered from people like this. If they move into your neighborhood, just move as if the devil is in your midst. Sad, sad story of a bully, a nut, an ageist who hates people who disagree with him. All in the name of Christ. Incomprehensable.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

09/25/25

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Joey L

DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE!

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/25

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Audience Member

Riveting. Like many good docs, there are twists and turns plus memorable characters. Jeremy Morris is the litigious Mr. Christmas spreading holiday cheer and mayhem.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It's a well made documentary. It's a funny but also slightly terrifying story of a neighbour who insists on his individual rights over those of the community. An interesting allegory for how our societies are changing and the challenge to balance individual freedom with the wishes & needs of the community. Very timely in the context of COVID and any discussion around vaccination or masks.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

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Becky Read

Director

Jeremy Morris

Self

Julia Nottingham

Producer

Lisa Gomer

Producer

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Synopsis

In this true-life twist on a holiday fable, Jeremy Morris brings a whole new meaning to Christmas spirit when his extravagant seasonal display sparks a dispute with his neighbors that lands them all in court.

Director: Becky Read
Producer: Julia Nottingham, Lisa Gomer
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 26, 2021
Runtime: 1h 31m