When I run out of activities for my kids to do on the holidays, all I want is to pop in a family friendly DVD and just let my kids enjoy a good 2 hours movie. I appreciate the peace and quiet during this 2 hours, and it is even better if the show is educational and has a moral message behind it. Yes, this is one cheap way of getting away from your kids, but I can't think of any other ways! Furthermore, classics like the disney movies are fun for the whole family, so I can justify watching them together with my kids as a family.

I'd like to add that most of these films can be appreciated depending on the type of TV you have. Have you watched these Pixar/Disney films on a lg led tv? My kids are a lot better behaved and more focused when we're at home, as compared to in the van on the tiny roof screens.

We came back from a short break last year where we'd been staying at a bed and breakfast london as we'd been for a short stay over the festive period, and when we where on the flight back they put some christmas films on and the kids loved it. i wouldnt call cars 2 a christmas film but the kids will always love watching any pixar film weather its Up, Finding Nemo or Toy Story.

Not to bring you down, but for an alternate perspective... I found this movie (Happy Feet) depressing. I'm a biologist, though I work in IT, and I found the environmental message in this movie to be overwhelming. I'd suggest watching it yourself before giving it as a gift.