There were rumors the international version of For Christmas contained extended scenes and meeting Darrell face to face. I am happy to announce that all of those things are true---just see for yourself!
A Special Delivery
Cutting this scene loses us this sweet moment, but it seems as though it's original function might have been to contrast Shane's later assessment about how asking for something from Santa is something to be wrapped, given and seen, unlike an answer from God. Regardless, it's omission really doesn't impact the plot at all.
Cactus Flower Children
I really like that Jordan tried the cookies, and that because Jordan seemed to cause both Oliver and Norman a bit of pause with his wit and charm, eventually prompting Norman to redirect everyone's attention back to the task at hand. For our international friends---in the U.S. version, Rita offers the cookies, but no one partakes and they move on to the letter seamlessly and immediately.
By the way, that GIF of Oliver's eye-roll will be available soon!
The Family
To me it's largely unclear why this scene was sequenced this way in the international version, unless it was meant to emphasize Oliver's desire for a family, who had seemingly left him for the holiday. The only complaint I have is that I would have liked to have seen more about how Rita actually came to give Hannah the purse. Maybe that explains why it was re-cut into the U.S. version without seeing the purse again at all?
Always neat to see how things differ! Were you surprised these scenes were cut or re-purposed? Which would you have liked to see stay in the U.S. version? Let me know in the comments!
Comparing,
~C