The fourth of The Five Blogs of Christmas is all about the movies.
I’ve been watching Christmas movies all through December, some new, some vintage. I’m leaving out the ones I gave less than four stars, ‘cause I sure can’t recommend duds! And remember, just like holiday books, it’s okay, even encouraged, to watch seasonal movies all year long!
Champagne Problems 2025
When Sydney is sent to Paris to secure the purchase of a prestigious family-owned champagne company, she spends an uncharacteristic night with a French book lover. Of course, he turns out to be the son of the owner of the company. But it’s not an advantage as she competes against a tough businesswoman, a German businessman (who gives a very different perspective on Die Hard, which is seen as a tragedy in Germany), and a sweetly flamboyant rich guy who loves the product and doesn’t want to see it ruined by new owners. Through a series of events meant to show the father who would be a better custodian of his legacy (the son, Henri, is not interested in taking over) and rich, emotional subplots involving the loss of his wife, Henri’s mother, this movie rose above others for me. Not only was there chemistry between the male and female leads, but every character, including the butler, the concierge, and a very cute dog, meshed in a way seldom seen in rom-coms. This movie has it all ~ good writing, great characters, and a satisfying Happily Ever After.
A Merry Little Ex-mas 2025
Kate and Everett are trying to be divorced. Everett even has a girlfriend. Kate wants a last perfect family Christmas before the divorce is final and she sells the home they’ve all shared. But it wouldn’t be a rom-com if everything went perfectly! So much to love in this one ~ as Kate’s holiday hilariously disintegrates, she and Everett are constantly thrown back together. Storms, power outages, and even flaming trees abound. A subplot about her son’s dream of being a firefighter ties in with her own loss of a dream. But is it really lost?? Again, this one has great overall chemistry ~ her daughter home from Oxford, with her Harry Potter-tour guide boyfriend in tow, Kate’s new kinda sorta boyfriend, a dippy but sweet jack-of-all-trades, Everett’s honey, who really really tries to get into the smalltown spirit, even though she’s used to holidays on a yacht, Everett’s sweetheart dads, and Kate’s guy-crazy realtor BFF. Confession-I spent half this movie staring at Alicia Silverstone and marveling at how pretty she continues to be without plastic surgery!
My Secret Santa 2025
When Taylor is laid off near Christmas and her daughter, Zoey, has her heart set on a snowboarding class at the ski lodge in town, she takes a job as Santa Claus at the lodge, where employees get deep discounts on classes. Her brother and his husband create an amazing mask/beard for her (I know… I know… just go with it!). Meanwhile, the calamity-prone son of the lodge’s owner, Matthew, is named the new general manager (to teach him responsibility) over the woman who’s worked her butt off and deserves the promotion. Taylor meets Matthew at a record store, where he recognizes her as a punk rocker from years past. They continue to run into each other, both as Taylor herself and Santa, whose boss is Matthew. She turns out to be an admirable Santa, but, as is the way of rom-coms, the deception begins to spiral out of control, as it gets harder to maintain the coverup, plus the fallout of Matthew’s nemesis undermining his successful endeavor doesn’t help. Funny situations amid the sparks flying, and good chemistry and characters. A happy ending with satisfying resolutions for everybody.
Jingle Bell Heist 2025
Sophia’s mom needs stem cell treatments and Nick needs to prove to his ex that he’s gone straight and can care for their daughter. Their paths cross through Sterling’s department store, where she currently works and he’s seeking revenge. He catches her on surveillance video when she steals money from the security cage ~ he installed the system, then went to jail for theft on trumped up charges. They devise a scheme to steal expensive jewelry in the cage, but when they get there, the jewelry is gone. Their next plan, full of twists and turns, some I should have seen coming *shrugs*, is elegant and gratifying. Plenty of interesting characters and good writing. The romance takes a back seat to the revenge, which worked fine for me, since I love to see vindication for worthy characters.
Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas 2019
After a great first date, Jess dies in a car accident. I know, doesn’t seem like the beginning of a Christmas romance… but when she can’t ascend, the only people who can see her are her best friend, Kara, and the guy she liked, Ben. Kara’s spiritual coach advises Jess to find the love that’s holding her back from moving on, which turns out to be a sweet twist. There’s a good subplot about taking risks and moving on, in life as well as death. Again, the chemistry of all the characters is so strong, including Ben’s sister, Mae, a love interest for Kara. And, believe it or not, there’s a couple of happily ever afters!
Honorable Mentions
Write Before Christmas 2019 – perennial favorite about the effects of five Christmas cards sent to people who have influenced the life of a cellist.
It Happened on Fifth Avenue 1947 – Post-WWll story of a homeless man and his dog, living in the summer home of the second richest man in the world, on Fifth Avenue. The Haves vs The Have Nots, in a spirited story of redemption.
The Holiday 2006 – House swapping during the holiday season, between England and LA. One beautiful and/or charming moment after another. Even The Husband loves this one and we watch it several times a year.
Who’s got recommendations for their fave holiday movies? Let’s hear ’em in the comments!
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