Directed By Heather Hawthorne-Doyle

Written By Jennifer E Smith

Settie Rose, a quirky family matriarch, enters her town’s annual holiday letter-writing contest but needs help, so she hires struggling novelist Juan to craft the perfect letter. When a mix-up leads to the rumor that Juan is engaged to Settie’s daughter Lily, the whole family scrambles to keep up the charade. As Juan bonds with the Roses and overcomes his writer’s block, Settie learns that embracing her imperfect family is what truly makes her story special. Starring Angela Kinsey and Alec Santos.

I remember as a kid getting the humble brag that was the family Christmas letter from folks we didn’t hear much from the rest of the year. The highlights reel wasn’t too much different from what gets shared now on social media, so this wild concept worked for me. And it is a wild concept, and quite a ride the movie takes you on. I loved every bit of it. The family is wacky, the romance is sweet and the finale involves a competitive mooer. There are some good lessons learned both by the Rose family and by Juan (as there should be in a Christmas movie) and there’s some welcome diversity as well. Subtitles in a Hallmark movie, I love to see it!

Favorite Quote: Chacho has to return a better crab or the story is not complete.

Favorite Kiss: The first kiss which takes them both by surprise is great, but the quiet scene between Settee and Juan really touched my heart and I loved their friendship.