OK, I'm an old guy who loves Christmas movies I admit it. When I saw this was coming on I expected the usual formula of a kid helping Santa Clause out of a fix but to my surprise although frequently mentioned the old guy didn't appear in it, basically it was a love story, with likable characters. I thought it was well acted and was particularly impressed with the acting talents of little Isadora Swann, this appears to be her only acting role to date but hopefully not her last. If you see it coming on watch it, I'm sure you'll enjoy.
19 Reviews
The writing sparkles in this one
jensenholmesPA22 January 2018
I watch a lot of Hallmark movies and enjoy them, but it's always a great pleasure when one rises above the fold and turns out to be much better than expected. That's the case with this one.
The lead actors are appealing, the romantic chemistry is good, and the premise of the little girl writing to Santa, who writes back and then falls for the mom--that's all good. But what makes it so much better than average is the humor in the script.
I *loved* the various side characters like the hero's best friend, who is always making sarcastic quips about marriage and kids (but really loves his own family). The heroine's sister's husband and his buddy, Randy, are obsessed with a potato shooting contest. Randy is such a crazy guy, he practically deserves a series of his own. Brilliant! Then there's the heroine's Hemingway-themed cafe, called The Bun Also Rises, with menu items like To Ham and Ham Not and The Old Man and the Tea.
The ending with the magical Christmas barn and sleigh was tongue-in-cheek about all the Hallmark Christmas smaltz, yet in a fond way. It worked.
There are a few Hallmarks that stand out due to really good scripts -- I love Seven Year Hitch (2012) and Naughty Or Nice (2012). This movie goes to the top of the heap for me. In fact, I even looked up the writers and am seeking out more of their movies. I've never done that.
Watch it!
The lead actors are appealing, the romantic chemistry is good, and the premise of the little girl writing to Santa, who writes back and then falls for the mom--that's all good. But what makes it so much better than average is the humor in the script.
I *loved* the various side characters like the hero's best friend, who is always making sarcastic quips about marriage and kids (but really loves his own family). The heroine's sister's husband and his buddy, Randy, are obsessed with a potato shooting contest. Randy is such a crazy guy, he practically deserves a series of his own. Brilliant! Then there's the heroine's Hemingway-themed cafe, called The Bun Also Rises, with menu items like To Ham and Ham Not and The Old Man and the Tea.
The ending with the magical Christmas barn and sleigh was tongue-in-cheek about all the Hallmark Christmas smaltz, yet in a fond way. It worked.
There are a few Hallmarks that stand out due to really good scripts -- I love Seven Year Hitch (2012) and Naughty Or Nice (2012). This movie goes to the top of the heap for me. In fact, I even looked up the writers and am seeking out more of their movies. I've never done that.
Watch it!
special
Kirpianuscus22 November 2018
I am not admirer of Hallmark Christmas films. Sure, each is a hot chocolate, some cookies and a slice of cake -like. Or warm milk in frozen morning. In this case, the things are different. Sure, romance, the widow and her child, the charming stranger and the expected end. >But the humor, the performances, the idea itself are more than seductive, working in nice manner. A film about hope and letters and Santa in a manner special for the nuances. Isadora Swann and Marguerite Moreau chemistry, a Prince Charming who gives new sense to his status by Mike Faiola and, sure, literature as perfect cover. Short - a special film. Or a smart one.
When Santa replied to a little girl's letter.
Reno-Rangan4 December 2016
It's already a Christmas season, the televisions are packed with those themed films. So basically you can't escape from watching at least couple of them in a year. Now mine begins with this, especially Hallmark's films are special in this trademark. This is another romance themed Christmas film that is set in a little town where a young girl writes a letter to Santa wishing her mother to find love and happiness again. It will be received by a struggling writer, who replies in the name of Santa and so on, they become pen pals. But when he decides to meet them in person, the reality is different than what he thought of them. Between his two identities, revealing what he actually is what becomes challenging. The remaining film is to disclose how the story ends.
Almost all the Christmas films are kind of similar, especially in romance theme. But the conclusions are dead easy to predict, because they always have a happy ending. This story was not bad, particularly in the first half. I lost interest only in the final act, they should have avoided the drag, otherwise this is a decent film. But still it is, particularly for the family audience this would be a much effective film, and to watch during the holiday season. The casting was good, nice production as well. Being a television film, it's not so bad. Since this is the first film I watched in this season, I did find it good and looking forward for other titles. -Love always, me!
6/10
Almost all the Christmas films are kind of similar, especially in romance theme. But the conclusions are dead easy to predict, because they always have a happy ending. This story was not bad, particularly in the first half. I lost interest only in the final act, they should have avoided the drag, otherwise this is a decent film. But still it is, particularly for the family audience this would be a much effective film, and to watch during the holiday season. The casting was good, nice production as well. Being a television film, it's not so bad. Since this is the first film I watched in this season, I did find it good and looking forward for other titles. -Love always, me!
6/10
Started off great
Christmas-Reviewer17 July 2017
BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.
First of all the woman in the cover photo does not look like (Marguerite Moreau) the woman who stars in this film!
In this Hallmark film A widow's daughter writes to Santa Claus, asking for her mother to find love again. When a struggling writer receives the letter, he finds new inspiration and the beginnings of a romance.
The film starts off great. It had lots of promise but slowly goes off the rails. That is too bad. The cast was very capable of delivering great and believable performances. The first hour the film is great then it becomes "okay" during the 2nd hour.
The actors save this film from failing. That is why I am giving this film a 7.
First of all the woman in the cover photo does not look like (Marguerite Moreau) the woman who stars in this film!
In this Hallmark film A widow's daughter writes to Santa Claus, asking for her mother to find love again. When a struggling writer receives the letter, he finds new inspiration and the beginnings of a romance.
The film starts off great. It had lots of promise but slowly goes off the rails. That is too bad. The cast was very capable of delivering great and believable performances. The first hour the film is great then it becomes "okay" during the 2nd hour.
The actors save this film from failing. That is why I am giving this film a 7.
Good One
Debzreview13 November 2017
From the beginning of this movie I knew it was different than the usual Hallmark movie. The story line lends itself to Hallmark but there is just something about the way it was written and directed that draws you in. I'm not an expert on movie making but it is so well made and acted it stands apart from the others. It was a wonderful story and the connection between Jake and Celia was immediate. Lilly was precocious and delightful and so enjoyable to watch. Jake's agent was hysterical and poor Randy was clueless. This is easily one of my favorites. We need to see this cast again on Hallmark.
Nice Romantic Drama
glanners-708031 January 2021
As a Macho Man, this Movie Warms the Heart
Dark_Lord_Mark21 November 2016
Okay, I am a chauvinist pig and proud of it. I was having a moment of weakness and watched this movie. Fearing the worst, my heart instantly melted watching the plot unfold.
It is about a divorced man who receives a letter from a girl and her mother. And one thing leads to another and they want to know if it is meant to be. All the characters are very likable and if you want to watch a family movie, with romance and good natured fun, give this a look. The acting was pretty good and the plot is something that everyone can enjoy.
I give it a 9 out of 10 and it will make you happy.
It is about a divorced man who receives a letter from a girl and her mother. And one thing leads to another and they want to know if it is meant to be. All the characters are very likable and if you want to watch a family movie, with romance and good natured fun, give this a look. The acting was pretty good and the plot is something that everyone can enjoy.
I give it a 9 out of 10 and it will make you happy.
Awful!
purple-8751623 December 2018
I'll make this short and simple.
Pros: -The little girl and the main guy are adorable. -The beginning is so sweet and promising. -Great job of portraying how a loss can affect a child and how they always know more than adults think. -That's about it.
Cons: -I created an IMBd account just to rant about this horrible movie. -The characters were selfish, especially the sister in the movie. She gave some sob story at the end to justify it and I had no sympathy. -EVERY HALLMARK MOVIE has the main woman love interest feeling, "betrayed" and "lied to" which has ALWAYS been SOOOOOOO dumb!! They had good intentions! You know you like them! STOP. -This movie was SUPPOSED to have a good message about magic still being in real life, but it dwelled so much on how reality sucks and then basically slapped a big, "nevermind" at the end. So distastefully done and just made me feel bad about life. -Barely Christmasy. -Don't waste your time with this movie. Could've done something so much better with my time.
Pros: -The little girl and the main guy are adorable. -The beginning is so sweet and promising. -Great job of portraying how a loss can affect a child and how they always know more than adults think. -That's about it.
Cons: -I created an IMBd account just to rant about this horrible movie. -The characters were selfish, especially the sister in the movie. She gave some sob story at the end to justify it and I had no sympathy. -EVERY HALLMARK MOVIE has the main woman love interest feeling, "betrayed" and "lied to" which has ALWAYS been SOOOOOOO dumb!! They had good intentions! You know you like them! STOP. -This movie was SUPPOSED to have a good message about magic still being in real life, but it dwelled so much on how reality sucks and then basically slapped a big, "nevermind" at the end. So distastefully done and just made me feel bad about life. -Barely Christmasy. -Don't waste your time with this movie. Could've done something so much better with my time.
A story of loss and hope for new beginnings
peterkoch-9811418 February 2017
The story revolves around a girl of 8 who has lost her father, so writes to Santa about her concerns and the wish for her mother to smile again. Having handed the letter to the postman it finds its way to Santa Inc., run by two charming but eccentric older ladies. It just so happens that a young, successful writer is assisting Santa Inc. responding to children's wishes in an effort to rekindle his enthusiasm for writing after a bitter divorce. Being flooded with material wishes, he is touched by the letter expressing matters of the heart, so responds equally in a way to give hope. From here it opens the possibility to deal with loss and relationships in a lighthearted but sensitive way that engages the viewer in a clever little story.
You have to listen very carefully to what is being said. The writer has captured important emotions and spun them into interesting messages. Even those characters who may seem boorish, surprise you with simple home spun wisdom's. Having watched the film more than once, you can't help developing a warmth for all the characters, from young to old. The story is simple and straightforward, therefore method acting is not called for and all those appearing seem to be in the right place.
I think that when the 'end of shooting' party occurred they hadn't quite finished. After the effort of constructing a thoughtful story they rolled out of the party and scripted a slightly bizarre conclusion. The actors took it in good spirit, so it doesn't detract too much from your enjoyment.
Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a warm and enjoyable film with a small deduction for the lost opportunity at the end.
You have to listen very carefully to what is being said. The writer has captured important emotions and spun them into interesting messages. Even those characters who may seem boorish, surprise you with simple home spun wisdom's. Having watched the film more than once, you can't help developing a warmth for all the characters, from young to old. The story is simple and straightforward, therefore method acting is not called for and all those appearing seem to be in the right place.
I think that when the 'end of shooting' party occurred they hadn't quite finished. After the effort of constructing a thoughtful story they rolled out of the party and scripted a slightly bizarre conclusion. The actors took it in good spirit, so it doesn't detract too much from your enjoyment.
Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a warm and enjoyable film with a small deduction for the lost opportunity at the end.
Above-average Hallmark Christmas romance flick
david-thor20 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Above-average casting for a Hallmark movie, and a subject matter that is somewhat reminiscent of their excellent "The Christmas Card". The only technical flaw I found was the ending, and that snowmobile, but it's a minor quibble compared to the enjoyable story and characters worth rooting for. Basically, the story introduces us to a young girl, Lily, who writes to Santa, describing the effect that her father's death has had on her and her mom. Mom reads the reply from "Santa" and is moved to write back and a heartfelt connection between the two soon ensues. "Santa" wants to find out the real person behind the letters and, of course, neglects to share the fact that he is the "Santa" behind the letters. A happy ending, an abandoned snowmobile and a pleasant two hours - what more could one ask for?
Sweet and funny
VetteRanger2 January 2020
With the glut of Hallmark Christmas cookie cutter plots, this one is a refreshing change of pace.
A writer becomes pen pals with a widowed mother, and they develop a connection. Of course, when he goes to her town without letting her know who he is, complications arise. I'm not a fan of the specific ending they chose, but it's bearable considering the great story preceding it.
The characters are warm, and there are plenty of chuckles. This isn't one we'd watch every year, but it certainly bears repeated viewings. :-)
A writer becomes pen pals with a widowed mother, and they develop a connection. Of course, when he goes to her town without letting her know who he is, complications arise. I'm not a fan of the specific ending they chose, but it's bearable considering the great story preceding it.
The characters are warm, and there are plenty of chuckles. This isn't one we'd watch every year, but it certainly bears repeated viewings. :-)
Nice Movie Maybe a bit low Budget but Worth Watching
gehewe27 December 2016
The letters between the two leading characters was very effective in establishing their character and their relationship. This was the best part of the movie and it was well done. The things they said to each other were very memorable and the movie should be watched just for that. The little girl was precious and contributed greatly to the success. I would guess the movie was pretty low budget and that did hurt its appeal. I spent most of the movie wondering if it was a foreign film that they just dubbed over the voices. Seemed the sound track was just a bit off to me. My family did not notice that and they liked it. We had real snow. I was not quite sure why the man was answering letters from Santa.
Rewatchable
Jackbv12329 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The plot where the kid asks Santa to make her widow mom happy turns into a kind of You've Got Mail without the internet. They use that archaic almost extinct form of communication called the US Post Office. And then the Santa ghost writer decides to meet the mom. Another slightly unusual element is that the protagonists' friends are actually against the fantasy relationship, at least at first.
Marguerite Moreau and Mike Faiola connect. I like this movie because you can actually see the two protagonists developing a relationship. They exchange a bunch of letters and when they meet they talk at an emotional level. Isadora Swann, as Lilly, is way too mature, but also quite cute and precocious.
Don't forget the potato gun, or is it cannon, and the stupid poetry and Randy and Mike Sullivan which all add a comedic element.
***SPOILER*** The part where one protagonist leaves, but comes back, is done in an unusual way. The ending is even a little silly and unusual and well done.
Marguerite Moreau and Mike Faiola connect. I like this movie because you can actually see the two protagonists developing a relationship. They exchange a bunch of letters and when they meet they talk at an emotional level. Isadora Swann, as Lilly, is way too mature, but also quite cute and precocious.
Don't forget the potato gun, or is it cannon, and the stupid poetry and Randy and Mike Sullivan which all add a comedic element.
***SPOILER*** The part where one protagonist leaves, but comes back, is done in an unusual way. The ending is even a little silly and unusual and well done.
one of the best
jewelch28 December 2021
I may have to write a letter to Father Christmas?
adamjohns-4257524 November 2020
I really enjoyed this film. It has so many things going for it. Not only is the romance lovely, but it's literary and has a bit of silliness that doesn't cheapen the overall effect.
The kids romance is also adorable.
I have to say that either choice of man would have been fine as they both had some great qualities, but one is especially handsome.
It's filmed with thought and care and there's snow and Christmas everywhere.
A really lovely hug of a film to go with a hot chocolate on a cold Winter's afternoon.
I have to say that either choice of man would have been fine as they both had some great qualities, but one is especially handsome.
It's filmed with thought and care and there's snow and Christmas everywhere.
A really lovely hug of a film to go with a hot chocolate on a cold Winter's afternoon.
Inaccurate rating
MickyG33315 January 2023
8.4 stars.
I had a very distinct feeling the rating of 6.6 stars was not accurate, so I did a little bit of investigating. You might be surprised at what I discovered, and you probably won't care.
I will cut to the chase: the average rating as of today is 6.6, but when I do the math it is actually 6.9. The total number of user votes is 1696, but the total number of stars is 11,701. 11,701 divided by 1696 = 6.90 stars. I simply took the total number of votes, and I must be able to assume none of those votes are duplicates, am I right? And if not duplicates, please tell me why your numbers and mine don't jibe.
From this moment onward will I have to start calculating these for myself? You might ask: who cares? I don't know, but why have a rating scale in the first place if nobody is counting, or keeping score? I have to start calculating total stars divided by total votes for every movie that matters. I was so moved by this film and then I saw it averaged 6.6 stars, and my intuition lit up like a rock concert.
If you've not seen it yet, I must tell you I feel this movie is better than you think it will be, and better than "they" are telling you... this is at least a 6.9 star movie and should be heralded as such. You might ask: what is the difference between 6.6 and 6.9 stars? My answer is: a world of difference.
Now if you still doubt my logic, look at the current reviews (as of today, but I'm sure it's changed vastly since). As of today there are 19 reviews (written reviews). I use the reviews as a secondary method of rating a film, because you can't hide the truth in the reviews. They are right there in front of us, numbers and all. Two of the reviews are not rated, and the majority of reviews are 8's and 9's. There is one outlier 1 star rating. I have not yet submitted mine. I looked over the two unrated reviews and gave them stars based on what they indicated. One states the following tagline: "special". The reviewer goes on to say this is a special movie, or a smart movie. Also there is praise saying things like "the humor" and "the performances, the idea itself are more than seductive". There is nothing but above average praise. I am guessing this reviewer would give it at least a 7, maybe an 8, 9, or even a 10, so I will be conservative and give it a 7. The second unrated review tagline says: "Above-average Hallmark Christmas romance flick". There are some glowing descriptions, and some less than, so I will give this a 6 (even though it's probably a 7 or 8). Now we have some numbers to work with. Of the 19 reviews the total points are 141. Divide 141 by 19 = 7.42 stars. And that includes the 1 star rating that was thrown in the mix. Don't get me started on this lonely little 1 star rating, which was probably not by chance. I'm betting that someone said to someone of importance: "hey this rating is askew, we need a one star to tip the scales." Why? It could be any number of reasons, I won't go into the monetary, political, or social ramifications.
Is the rating system somewhat rigged in favor of something, and who knows what that "something" might be? Is it due to producers fudging the numbers to bolster agendas, and/or line their pockets? Who knows. What I know, and the whole point of this diatribe is that 'Love Always, Santa' SURPASSES a 6.6 star rating. This is indeed one of the rare gems of Hallmark Christmas films. Please give us what we deserve, to appreciate a movie for the level of praise or criticism it rightfully deserves, thereby affording us the opportunity to make an informed choice.
I had a very distinct feeling the rating of 6.6 stars was not accurate, so I did a little bit of investigating. You might be surprised at what I discovered, and you probably won't care.
I will cut to the chase: the average rating as of today is 6.6, but when I do the math it is actually 6.9. The total number of user votes is 1696, but the total number of stars is 11,701. 11,701 divided by 1696 = 6.90 stars. I simply took the total number of votes, and I must be able to assume none of those votes are duplicates, am I right? And if not duplicates, please tell me why your numbers and mine don't jibe.
From this moment onward will I have to start calculating these for myself? You might ask: who cares? I don't know, but why have a rating scale in the first place if nobody is counting, or keeping score? I have to start calculating total stars divided by total votes for every movie that matters. I was so moved by this film and then I saw it averaged 6.6 stars, and my intuition lit up like a rock concert.
If you've not seen it yet, I must tell you I feel this movie is better than you think it will be, and better than "they" are telling you... this is at least a 6.9 star movie and should be heralded as such. You might ask: what is the difference between 6.6 and 6.9 stars? My answer is: a world of difference.
Now if you still doubt my logic, look at the current reviews (as of today, but I'm sure it's changed vastly since). As of today there are 19 reviews (written reviews). I use the reviews as a secondary method of rating a film, because you can't hide the truth in the reviews. They are right there in front of us, numbers and all. Two of the reviews are not rated, and the majority of reviews are 8's and 9's. There is one outlier 1 star rating. I have not yet submitted mine. I looked over the two unrated reviews and gave them stars based on what they indicated. One states the following tagline: "special". The reviewer goes on to say this is a special movie, or a smart movie. Also there is praise saying things like "the humor" and "the performances, the idea itself are more than seductive". There is nothing but above average praise. I am guessing this reviewer would give it at least a 7, maybe an 8, 9, or even a 10, so I will be conservative and give it a 7. The second unrated review tagline says: "Above-average Hallmark Christmas romance flick". There are some glowing descriptions, and some less than, so I will give this a 6 (even though it's probably a 7 or 8). Now we have some numbers to work with. Of the 19 reviews the total points are 141. Divide 141 by 19 = 7.42 stars. And that includes the 1 star rating that was thrown in the mix. Don't get me started on this lonely little 1 star rating, which was probably not by chance. I'm betting that someone said to someone of importance: "hey this rating is askew, we need a one star to tip the scales." Why? It could be any number of reasons, I won't go into the monetary, political, or social ramifications.
Is the rating system somewhat rigged in favor of something, and who knows what that "something" might be? Is it due to producers fudging the numbers to bolster agendas, and/or line their pockets? Who knows. What I know, and the whole point of this diatribe is that 'Love Always, Santa' SURPASSES a 6.6 star rating. This is indeed one of the rare gems of Hallmark Christmas films. Please give us what we deserve, to appreciate a movie for the level of praise or criticism it rightfully deserves, thereby affording us the opportunity to make an informed choice.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
