Take me to Casillas Panadería and make me my own gingerbread miracle!

First of all, I am a HUGE Christmas cookie cutout fanatic….not only do I love eating them, one of my favorite family traditions is cutting them out, baking them, and decorating them with the kids. It’s something that my mom did with us and now something we love doing with our kiddos. Now, while the sugar cookie is usually the medium for this…..we also do gingerbread because I LOVE THEM! So, call me impartial, but somehow that concept endeared me to this movie right from the start.

Tío Luis and his adorably smitten nephew, Alejandro, were pretty sweet icing on the cookie too 😉

So here’s how I break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each: 

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️❤️I’m not sure Alex and Maya could have been any cuter if they tried. I loved learning about their past flirtations as teenagers and how miscommunication and silly games they played made it hard for them to be honest with each other. Then, in stark contrast….just how straight forward they were with each other in the present. The line delivery of Alex of, “I wanna kiss you.” and Maya’s reply in kind….. SO SO GOOD! We all wanted it too!!! And maybe this is saying something about me, but I loved him being so jealous the whole movie with Jacques. It wasn’t rude or mean….he just really wanted Maya to himself. The ONLY thing that is holding back that 5th heart was the ending scene. Just TOO many words….it felt awkward, when up until that point, it was so natural……

STORYLINE❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ (overall plot of the movie) Gingerbread cut-out cookies that, when made with love, make miracles!!!! Come on! How good is that??? I loved this whole movie concept. Aside from the cookies, it was so inspiring watching all the characters find their true passions and follow their dreams….regardless of what was expected of them or what pressures they felt from others. I loved seeing Mexican culture and language portrayed in the Christmas setting—especially Las Posadas procession and explanation. I had never heard of that before! What a amazing way to celebrate and illustrate the true meaning of Christmas!

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️Both of the families were so sweet and loving. It was a nice change of pace to not have arguments or divides within the families. Even the love triangle was truly amicable…….everyone just really worked well together. Tio Luis and Alex had such a great relationship, and so did Maya and her sister and their parents…..two happy Hallmarkie families! Gosh, this feels redundant……but I don’t know what else to say….they were just all so nice.

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️Jon Ecker as Alex really nailed it. From first talking to Maya on the phone to the ending scene, we never doubted where his heart was at. Merritt Patterson also was as sweet as can be, and I love that she knew what she wanted and followed her heart. BIG feels for Alex and Maya finding their way back to each other….and BIG BIG feels for Las Posadas. Baby Jesus IS CHRISTMAS for me!

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️Las Posadas not only being mentioned, but explained and acted out…en Español with subtitles! Me gusta mut mucho! I was also shocked at Alex being to kind and generous in regards to Jacques….I mean, he made him a cookie! and one more for my Hallmark heart: the red briefcase! I did not see that coming!

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. GINGERBREAD OBSTACLE COURSE???? Where has this been all my life? I was like, how is this going to work?? and now it’s on the agenda for my Christmas Day shenanigans!
2. I said it 3 times up top….but I’ll say it again: Las Posadas is a tradition I can get behind! I love it so much

19/25 Super Sweet! I loved Jon & Merritt in this one! I would watch this one again, I think. Plus, I gotta prep for my own gingerbread obstacle course!

How in the world are you going to make me enjoy a Christmas movie with sailboats in it?!?

Don’t we need snow and ice and cold???

This Wisconsin girl was not sure about this movie right from the start….but I must say, I was most pleasantly surprised!

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So here’s how I break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each: 

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️I really loved Luke. He was amazingly natural and fun to watch. Liz, however, hmmmm…..there was just something off there. There were moments that this character did shine through in a very genuine light, but I just felt like she was trying too hard at Happy. Over smiling…Over skipping….just over acting…..Does that make sense? Toward the end of the movie, though, when Luke & Liz are at the ball talking (as long as you could look past whatever that kiss was) and onward….the chemistry was amazing! It took almost the entire movie to get me there, but I sailed in by the end. Patrick Sabongui made me hang in there….the scene where Luke remembered everything about Liz was adorable….and the pay off at the end was worth it!

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Sailboats at Christmas….was not thinking I was going to be on board……but they got me! I absolutely loved the heartfelt story of Liz and her Dad trying to navigate the grief of losing their wife/mother. It was so realistic and moving to watch them mend their hearts together, especially the fact that it was his granddaughter that melted his. I wish we would have had MORE of the parade…..did we only see 2 boats lit up? Or did I fall asleep? hmm…..

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️All of these hearts are given to Terry O’Quinn. I loved that guy. Maybe I just have a special place in my heart for the crotchety old men of the world (Love you Dad)…but he played Dennis so well. It hurt my heart watching him be sad and closed off….and made it all the more sweet as he opened back up. Seriously, he just reminded me so much of my dad…super big heart just doesn’t know how to express it, and comes off harsh because of it…..especially when it comes to his own children. Even his relationship with Luke reminded me of my father’s and husband’s relationship….geez, who wrote this story????

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️ I’m a picture fanatic. So, the scenes when they look back at old photographs and remember the past got me right in the heart….double time when it was in memory of their mom…..QUADRUPLE TIME in the big Parade Reveal at the end! What in the world?!?!? I went from a “meh” feeling to crying in the closing parade scene with that Slideshow….Also, I already mentioned my love for Terry O’Quinn above, so basically any scene he in too….special mention: him and Liz in the dark at the foot of the Christmas tree–such a touching moment from both of them.

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️ Sailboat Slideshow. And did you notice that neither Luke or Liz changed anything about their lives to decide to be together? I found it so odd that the “conflict” turned out not to be resolved—just realized that it didn’t matter in the first place….Little twist there…..oh, and how long did it take you to realize that Liz and Luke weren’t brother and sister? Probably not as long as me….LOL! The opening scene was confusing….

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. I’ve mentioned many times, but the Boat Parade at Christmas would be kind of amazing to watch….probably with more boats though….
2. Love the “Saving Christmas” scavenger hunt to collect food/goods for people in need! What a fun and thoughtful idea!

16/25 Much MUCH better than expected out of the gate. Not on my movie watch again list, but I have one more person to add to my I’d watch them again list.

After seeing a couple previews for The Christmas Promise, I honestly wasn’t so sure if my heart could take this story. I did find myself pleasantly surprised that I wasn’t in a constant state of tears.

There was enough silly, light moments to make it bearable for me, and overall, I really liked the storyline.

I always have to remind myself that everyone grieves differently….in their own way….on their own timeline….and this made certain aspects of Nicole’s sudden tragic loss very easy to relate too….but other moments hard to stomach.

So here’s how I break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each: 

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Ok, with the storyline being what it was….it was obvious that our two leads could not jump into a romantic relationship right away…and as it was, one year later, just was not enough time for me……but as I said, not my story. Anyhow, I did feel the friendship-turned-romance awkward vibes were super adorable and genuine. And I’m not talking “question mark”, I mean it was a total “exclamation point”. That scene made me smile so hard and big! Loved it! Kudos to Torrey & Dylan for making these characters come to life!

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh man, I am just so surprised by the gentle way they presented this story of grief. I loved that Nicole was able to see herself in her “Pop” and also have the outlet in the “mystery” texter. I loved that Joe was that guy….I mean, we all knew he was the texter, right? And he was so amazing about giving her space….he was funny and kind and understanding… a stark contrast to her friend group. It really was a beautiful story of finding love again…I just wish it would have been MORE than just “one year later”

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️ Nicole’s friend group really ticked me off. I’m sorry. It just felt like they did not give her the time and space she needed….was it all of them or just Susan?….not even sure, but every time they showed up I got angry. You just can’t expect someone to “feel better and HAPPY” that quickly. BUT, despite all that….I loved how she was able to anyway. Patrick Duffy CANNOT be her Grandpa. I just don’t understand that…..why couldn’t he have been her dad? I know that had to have made some of you blink twice, no?

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I cried. More than once. When you loose a loved one, it’s infinitely harder watching someone else go through that grief. The flood gates truly opened when she walked into that house for the first time. ugh. I still have a lump in my throat just thinking about it. Wanna know when else I cried? When Pop told her about writing Grandma a letter every day in the year after she passed…grief journals are so very helpful. BUT, here’s why this is a 5 star-er…..I also laughed a LOT. Joe was so goofy. That “good bye kiss between friends” was so crazy awkward it was adorable. I wonder if that was even in the script? It seemed so unplanned and unexpected….maybe it was actually ad-libbed? hmmmmm……

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️ It wasn’t a surprise (to me at least) that Joe was the mystery man….but I was surprised how he handled it. I mean, he really was just walking away completely because he didn’t want to hurt her anymore. What a guy! I fully expected him to apologize and try and convince her…..he just didn’t. …………and honestly, the first kiss(es) really belong in this category too…..

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. Choosing a lonely tree and decorating it. Especially way out in the middle of nowhere…..bringing a little joy to yourself and whoever might find it…..
2. Olympic Judging of Christmas Yard Displays…..Nicole was really tough though, ours would never win any medals.
3. Henry’s Red Truck: was it suppose to LOOK like a toy? Because it did…and that is GENIUS Advertising for a Toy Store!

20/25 I would have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this one again. There were parts I absolutely loved….and parts that were too hard on my heart….so, what I’m saying is: Great Movie….and I have a fast forward button if I need it.

I know that I’m going to get a lot of push back from a hoard of Hallmarkies….but the highlight of this whole movie for me was Azriel Dalman as Noah Bailey.

The child actor.

oh, and the Marmot.

So here’s how I break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each: 

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️ Meh. Ryan, Ryan, Ryan….I feel like I am always here explaining myself to the masses. I’m not sure what I am missing. Janel Parrish was adorable per usual, but the brand of leading man that Paevey brings to the screen just does not work for me. He’s just so rigid. So, although Dillion and Paige did have chemistry…..it just wasn’t enough for me to even feel invested. I guess I live for the drama that Hallmark couples usually give me, and there just wasn’t enough here. The conflicts seemed easily fixable. It was just a “Meh” for me….except for the Library scene…that was pretty cute.

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The idea of a party celebrating Christmas traditions with food and drinks around the world sounds EPCOT EPIC! (see what I did there?) I absolutely want to go to that! I loved that Dillion & Noah’s relationship was so genuine and sweet…refreshing to see an actively engaged dad on our screens! However, the whole plot of the Paige’s parents selling the family inn without telling her just didn’t jive….and why wouldn’t she be more mad at them then this man she met 3 days ago? I know it’s a typical Hallmark conflict, but they’ve been spoiling us lately with better, more heartfelt storylines, and this didn’t feel right with how close they portrayed this family’s bond. (IMHO, of course)

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ NOAH! This kid made the ENTIRE movie for me. He didn’t just kill the “word of the day”…he KILLED this whole acting gig. His expressions and delivery were on par with Jannel Parrish! And I’m so glad he was here because he saved this one for me!

FEELS ❤️❤️ I hurt for Paige….but from a daughter’s perspective as far as feeling left out of a huge decision by her parents, and Noah was making my mama heart swell….but aside from that, my feels really only perked up at the thought of Egg Nog taste testing and eating and drinking around the world.

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️I was surprised by how easy Dillion gave up and left with an excuse about Noah and then immediately turned around with a complete business revamp/lame apology/tiny little 4 second kiss cuz that ‘s all they had time for before the fireworks started ending. Yikes! I’m sorry. This is harsh, but I did not get this conflict and resolution at all. 😦

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. CHRISTMAS MARMOT! One of the BEST parts of this flick! I thought what in the crap is this crazy??? But when they explained the legend behind this tradition, I found myself wondering how I can start this in my city? I love it so much, I already have my wheels spinning 🙂 Friends, watch your doorsteps!
2. Winter Glamping???? As long as there is heat….that won’t endanger me from starting my tent on fire….I might be willing to try…..just going to need some real facilities, cuz below zero potty breaks do not sound very magical to me.
3. Christmas-Card-A-Thon: while I was envisioning Jerry Lee Lewis and some amazing entertainment acts in front of rows of red and green bedazzled telephones….the idea of writing and sending Christmas cards to service men & women is pretty spectacular too!

14/25 Not going to be on my watch again list…but walked away with some really adorable ways to celebrate Christmas, so I dug that much!

Gospel choirs….at Christmas time…

My heart is SO FULL! I just finished watching this and I am a PERMA-GRIN plastered across my face.

I was so excited that Michelle Williams was going to grace our screens…but I wasn’t prepared to be more enthralled with the leads Luke James & Ashleigh Murray! Their chemistry! Their voices!!!

So here’s how I break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each:

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Harmony & Kyle were obviously holding on to all sorts of history from the moment they destroyed those pies. I was having an extremely hard time comprehending what could have kept Kyle away all those years ago since he was still so overwhelming smitten with H. He was a persistent fellow though….convinced me as soon as he asked her to dance…and when he started singing in her ear….i was officially Team Kyle. It just was such a long time until the big reveal at the end to find out what was holding him back! It was hard to wait!

STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ This story felt new and fresh and different! Harmony snatched up my heart right from the start….but actually had me yelling at her 3/4 of the way through. I loved watching her find her true passion again. I loved how all the family/town stories really endured you to the fundraiser. I loved the ending most of all……but don’t even get me started on that snow globe! (Yet) oh, and I LOVED all the references to II Corinthians 13….did you catch them throughout the entire movie? “Love is Patient….Love is Kind….”

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Mama Matthews. Loretta Devine makes me so happy. She’s just the best Mama…but she deserves love again too! Her and the Deacon were so dang cute! and Harmony’s sister had some GREAT one liners too: “Sisters before Sutures” 🤣 Unpopular opinion: Destiny’s Child > Beyoncé [I stand by it] so Michelle Williams brought me so much joy. My only complaint is that she didn’t get to sing more 🥰 but I was so impressed with her acting!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ oh my goodness. So many things to feel. The Matthews sleepover had me in an emotional pinball machine….but that’s what life is like, right? I was loving the ladies night with wine and laughter, but the home video that brought them all back down with grief over missing Daddy. Ugh. There were tears from me. I already mentioned it, but Kyle and Harmony singing in each other’s ears while dancing made me melt. In fact, Kyle this whole darn movie was amazing. It was so hard to watch Harmony stiff arm him constantly. THE MUSIC! Love love LOVE a good gospel choir! They got me right into the Christmas Mood, I almost started listening to Christmas Music myself!

HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. now, I thought the big SURPRISE was going to be that when Harmony was on that ladder putting the star on the tree she didn’t fall into Kyle’s arms…but rather he LIFTED HER down (SURPRISE!) 😉 BUT. I waited all freaking movie to find out why that boy did NOT meet the love of his life at the airport and join her in New York….WOAH! That reveal did NOT disappoint….and even more than that, it completely made sense and endeared me to Kyle even more! AND ON TOP OF THAT: THE FLIPPIN’ SNOWGLOBE WAS FROM HIM!!!!!! They got me. They got me good.

NEW (ungraded) CATEGORY no hearts given, but I feel like some of the “traditions” or decor in these movies NEED a little spotlight. I mean…

WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT?!?!

1. GIGANTIC Christmas Ball ornaments as yard decor! Now, my eye doctor actually does this. They are BLUE and we call them the BIG BLUE BALLS….and I love them so much! I want to have these so badly, but I would need a storage unit just to store them in the off season, so I have yet to figure out how to make this dream happen….
2. Can we get a “Holiday Hallelujah Choir”? I’d love to sing in it….or even just go to the concert!

22/25 Loved this one! I’d most definitely watch again. Even if it were just for the music. Can we download the music? Any Hallmark big wigs reading this, let me know 😉