Ok, bear with me folks…

I had the pleasure of watching this with a friend…and was a bit distracted by laughter and children….but I did manage to find some light (possibly from the light house?) in this flick.

And if you watched it….you might find that quite surprising 😏

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️ I know I’ve seen both theses leads in other movies which I have enjoyed…but at Christina and Andy….I just could not get into this paring. Um, that campfire scene was nearly cringe-worthy…too awkward for me

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️ typical Hallmark trope: big business coming into small town to destroy a treasured landmark. The way the told this story though: I didn’t care either way…and that made me sad. Oscar the Grouch was TOO mean…Christina was a stand alone (island, shall we say?) even her fellow business owners didn’t care….and Andy wasn’t really making an effort either way. Meh to the Meh meh meh. Plus, like, just because Andy looks good in every color suit possible, he really should have spent more time being a dad.

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ These two hearts are going up for Oscar Bittleman the Grouchiest Grouch ever. He actually made me hate him, even though I knew where it was coming from! But he turned it around with his speech at the end. Got me right in the feels.

FEELS ❤️❤️ as I said…Oscar’s speech to Chrsitina at the end was very heartfelt and probably moved me more because it was such a huge 180* ….and speaking of Oscar….that kiss he plants on Janice! Well done, sir! Wink, was cute. Felt really sorry for that kiddo.

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️ besides Oscar’s whopper of a smooch…I’m more surprised with what DIDN’T happen in this movie: wharf doesn’t get saved…and Christina didn’t see a mermaid (major bummer) 🧜‍♀️ 😢 oh, and one MORE surprise: A WHOLE CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE!!!! (Christmas Sail could’ve taken notes)

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. When decorating for a seaside Christmas: DO use a lighthouse for your tree topper DON’T wrap an entire Christmas tree in a white sheet with a red sash and call it a lighthouse
2. When shooting a movie in warm climates…. DO use fake snow, CGI, etc. DON’T use cotton stuffing and batting ….this reminded me of the spring movie “Just My Type” and their overuse of fake flowers. Gave us a good chuckle though!

10/25 Stuck it out until the end. Got to see multiple blue suit looks, one green suit…and a purple jacket/green pant combo on Oscar. If the highlight of the movie is the men’s wardrobe…..I think it’s safe to say, I won’t be watching this one again.

I should have know that turning on a Miracles of Christmas movie would be a “watch at your own risk” situation….

This one told stories that I wasn’t expecting to have to navigate in a Hallmark movie….I’m glad I didn’t watch this one with our kids. There would have been lots of questions that I would have had to address….very adult storylines here….

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️ J-Bug & Q-ball are all grown up and looky there, they fall in love! The romance really took a back seat to the heavy, heavy drama their dads were dealing with, but Jason and Quinn were adorable together. The secret tree operation leading to the most perfect Hallmark kiss was to die for. And I could probably watch Eloise Mumford shyly smile and giggle all day. She’s the cutest!

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I said I didn’t expect this storyline…and that is the understatement of the year. It was very different. Not that is was bad, but discussing alcoholism and how that affected Mike and his family/career was a pretty big part of the movie. Definitely Not a warm and fuzzy Hallmark Plot. Steve’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s also was so heart wrenching. I gave this 5 hearts because the whole movie was woven together so well, and presented in a way that made me super invested…..I was just surprised that this plot line made it into a Hallmark lineup.

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Bedford & Sullivan were so amazing! I actually loved these guys! I felt like they both could be my dad….which made many scenes funny and others so hard to watch. (But obviously that means they were performed well) and THEY CAN SING! and speaking of singing: Addison (Jasmine Forsberg) AMAZING VOICE! Even the dorky producer dude was good in this! (Shout out to Miss Beauty School Drop Out….still waiting tables, huh, Didi Conn? Gosh, I’d know her voice anywhere!)

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ so many hurtful feels in this! It was just constant heartache for me the whole darn time. For the kids…for the dads…for the dads as friends and partners…for the dads as they are dealing with the trials of growing older and having their stars fade….ugh, the romance between JBug & Qball just wasn’t enough to give me happy feels…..this movie hurt my heart

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️the whole plot line was surprising to me! Wow. Just wow. 😕 also….the singing all around was GOOD! I don’t think we’ve had original songs this year that were actually good. I am super impressed!

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. Bringing boxes for Christmas decor to hotels you stay in during the holidays…we actually talked about possibly doing that 😏
2. What was with the city center tree topper? Fiber optic firework looking thing????

20/25 Very well acted. Super heart-aching storylines. I even think I’d watch it again if it came one. I’d like to hear those songs!

Jordin Sparks is a treasure.

Her voice is stunningly beautiful.

So, I was really looking forward to this movie and hearing her belt some Christmas tunes….

Plus, this poster does look like she’s sitting at a piano in front of a skyline faded into piano keys, right?

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️ It took almost the whole entire movie to get into this pairing. I tried. I tried real hard….but I can name the 2 scenes that I felt any chemistry between Lou & Kyle: 1. The way he looked at her when she sang. 2. When Kyle asked her out ….but even that immediately fizzled out as soon as she said no. I mean, do you like this girl or not? No fight? …..Their Kiss 💋 was good at the end, but then it got awkward again…. Oof.

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️ I cannot with this story. It was an absolute “typical” Hallmark plot….but why oh WHY DID THEY MAKE JORDIN SPARKS A WRITER?!?? It made no sense especially since they had her sing multiple times throughout the movie. Even my daughter said, “I think she’s going to be a singer!” Lou was just more natural and vibrant when she sang (even when she was dancing around the Christmas tree…she looked more natural) AND apart from all that, the constant repetition of “I need to go to NY” got soooo old. Can’t you write anywhere?

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ Lou’s dad and mom were super supportive and encouraging even though they knew they would miss her. Kyle’s aunt was very sweet too….but honestly, none of them really stood out to me as memorable.

FEELS ❤️❤️I felt like the Grinch watching this movie….my heart only grew three sizes when Jordin sang. and she sang twice

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️there was nothing really that surprising at all about this movie. Will she go to New York to be novelist? She talked about it so much I couldn’t take it anymore. The only surprise to me was that they didn’t have her pursue a career in singing!! I mean, look at that poster and tell me it doesn’t look like they are sitting by a piano

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. A Christmas time capsule. Hmm….sounds kind of interesting. I don’t really get the items they had in Pine Grove, but idea is still intriguing

9/25 Not a keeper for me. I think I’ll just key up Jordin Sparks playlist and listen to her sing this Christmas season.

I want you all to gather your family around and sit down to watch this movie. I would say I didn’t stop smiling the entire time….but that would be a lie because this family made me cry tears of joy on this journey!

So, full disclosure….Andrew Walker is my favorite favorite FAVORITE Hallmark leading man. I won’t deny it. I won’t shy away from it. I haven’t seen a single movie he is in that has changed this opinion, soooo……do you think he lived up to that expectation in this one???

Um, say yes, Say Yes, SAY YES!!!!!!

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Vanessa & Kristopher….you sweet, sweet kids. A.W., you did again. GAHH, I love that man! Here is the thing though…..this love story was such a small part of the overall movie, but the time they had together was adorable. LOVED how Kris asked her out on a date….loved how he looks at her (that’s an A.W. staple) He’s such a great young suitor! Loved loved LOVED Vanessa’s gift to him and the ending scene was absolute perfection. Hey, they weren’t the only ones falling in love 😉

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I love the “current events” storylines that Hallmark tackles! The concept of finding your family through a DNA match is genius to base a movie on right now! I was invested from the get go! Aimee Teagarden is just the cutest thing! She had me on the edge of my seat rooting for her to have this new found family. I loved all of the traditions and fun the incorporated….I mean, I want to be a part of it too! The excitement and then the let down….and the perfect happy ending made the whole movie feel like it was longer than 2 hours! They fit so much heart and soul into it! SO SO GOOD!

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I was enthralled with this whole cast! James. Tupper. thank you , sir. This movie was MADE by your performance. What a sweet man. Well, the whole darn family was….but, I digress…… THIS DAD. I mean, I know it’s Hallmark, but a child you never knew existed and you welcome her into your home and family at Christmas and turn out to be DAD O’ THE CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION! He was so darn Jolly and Happy and I couldn’t help but smile every time he was on the screen. (plus, he ain’t too hard on the eyes himself 😉 ) Pauline, Caitlyn, Emilia, Aidan…the whole Hendricks clan….loved almost every second. The sisters made my heart swell in their moments with Vanessa! It was so touching watching them open their hearts to their new big sis. Gosh! So many good scenes! I want to see next year’s Christmas with this fam! Even Judy 2! 😉

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️From the beginning of Vanessa’s quest to meet her family all the way to the end….my heart was in my throat. This story was told so well! Every time Vanessa connected with Richard or Caitlyn or Emilia….every time Richard (Mr. Christmas) introduced a NEW Christmas activity….the Christmas gift openings…..The way they all fell in love with each other! There was just so many moments that touched my heart….and so many moments that had me smiling as big as that blow up Santa! A whole spectrum of feels!

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The entire ending was unexpected for me! I really did not think it would turn out the way it did….so many twists! Is she? Isn’t she? And the picture to prove it! They got me! Also, did you see? The family actually praying??? Our family prays the same way before every meal holding hands! Loved That! *****PLEASE tell me you caught the completely unexpected cameo by another handsome Hallmark gentleman! He delivers their coffee at the beginning of the movie…..Mr. Tyler Hynes!!!! Oh my! I was flipping out when I saw it….I rewound and took a video on my phone! Pretty sly though……many people I talked to didn’t notice it

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. This Family was all about going BIG! BIG Santa! Big Candy Canes! BIG BOWS EVERYWHERE! I might do those bows! on the front of the doors on the back of the doors….randomly on a wall….. Loved it!
2. Norwegian traditions and food! One of my aunts makes lefse (yummy) Good Yule!

25/25 My favorite this year so far! It had everything! And I mean EVERYTHING! A sweet love story of an entire family and an adorable couple. Good Yule! Good Yule!

Well, this was unexpected.

When I see my girl, Alison Sweeney, front and center on the cover of a movie poster, I am expecting sassy and spunky and feisty and fun to be had….this is not what Open By Christmas delivered.

Also, I’m not quite sure that this movie didn’t belong in the Miracles of Christmas line up over on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries….it was much more serious and heartfelt than a rom-com in my book.

A story of a long lost Christmas Card love note mystery…..that I ended up not even caring about at all…. hmmmm

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️The last 5 minutes of this movie is what put Nicky & Derrick on the heart map…but juuuust barely. Listen, my love for Sami Alison runs so so so deep. _{(remember our first born daughter is named Samantha….not a coincidence)} But, she has STRENGTHS and I felt like they just weren’t used in this paring. I also enjoy Brenden Elliot….but, you see…..I just couldn’t believe this Nicky character being so down her luck in love…and the two of them together just didn’t spark for me. I actually think their acting was spot on to the characters they were playing, but if you don’t use Alison’s spunk, I just feel like you are wasting this girls’ talented…..then they had to go and CRY in the final scene and give us a real kiss. I mean, where were those two all movie????

STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️There were so many interesting things going on here! I know the main plot was about the found Christmas card love note….but I was 100% more invested in Simone’s life. I know it’s because I’m a mom….and a wife….so I totally related to her worries about her son growing up/pulling away/becoming more independent. I think about that a lot. Makes me so sad. Ugh. See? I also loved the way they told the story of Simone and Miriam. It was so honest and touching how they came to understand each other. This movie really had two fully separate storylines running parallel throughout. I loved Nicky Simone’s friendship…true and life long. Really different concept!

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️As I said…Simone was so much more a part of this movie than a supporting cast member…feel like she should have been on the poster too! Simone and Miriam nailed their roles. Even when they started getting along and understanding one another, I love that Miriam didn’t totally change her personality….still reserved and quietly judgy 😉 I loved the Jeremy/Anthony relationship and story too. This was all so very different from many-a-Hallmark movie.

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️What got me is how I felt the feels in all the parts I wasn’t expecting to. I come into these movies wanting the love story….I didn’t get what I wanted from this one, but I still got some BIG feels in other parts of the story. ALL the mom feels for Simone…ugh, why do our babies have to grow up?!?!?! I absolutely LOVED the surprise Jeremy was able to pull of for Simone. I knew that was coming and STILL got excited like I was getting a new house! Obviously, the last scene between Nicky & Derrick was so touching. Man, they didn’t have to bottle that all up until the very end though!

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(what made this different from typical Hallmark movies)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️This whole cast and movie surprised me. Especially since I didn’t even find myself caring about the main characters as much as I thought I would. It wasn’t kitschy or cheesy at all….so honestly, the big surprise for me is that it was billed as a rom-com.

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. My Christmas gift-giving game is weak. Can you imagine gifting someone a whole darn house….completely furnished? Decorated for Christmas? With a big party? WOW!
2. I would totally make my 15 year old get that pic with Santa. Lay off Miriam, Nicky, Jeremy, and anyone else that stands in my way. Traditions are traditions, yo.

22/25 I didn’t get what I came for, but I ended up leaving with a heartfelt story just the same. It was a solid Hallmark heart grabber for me….just not the fiery love story I expected.