I had no idea what I was getting into when I started watching this movie. I hadn’t seen a trailer…I didn’t remember reading the synopsis that Hallmark put out…..so I was flying blind.

First impression: How refreshing! It’s nice to see a romantic lead couple with a little life experience!

Beau has got mad game too! Wow. This guy melts hearts at every corner…which, if I was Joan…he would probably make me quite suspicious. Sometimes a man can just say the right thing TOO often, ya know?

This whole movie took me on a wild rollercoaster of emotions. I started out just loving Beau’s romantic persistence…..BUT could completely understand Joan guarding her heart. I was guarding mine right along side her. The premise of a widowed mother at her son’s wedding hit so very close to home for me. I was doing a real good job at compartmentalizing it too…..up until those flashbacks showed her late husband with Liam as a young boy. Honestly, I turned the movie off. I had to take a break on this one. I wasn’t sure how far they were going to go with the flashbacks….and I just needed some space.

_{If you don’t know me personally: My oldest brother passed away 4 short years ago at the young age of 43. My amazing sister-in-law has been wonderful and strong and resilient raising their daughter and son. Milestones are hard. Many things are hard. Just watching this storyline and writing about it….feels like a vice grip clenched tight around my heart.}

I did turn it back on though. Happy thoughts and feelings resumed. No more flashbacks….and I was able to get back into the Hallmark bubble.

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Come on, #4….let’s be #1. 😉 Beau was one smooth operator! It took me awhile to get on board with these two. Catherine Bell (Joan) has such a soft, soothing tone and demeaner, she always kind of makes we want to fall asleep. (She is the GOOD Witch, afterall) Every little piece of their backstory that you learned just worked more and more in their favor though. I was really rooting for #4 & #5!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Although there were elements that were personally hard to watch…once the full story was played out, I thought it was super clever! Remember being young and meeting someone you just clicked with? Even if it didn’t work out, you often thought about them and the “what if”? No? Just Me? Anyway, I could relate to that. On the other hand, the conflict of protecting a grown Liam was a little too hard for to buy, so I’m really glad he took it all like an adult in the end. I wasn’t buying what Joan was selling there. Also, I could have done without it being so heavy on the “FATE” talk. It’s “fate..fate…fate” but then cut to the song “O Holy Night”….just ain’t right.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️ Liam & Katie were super adorable! I loved that they were portrayed as level-headed and responsible young people….that wrote the sweetest vows to each other. And MAJOR shoutout to Charlie…I know his part wasn’t very big, but I feel like it was a huge nod to service industry folks everywhere! They will go above and beyond if only you showed them a little gratitude! Such a simple thing to do for the underappreciated service industry 😉 YAY for Real Wreath Making too!

FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The Flashbacks 😦 …we’ve talked about the them enough. I also had real anger at the layers of conflict towards the end. They really piled it on…and the misunderstanding was (in my opinion) not needed. JEEZ! Give these sweet people a break, Hallmark! Beau & Joan really were so good together. The perfectly timed Christmas Tree Lighting KISS lit up my heart, y’all! _{(too much?)}

HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ That wedding speech reveal? I didn’t think that info would come out there. I didn’t think it was going to be that dramatic….I was NOT expecting any of that! Well, played, Hallmark!

18/25 For the most part, I really liked a lot of this one. I probably wouldn’t watch it again, though, simply due to the fact that it triggers the emotions I don’t need help igniting.

I’m sorry to say nothing about this movie surprised me.

Was it shot in a gorgeous location with a feast for the eyes as far as the they could see?

Yes!

Did I learn about the food, culture, and Christmas traditions of the people of Vienna?

Yes!

So it basically was it like every other “big on location” movie Hallmark ever made?

Yes.

I will say, I LOVED seeing the Advent Candles & Wreath….I wish it would have actually been explained more in depth and in relation to the birth of Jesus. The Christmas Stockings also touched my heart as that too is a part of the Germanic family traditions that were passed down to me.

And those were my highlights, folks! 😉

Let’s dig in!

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️ OOFDAH! This one was rough to watch for me. Jess: this girl was adorable & funny. She was already struggling with her musical passion, the direction her life was going….AND she put herself out there for a handsome stranger! Mark! You’re killing me, man! I get that you may not be ready….but, you certainly acted interested….and then, BAM. Cold shoulder. Many times over. Ouch. I did give you two hearts….because some scenes were very cute: ice skating, mistletoe, and Silent Night….but if you talk about kissing, the moment is ruined. If you talk about kissing, and then never actually kiss. Then it’s just weird. It really pains me because I like Brendan Elliot, but perhaps he only has eyes for Lacey?….and Sarah Drew…she tried…it just wasn’t there between these two for me.
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️ This plot line was lost on me. For one, it’s yet another musical story…which I wouldn’t mind if it made more sense. It was as if they used the music story just to include another beautiful Viennese location. Also, we’re they trying to channel Capt, VonTrap vibes with Mark? If that’s the case, he should have been much more stern throughout….you gotta sell that closed off aura better if you’re going that route. ……one more, sorry, why would a professional violinist on vacation substitute nanny for someone who she barely knew?

SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ okay, we have to talk about the accents. I am not a world traveler….like, at all. So, I need someone to tell me if these were right? Also, why did the older two children not have one…and the youngest’s was so pronounced that it was hard to understand? Haven’t they only lived there a year? Confused. Let’s talk about this friend Jess has….she’s immediately trying to hook her up with her cousin, gets her to do her job for her while on vacation…AND keeps telling her to pursue this man that literally turns her down at every attempt she makes. Jess, I will be a better friend than that to you. Come back to the States. Hop over the border to Wisconsin from Minnesota, and we’ll hang!

FEELS ❤️❤️ I had mostly Christmas feels from this one. The scenery was gorgeous! I would absolutely love to visit Vienna at Christmas time! As I mentioned above though, every almost moment between the leads just didn’t get there for me.

SURPRISE (anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation) ❤️ Talking about when you should kiss… But then never actually kissing… And then attacking it at the end… That’s a no for me

9/25 Imma pass on this one when it’s on again.

Yikes! I was harsh. I re-read what I wrote…and while I stand by it, I do want to add: I like Brennan Elliott and really like him in other movies. Sarah Drew was very cute in this too (I know she’s a Grey’s alum)….this storyline just didn’t sit well with me, I guess.

I wasn’t even planning on watching this movie…but let me tell you, I am SO GLAD I DID!

I’m not sure if the Hallmark Execs are Celebrating Classical Music this 2020 season, or what is going on. Maybe it’s just how these movies fell….but this is the 3rd movie that heavily features music. (and there are more coming) I will be honest and say I’m not a classic movie buff….I’m hardly even a fan. That is why, I just wasn’t excited about this film.

Well, string-me-up-a-violin-and-call-me-crazy (that’s a saying, right?) THIS WAS AMAZING! I would hope anyone watching Lucia Micarelli can appreciate her ridiculous talent. She’s mesmerizing to watch slay the violin. If you’re curious (like I was) look up her filmography on imdb. You’ve most DEFINITELY heard her play before! What I wasn’t expecting was her natural acting ability and chemistry with Michael Rady.

Now, I need to come clean with myself here. Michael Rady is my Hallmark “sleeper” Hunk. Meaning, I always forget how much I love him in these movies until I’m watching another movie with him in it that I LOVE. Why do I keep forgetting this??? Trust Rady. Trust Rady. Trust Rady. There. Maybe that will help.

There is so much happening in The Christmas Bow….and normally, that’s really hard for Hallmark to pull off. They hit every mark on this one!

As Kate so eloquently said, “More is More.”

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Patrick & Kate. I could not love you two more! Patrick is so smitten…and he plays this so so well. Can we take a moment of silence…and close our eyes…..and remember when the “close my eyes” scene played out? Yes, I re-played that scene more than once. No, I am not ashamed. WOW! Everything about that dialogue and kiss had me.on.the.floor. And, also, can I just say how you CAN have a “conflict” without a huge misunderstanding? THANK YOU FOR THIS! Honest and open the whole time. LOOOOOVE!!!!!
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Oh my goodness. There were multiple stories intertwined in this…and they ALL CRUSHED IT! Kate’s hand rehab…..Patrick’s dream job?….Patrick’s mom, Tess, and her health struggles & successes…Grandpa Joe & his late wife….little wingman Gavin…..ok, MAIN PLOT: nailed it. Lucia obviously knew how to convey her passion for music across the screen….and what would it be like if that was threatened. Kate and Patrick’s love story was so natural and beautiful. I would give it 8 hearts if I could.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Was there a bad actor in this whole bunch? Nope. Not a One. First of all, little wingman, Gavin, and Patrick were SUPER ADORABLE. That “joke” never got old. I looked into Patrick’s mother, Tess…and you can read more of Joy Perry’s casting call news here. She really does have CMT. How amazing to be able to bring awareness and represent others! Grandpa Joe was so sweet and I just wanted to jump through the screen and hug him! (and that was before the heart-wrenching flashback) Again. I need MORE hearts!!!!!
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This whole movie was a surprise! Kate & Patrick being honest about their feelings, but you still knew their internal conflict was probably the biggest surprise. The early kiss is always my favorite surprise, though….and that one. Was. Epic.

25/25 ❤️ I’ve already watched this more than once. LOL! Would certainly give it 30/25 if I could.

I’m KICKING MYSELF I did not included this in my Hallmark Christmas Movie Showdown Bracket. Trust Rady. Trust Rady. Trust Rady.

Oh my HEART!!!!!!

My favorite thing about watching a movie like this one….just when I think it couldn’t get any better, it JUST KEPT GETTING BETTER!!!!

The storyline of the children and their parents made my heart brace for the worst possible feels….and let me be honest, the little reminders of their parents throughout the movie most definitely made me tear up. But the JOY! The Christmas JOY and LOVE and FUN that Max & Jessica brought to them…..AHHHH!!!!! Every minute was adorable!

Max. Can Carlo Marks just smile at us forever? Oh man. [insert all the heart eyes emojis]

Jessica + Max + 3 adorable kiddos= Hallmark Christmas PERFECTION!

Special HOLIDAY Tradition shoutout to the All Natural/Edible Christmas decorating in the backyard! I LOOOOVE this idea and may have to steal it!

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Max & Jessica WIN my Hallmark Heart! These two were amazing together! I loved that he has been crushing on her since day one. I love that we got to see their relationship with each other and the kids develop so naturally. The little hand holdings we got all along the way were so sweet….and the moment we all waited for in the driveway! COME ON! It was perfect. THE ONLY SINGLE THING I didn’t buy: Jessica’s line of “I never thought of Max that way” half way through the movie when she’s talking to her friend…….Jessica, nobody is buying that. You crazy, girl. Everybody and their mother has thought of Max like that 😉
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ This story was beautifully and wonderfully written and acted. What a heart-wrenching life these children and adults lived to bring them all together like this. I loved that the kids were such a big part of all of it. One of my favorite scenes was just them talking over Hot Chocolate and letting them give the adults advice. Kids are so smart! The way that everything played out in the end not only personally but professionally was SO GOOD! Jessica’s line about the 21st century was THE BEST and great reminder that Hallmark likes to poke fun of itself too 😉
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Up top the 3 kids were awesome….but I almost feel like they were the leads too, so how great is that?!?!? I loved me some Mrs. Brooks though. She knew her Max very well! Uncle Charles even redeemed himself at the end…and it’s a good thing, cuz I really did not like him for awhile there.
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I couldn’t STOP feeling the feels this whole movie! Every time the thought of Jessica blew past Max, this man was HEAD OVER HEELS for her. He played that so well! Their love for each other, their love for the kiddos…WARM FUZZIES EVERY SECOND! The reminders of the parents….the puzzle piece….the lists….the hand holding….the words they didn’t say….the words they DID say! ALL OF IT!
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The ending was shockingly not as predictable as I thought it would be. The way that everything fell apart and then eventually all worked out was actually believable and really smart! SO SO GOOD! But also surprising: HOW MUCH HOT CHOCOLATE CAN ONE CONSUME?!?!?! Maybe that’s why the little one is having bad dreams??? She’s hopped up on ALL THAT SUGAR! 😉

25/25 ❤️ A PERFECT HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIE. Would watch again and again, and AGAIN!

That’s a Mouthful of a Title!

I was super excited for this one. Ashley Williams is one of my FAVORITE Hallmark leading ladies. I love that she’s so chipper and goofy. She has great comedic timing…and I don’t know what it is about her, but she just makes me happy.

I have never heard of this odd saying of “Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater” ….so I don’t know if that’s actually a thing…if it is, it’s dumb. #1 Christmas Sweaters are amazing: the cheesier, the better. #2 The fact the Ashley’s character thinks this…..is probably the 1st reason why this movie didn’t sit right with me. She’s normally the over-the-top positive ball of Christmas CHEER….I want that Ashley on my screen. I mean, she loved Christmas, but having her be sad about not being with her daughter was too sad. (this could, again, be hitting too close to my heart as a child that had to spilt holidays between my parents houses)

I wanted to love this one so much. Something about it was just a bit off for me. You mean to tell me of ALL the “UGLY” Christmas Sweaters in all the world at your fingertips….you want me to believe that her light bulb Dress was the WORST thing she could find?

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

CHEMISTRY _{(between the leads)} ❤️❤️❤️ Maggie & Lucas…I’m giving you 3 hearts SOLEY based on the sleigh ride and that last scene where Maggie declares she “loves this sweater” Those 2 moments felt like entirely different characters than you played the whole rest of the movie. If that couple would have been shown more, y’all would have been adorable.
STORYLINE _{(overall plot of the movie)} ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Taking out a Man with a Christmas tree was a pretty great start….plus, I loved the Military families storyline woven into this. It was cute and pulled at a whole separate set of heartstrings. Hallmark is really going to all inclusive this year….showcasing lots of different family dynamics. The divorced parents sharing custody (of course in a very happy Hallmark way 😉 )
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️ Little Man Reed was the cutest! All the other supporting cast kind of faded into the background….except for the very serious Colonel who thawed just enough to make Maggie smile very BIG in the end!
FEELS❤️❤️❤️ I wanted SO MUCH MORE from this pairing! Ashley & Niall should have been gold. Maybe it was just me, but something was missing. The video surprise at the party got more feels from me than anything else.
HALLMARK SURPRISE _{(anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation)} ❤️❤️❤️ The biggest surprise for me was Maggie’s abrupt anger during the “misunderstanding” It seemed far too harsh. And also, I do NOT like Ashley Williams being sad or angry. It hurts my heart too much.

16/25 ❤️ Love me some Ashley Williams….but I would re-watch any of her other movies before this one again.