The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve

Usually this type of TV movie is hazardous to one's health, as they are syrupy enough to cause diabetes, but this one was a pleasant surprise. Steven Weber is Calvin, a type-A businessman who has alienated most of his family in his drive to build up the family business. In his determination he has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas until he is "killed" by various means and forced to search his life and soul to find himself and his family. He has twelve days to accomplish this, aided by Angie (Molly Shannon), a nurse/angel who is determined to help him succeed.

Weber and Shannon work well together and have a nice, rather caustic relationship. The mood of the movie goes from the comic to the introspective as Calvin begins to find his way. Patricia Velasquez adds to the mix as Isobel, the Portugese visitor whom Calvin is trying to impress, but who has her own way to find, we see at the end. Teryl Rothery is under-utilized as Marilyn, Calvin's ex-wife.

If you are in the mood for a nice, pleasant holiday movie and are tired of the usual fare, I would recommend this one. It's not great theatre, but an enjoyable couple of hours.