This Time Each Year

A somewhat unbelievable storyline leads us to a pleasant and dare I say heartwarming movie starring Hallmark veterans Niall Matter as Kevin and Allison Sweeney as Lauren, both of whom are very good in this movie.

They play an estranged husband and wife who must act like they're still married when Lauren's mother - to whom Lauren has had trouble breaking the news that she and Kevin have separated - visits for Christmas.

It's a story of second chances for a family unit at Christmastime. The ending, of course, was no great surprise, but there were some nice moments along the way watching Kevin and Lauren realise how much they mean to each other.

All that's gold doesn't glitter. This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of real emotions and tough times and choices. Lauren and Kevin are at a crossroads in their marriage. After over a decade building a life and love together, bad decisions and circumstances land them in a place of estrangement. Kevin had to deal with personal demons and Lauren has to overcome bearing the weight of guilt she rests squarely on her own shoulders. The reason she is so hard on herself is revealed in a way that is so impactful. As parents, we sometimes don't realize the profound impact any and everything we say and do has on our children who look to us as heroes and judges. Such a powerful message in those two small scenes.

They both move through the movie in such distress that it's hard for them to find the joy in the traditions of the season.

With Hallmark Channel putting out so many lead characters that act more like they are 12 years old than the adults they are supposed to be, it is refreshing to watch a movie that mirrors life as many of us see and experience it. Yes, we need the feel good fantasy silliness holiday movie, but Hallmark Channel also was known for giving us true to life stories that we all can relate to no matter our culture, age, gender or whatever. Bravo for telling a story so many of us can relate to and understand.

Personally I want the fantasy for the holidays. And what is an "occupancy license"? Is this something they have in other states, because we do not have them here in Washington State.

And the Christmas Carol being the "original OG".... I think Dickens is turning over in his grave.

A single child couple separate after Christmas last year, only Lauren still hasn't told her mother about it. So, when Lauren's mom shows up for Christmas she asks Kevin and her son Charlie to pretend that they are still one big happy family.

The couple got themselves into financial trouble and are now on the verge of selling Lauren's dream home. Kevin list his license, it's never explained why...drinking and driving? Kevin looses his job at the bar, where he was working for extra money, the two were in couple's counseling. Lauren has a childhood hangup about her mom calling her "little miss mess".

What I did really like is the family dynamics in Kevin's family...between his parents, his sibling and the family as a whole. It was really healthy to see how they treated each other and everyone they interacted with.

I still love both Allison Sweeney and Niall Matters...but I think they are both in better romances.

I hate not giving this movie more stars, because we very much like both Alison Sweeny and Niall Matter. Plus Laura Soltis always makes a beautiful mother of the female lead, and she does that VERY often. LOL

Here Lauren (Sweeney) and Kevin (Matter) are separated, but she hasn't told her mother? So when her mother comes for Christmas, she wants to hide that fact? In the real world, their young son is going to inadvertantly give up that secret in a very short span of the visit.

The movie was so bland that within a few days of viewing it, I already can't remember very many details about it. Nothing about it was offensive, but nothing was memorable, either. Sad.

I kept "recognizing" Allison Sweeney from other HM favs, especially the Hannah Swenson series, but, no, I had to be wrong, right? The lead actress didn't look like herself (Allison) at all. Am I the only one to notice this? I'm still looking for the date it was filmed.

Not the usual HM fare, for sure, but the cast was top notch. I loved seeing the actress who plays one of my favorite characters on The Rookie. If you think I'm really old school - you'd be so right. I'm re-watching "The Snow Bride" for the millionth time time right now, and my favorite Christmas HM movie is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with the Fonz!