This was the best new Christmas TV special of the 2014 season. It's a wonderful treat of Christmas spirit, with plenty of heart. It's the kind of story that rekindles the magic and wonder you felt as a child from the legend of a stranger who brought you presents some time overnight each December 24.
A TV feature news reporter does a story about the mysterious appearance of snowmen on the hot Christmas Day at a home in Phoenix, AZ. This odd occurrence prompts her to research who would do such a thing and why. Interviewing the family reveals only one clue; one of the children had asked for snowmen in a letter to Santa. More research shows that similar acts have been tracked all over the country to two names the apparent benefactor has gone by at different times, Nick Myra and Luke Nast.
Her quest to find this kind yet elusive benefactor is told in a first person documentary/reality show format that works far better than you would expect. One might expect that approach to be corny, silly, choppy, or contrived, and yet it avoids all these pitfalls. Instead, you'll see a series of very emotional and heartwarming tales as we join the reporter in tracking this Good Samaritan, who has evidently been helping people at random in a variety of ways for some time. Each progressive act of kindness that is uncovered is more incredible and harder to explain than the last.
The ending couldn't have been any more creative or touching. It's set up very well, and the reactions of the characters are guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye of anyone, except perhaps the most die-hard Scrooges and Grinches.
Before closing, just wanted to note that this hidden Christmas treasure was aired by an unexpected source. You're thinking Hallmark Channel or the similar Up TV, perhaps? No, it was on TLC, which usually is known for exploitation "reality TV", and was an immensely refreshing change of pace from that.
Hopefully, they will re-run it next season. For a good dose of Christmas cheer, this one is recommended.
