Christmas at Xander Point has all the trimmings of a classic holiday romance, sans snow. It has the long-lost long, seasonal misunderstandings, as well as some surprises along the way, like a PSA for cellphone usage and bullying.
One of the standout aspects is the cinematography-beautifully shot with a polished look that elevates the production beyond typical TV holiday fare while
capturing the natural beauty of Beaufort, Newberry, and Dreher Island, SC.
The set design deserves a nod too-it's detailed, festive, and gives the town a believable, lived-in charm. Full disclosure: I had a hand in helping with that, so I'm a little biased, but I think viewers will agree it brings the world of the film to life.
Musically, the score complements the story without overpowering it. There's a balance of whimsy and sentiment that works well with the tone of the film. (Yes, I was involved in the music, too, except the cheesy parts that were repetitive).
The story itself is what you'd expect: comforting, a bit corny, occasionally clunky-but peppered with moments of genuine humor that help break up the sweetness. It's not perfect, but it has heart, and that goes a long way in a holiday film.
