Una famiglia sotto l'albero

The DNA match premise was done last year and that one was excellent also, but I can't think of other examples of this premise. This story could have unfolded in so many different ways. The foster-care backstory is delivered quickly and could have been milked for a lot more emotion, but there was so much else to tell that they had to move over it quickly.

I hate when previews on a network give too much away. Hallmark had been advertising this movie for at least a week revealing a twist that doesn't occur until a little over half way. There were clues that it was coming though. There was one telling clue very early on that is never explained in the conclusion. I'd rather not give away spoilers.

I first saw Aimee Teegarden in Once Upon a Christmas Miracle which I loved and again on Hallmark two years later after the Covid hiatus and I loved that too. Teegarden must have a good agent because this sweet girl-next-door-looking woman was perfect for this movie and those previous ones also. This might be her best role of the three. How could there not be chemistry, not only with Walker, but all of the cast playing her new family? Walker was excellent, but so were 5 family members. I'd like to pick one of the kids as a standout, but they were all so good.

The writing and direction were excellent especially in little things that added to the richness. I can't even recall all of them.

There is another twist which I started to suspect and kept telling myself that it wouldn't be, but it made so much sense for this kind of movie.

I said last nights Hallmark movie was the best of the season, but now they have two real gems back to back.