Christmas Lost and Found

The 2018 holiday film "Christmas Lost and Found" is an emotion-filled narrative starring Tiya Sircar, Edward Ruttle, and Diane Ladd that meshes humor, sentimentality, and the magic of Christmas into one heartwarming tale. This warm and cheery seasonal movie is sure to win over audiences with its charismatic characters, honest emotions, and feel-good narrative that adds a hearty dose of Christmas spirit.

The story centers on Whitney Kennison (played by Tiya Sircar), a driven, independent New York City event planner who lives for her work and has not returned home for Christmas in several years. Feeling the pressure of her manic everyday life, Whitney is compelled to take a break when she gets a surprise invitation from her loving grandmother Frances (Diane Ladd). Whitney travels to her grandmother’s beautiful home in Chicago, hoping to have a quiet and relaxing Christmas vacation.

However, quiet isn't what she gets. In an attempt to remind Whitney of the true importance of Christmas, Frances, a lady with a penchant for holiday nostalgia, lands upon a unique idea. She takes Whitney's treasured collection of family Christmas ornaments, which had been carefully collected over the years as gifts from her grandmother, and sets up a holiday scavenger hunt.

Each ornament comes with its own hint, leading Whitney on an enchanting journey through her past. It is not merely a hunt for ornaments, but a quest to rediscover the lost Christmas spirit and an exploration of meaningful family traditions. As Frances had hoped, this inventive approach stirs buried memories and emotions, both joyous and tragic, reminding Whitney of the significance of family and the holiday season.

Joining Whitney on her Christmas mission is Brian (Edward Ruttle), a friendly and handsome local childhood friend who has never moved away from their hometown. Their partnership rekindles a long-lost bond while also igniting the romantic sparks that were left behind during their teenage years.

But this is not merely a tale of unearthing years-old Christmas ornaments and blossoming romance. Director Michael Scott paints a vivid picture of the season's spirit, adding to the film's allure with warmly lit scenes, jubilant carols, snow-covered vistas, and colorful holiday decorations. Throughout Whitney's quest, Scott places great emphasis on the power of family, tradition, memories, and love.

Tiya Sircar's portrayal of the career-obsessed Whitney is sensitively done, provoking empathy for her character. She effectively portrays Whitney's transformation from a work-oriented individual to someone who starts appreciating life's finer aspects and the value of family over material success. Diane Ladd, a veteran actor, shines in the role of the loving and wise grandmother, providing the right amount of emotional warmth and humor to the narrative. Edward Ruttle, as the love interest, executes his part with a sweet charm and affability that complements his character.

The dynamic between Whitney and her grandmother, and the subtle love story that develops between Whitney and Brian, provides a notable allure to the overall narrative. The film does an excellent job of balancing the joyful spirit of the Christmas season alongside a compelling storyline and performances.

The magic of "Christmas Lost and Found" lies in its ability to represent the universal elements of the holiday season. Moments of charming humor, heartfelt emotion, endearing characters, and palpable on-screen chemistry are set against a winter wonderland backdrop. It offers a reminder of the importance of embracing our roots and rekindling our connections — reminding us the true reason for the season.

In conclusion, "Christmas Lost and Found" is an enchanting holiday film that effortlessly combines whimsy, romance, family relationships, and the quintessential holiday spirit. A touching narrative peppered with delightful surprises, it is bound to lift the spirits of viewers and instill in them the warmth of the Yuletide season. This movie is a joy-filled journey into the true essence of Christmas, bringing love, family, and tradition to the forefront.