Love You like Christmas

Love You Like Christmas is a heartwarming festive movie released in 2016 by Hallmark. It's a story filled with emotion, love, and the magic of Christmas, and it stars Bonnie Somerville, Brennan Elliott, and Madison Brydges in the lead roles. The story revolves around the theme of self-discovery, love, and holiday joy in a small town setting.

Bonnie Somerville plays the role of Maddie Duncan, a successful businesswoman who always puts her career first and has little time for anything else, especially Christmas. The film opens with Maddie preoccupied and buried under pressure from her professional commitments. Although the holiday season is abuzz around her, she finds herself less enthused about the festivities and more absorbed in her business endeavors.

On a business road trip a few days before Christmas, Maddie's car breaks down, and she finds herself stranded in the small town of Christmas Valley. The town lives up to its name with an all-year-round Christmas vibe, a stark contrast to Maddie's busy city life. The people in Christmas Valley seem to be more connected, not just with each other, but also with the spirit of Christmas. They make a strong impression on Maddie with their kindness and warmth.

It is here that Maddie encounters Kevin Miller, played by Brennan Elliott. Kevin is a single father and the owner of a local tree nursery. He believes in the cherishing each moment and living life at a slower pace, contrary to Maddie's always-on-the-go lifestyle. Maddie also meets Kevin's lively daughter, played by Madison Brydges, who adds a spark of joy and childlike innocence to the film.

Stuck in Christmas Valley, Maddie is surprisingly enlisted to plan the town's Christmas celebration. As she takes on the task, she gets drawn into a world where Christmas spirit, community cheer, and family hold the most significant importance. Maddie gets to experience Christmas in a way she hasn't done in years. A journey that started as an unplanned detour transforms into a heartfelt exploration of life’s priorities for her.

Kevin and Maddie develop a connection over their shared responsibility. Kevin's unpretentious lifestyle and dedication to his family and community influence Maddie's outlook on life. She begins to see the joy in the simple pleasures that Christmas Valley offers. Interacting with Kevin and his daughter, she rediscovers her own long-forgotten Christmas cheer.

"Love You Like Christmas" very effectively juxtaposes two contrasting lifestyles - the fast-paced city life filled with stress and the slower small-town life filled with festive spirit and community love. The movie shows how Maddie evolves by embracing the Christmas spirit, bestowing upon viewers the importance of slowing down, appreciating life's simple joys, and valuing the spirit of community and family over material success.

Throughout its runtime, the movie does a fantastic job of blending humor, compassion, and love with a strong dose of holiday cheer. Bonnie Somerville, Brennan Elliott, and Madison Brydges deliver endearing performances, making their characters relatable and lovable.

The small-town setting with its abundant holiday decorations and feel-good vibe constitutes a perfect backdrop for this tale, making "Love You Like Christmas" an ideal pick for Christmas movie nights. The captivating storyline captures the essence of holiday magic and the significance of love and family, leaving viewers with a warm feeling and a newfound appreciation for the Christmas season.

In conclusion, "Love You Like Christmas" is a moving, Christmas-themed movie that beautifully illustrates the journey of a woman rediscovering her love for life, Christmas, and finding unexpected love. It’s an excellent watch for those who love a pleasant combination of romance, humor, Christmas cheer, and a heart-tugging storyline. The magic of the film lies not just in the story but also in the performances, making it a great Christmas movie to enjoy with family and friends.