Sharing Christmas

Sharing Christmas is a warm feel-good film that initially aired on the Hallmark Channel in 2017. The film stars Ellen Hollman, Bobby Campo, and Cynthia Gibb, and is directed by Peter Sullivan.

Set amidst the magical backdrop of the holiday season, the film centers around the life of Stephanie Nichols (Ellen Hollman), a young woman who manages her family's traditional Christmas-themed shop "Nichols’ Christmas Store" in Manhattan. Stephanie has inherited the business from her parents and has been running it with all her heart, keeping the legacy running while adding her personal touch to the business. Stephanie's shop is a beloved landmark of the town, famed for its heartwarming holiday spirit and nostalgia, cherished by both locals and tourists alike, and is a hub of unforgettable, cherished holiday memories.

However, due to an unexpected circumstance, Stephanie finds herself struggling to maintain the beloved shop. A real estate development company decides to buy the building, aiming to replace the quaint Christmas store with a modern, office-residential complex. Michael Kilpatrick (Bobby Campo) is the company's representative, tasked with convincing Stephanie to vacate the shop by Christmas. Michael is pragmatic and focused on his task, which at first puts him in conflict with Stephanie's sentimental attachment about her store.

Ellen Hollman beautifully portrays Stephanie as a woman who is determined and passionate about her family’s store. She paints an image of a small business owner who truly values her roots, the community around her, and the traditional values embedded in the store but is also open to the prospect of change and new beginnings.

On the other hand, Bobby Campo effectively portrays the character of Michael Kilpatrick, a professional dealing with the somewhat cold world of business, yet being stirred by Stephanie's enthusiasm and the magical atmosphere of the Christmas store that serves as a stark contrast to his own lives.

Cynthia Gibb plays a supporting role, lending a sparkle to the Christmas-themed film, and contributing to its charm and holiday spirit.

Despite their initial disagreements, the movie follows the classic holiday theme of understanding, acceptance, and the magical power of Christmas to bring people together. As they encounter each other more frequently, unavoidable situations lead Stephanie and Michael to work closely with one another. Amidst the hustle-bustle of holiday preparations and, the glittering backdrop of Christmas decorations, the two different worlds of business and tradition meet, leading to a heart-warming and emotionally rich narrative.

The film beautifully interweaves the elements of love, family, community, Christmas traditions, and corporate world, presenting viewers with a wonderful and captivating tale that strikes the right balance between holiday merriment, emotional depth, and an engaging story.

Sharing Christmas is an excellent watch for those who are fond of romantic, light-hearted Christmas films. The film is made even more delightful with its spectacular set design, depicting the most enchanting and nostalgic scenes of Christmas, making the audience feel like they have stepped inside an authentic and charming Christmas store. It's filled with festive decorations, twinkling lights, warmth from the classic holiday preparations, and the timeless holiday spirit.

Moreover, while Sharing Christmas embeds the familiar holiday movie tropes like a charismatic small-town charm, the magic of friendship and love, the essence of charity, the power of community and family, and of course, an enchanting romantic possibility, it also subtly embraces the symbolism of change, adaptation, and the unending spirit of hope and perseverance, truly making it a Christmas film to remember.

In conclusion, Sharing Christmas delivers the quintessential Christmas warmth and magic while effectively dealing with the significance of preserving traditions, the advent of change, and the essence of adapting without compromising the heart and soul of a cherished legacy.