The Christmas Ornament

The Christmas Ornament is an emotion-packed, holiday-themed film directed by Mark Jean and produced by Harvey Kahn. The film was released in 2013, and the main characters are brought to life by Kellie Martin, Cameron Mathison, and Jewel Staite. Their exceptional performances and the captivating storyline make this movie a heartwarming addition to the holiday films genre.

The film revolves around Kathy Howard, played by Kellie Martin, a woman who has recently become a widow and is cautiously grappling with her first Christmas alone. Kathy had always been enthusiastic about Christmas, a passion she shared with her husband. However, following his untimely death, she finds herself lost in grief and finds this time of year particularly difficult to endure. She ultimately resolves not to celebrate Christmas that year, aiming to avoid the painful memories attached to the holiday season.

Rather than focusing on the holiday, Kathy intends to keep herself busy with her new bike shop – a venture she had started together with her late husband. However, the shop is struggling financially due to her intense competition and her inexperience in the business world. As if things weren't challenging enough, she becomes more and more pressured as the holiday season creeps in.

Unexpected events unfold when Kathy meets Tim Pierce, portrayed by Cameron Mathison, an affable and charming tree lot owner. He’s a charismatic bachelor who, with his joyful spirit and love for the holiday season, represents everything Kathy is trying to avoid. Tim, upon meeting Kathy, develops an interest in her, which leads to a series of friendly interactions.

A significant aspect of this film is a modest yet priceless Christmas ornament, which Tim gives Kathy. Despite her initial vow to forsake Christmas, she's touched by this simple gift, and it becomes a beacon that gradually rekindles her lost Christmas spirit. This ornament symbolizes hope and sparks Kathy’s emotional journey of acceptance and renewal.

Tim’s fascination with Kathy steadily grows into a deeper bond, and he finds himself being drawn to help her through her grief. However, his radiant Christmas spirit and goodwill are constantly at odds with Kathy's wish to evade Christmas festivities. Their burgeoning relationship faces its challenges, offering an emotional backdrop to the story.

Meanwhile, Kathy's cookie business, which she initially started as a side hobby, starts gaining attention. She is aided by her good friend and confidante Jenna, played by Jewel Staite, who also adds a layer of warmth and support to Kathy’s life. As Kathy's cookies become more popular and her relationships evolve, she finds herself dealing with change and the unfolding realities of love, friendship, and business.

Some films captivate audiences by presenting relatable characters and true-to-life situations - The Christmas Ornament is one such film. It unveils the reality of grief and endurance simultaneously presented with the magical essence of Christmas. It strikes a delicate balance between the melancholy of loss and the joy of new beginnings, wrapped in the sentiments of the holiday season.

Kellie Martin’s performance as Kathy wins the hearts of viewers as they accompany her on her journey towards healing, while Cameron Mathison's role as Tim brings a perfect blend of charm and kindness, making his character irresistible. Jewel Staite's portrayal of Jenna rounds off this well-acted movie and together, they provide the audience with an engaging and enjoyable holiday film.

The Christmas Ornament is not just a movie about dealing with loss or a love story unfolding amidst the usual holiday cheer. It is also a film that highlights the slow journey of acceptance, finding hope in little, unexpected things, the power of friendship, and the beauty of starting over when life takes an unexpected turn. Moreover, it's about holding onto the spirit of Christmas - the universal message of peace, joy, and hope.

In conclusion, The Christmas Ornament is a beautiful, emotionally enriching film that will resonate with many viewers during the holiday season and beyond. It has all the elements that audiences seek in a Christmas movie - warmth, love, light-heartedness, and the much needed holiday sparkle.