Addie is a New York City chiropractor who mistakenly receives a text from "Nana." The accidental text turns into a loving friendship, and the two communicate regularly. When Addie finds herself alone at Christmas, she accepts Nana's offer to spend the holiday in Vermont with Nana's family, and it's there that she meets Nana's single son, James, a traveling doctor. Addie spends the next three consecutive Christmases at Nana's, and when she and James are finally both single, the two realize their friendship could grow into something more.
Starring: Merrit Patterson and Trevor Donovan
Image: Great American Media
My Movie Letter Grade: A
Is the Plot of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Believable?
As the story initially unfolds, you might be scratching your head, thinking no one would travel three hours to a perfect stranger's home to spend Christmas. It doesn't sound safe let alone plausible.
The scriptwriter, Cara J. Russell, makes it work.
First, we learn that Addie doesn't like straying outside of her comfort zone, which is one reason Mark leaves her after three years of dating. When Addie learns he's already gotten engaged a mere two months into a new relationship, she wants to prove to herself that she can take risks and embrace change.
Second, the time constraints of the movie might not leave room to show how often Addie and Nana speak, but we are given the impression that between face-timing and texting, they've gotten to know each other reasonably well. It's safe to say Addie has a good "vibe" about Nana and doesn't detect anything nefarious about her. People usually have a sense about these things.
Lastly, Addie tells her BFF where she's going, so someone knows her whereabouts and will be on alert. Addie vets Nana with Carter, the Vermont innkeeper, and plans to bolt if anything feels amiss once she arrives at Nana's.
Yes, as odd as the premise may sound, the writer makes it believable. In fact, if you Google the topic, you'll find other people have experienced similar chance encounters in real life thanks to a mistaken text.
The story reminds me of the Hallmark "Godwink" movies inspired by true accounts that are shared by author and speaker, Squire Rushnell. 'Twas the Text Before Christmas feels more like a movie about Divine intervention rather than mere coincidence.
We Should All Aspire to be as Hospitable as Nana
Nana's family is taken aback on the first Christmas with Addie. You can't blame them. If your parent invited a perfect stranger to Christmas dinner, you'd likely be suspicious of the stranger's motives. It doesn't take them long, however, to warm up to Addie and quickly embrace her as part of the family.
My favorite scene in the movie is when Nana eases the tension concerning her unexpected guest by quoting Hebrews 13:2--Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Yes, the Bible is quoted during primetime on a TV network! A rare thing in 2023.
Hospitality is a gift, but it's an area we can all improve upon, if we work at it. Inviting people into our homes usually means kicking things into overdrive to clean, tidy, cook, and prepare--not everyone is willing to carve time from their busy schedules to be hosts like Nana. Making someone feel at home is really as easy as showering them love and treating them like family.
Jayne Eastwood nails her role as Maybel/Nana. As you watch the movie, you almost wish you could have a place at her dinner table, and this is likely the goal of Great American Family.
Ingredients That Make 'Twas the Text Before Christmas a Winning Movie
It's funny that Addie stalks her ex, Mark, on social media until she finally decides to block him. It's so relatable. She is torn between never wanting to see him again and dying to know what he's doing.
Addie is a chiropractor. This is an occupation that we don't usually see in rom-coms (everyone always seems to be a writer or a baker), so this little change is refreshing.
Violet is such a mismatch for James that you immediately dislike her intensely, which means the part is played well.
Addie and James don't fall in love within ten seconds. Their relationship grows over the course of three Christmases, which is much more realistic.
The gift exchanges are sweet. The presents are thoughtful and come from the heart, not someone's wish list.
James wants a koala from Addie's trip to Australia. She doesn't forget, but she brings him back a stuffed substitute rather than the real thing.
The most thoughtful gift of all is the angel wings necklace James gives Addie, referring to her being an "angel unaware" as referenced at her first Christmas at Nana's. He even includes her birthstone in the necklace.
If you like James' necklace idea, here are other variations for the people on your gift list!
Carter's son is deployed at Christmas, so Maybel invites him to dinner so he isn't alone. Addie asks Carter to thank his son for his service. I love that GAF honors our military in this small way.
Several Great American Family fans have mentioned how much they enjoy seeing older people find love. 'Twas the Text Before Christmas has a multi-generational appeal, and Carter's proposal is very sweet. I am glad the emphasis remained on the younger couple, but the message that it's never too late to fall in love is a hopeful one.
Carter says that Maybel lives the Christmas spirit. It's not just a season for her--it's a way of life. Why not treat every day like Christmas?
Ornaments Bring Back Memories
On Addie's first Christmas with the Granways, Nana gifts her an ornament. Sentimentality is at the heart of her gift because she says, "Every ornament brings back a memory."IN THE COMMENT SECTION, share a story or two about some of the special ornaments on your tree.
When I was a little girl, my grandma crocheted delicate doily thread around colorful ornaments, and she lovingly placed a box of them in my "hope chest." At the time, I probably didn't appreciate such a grown-up gift, but now, when I hang them from our tree, tears always sting my eyes, and I don't care one bit that the ornaments don't match my decor. I miss my granny and cherish this reminder of her at Christmas.
So, Nana is right--every ornament brings back a memory.
I can't wait to hear some of yours in the comments.
Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan Are Great Together in 'Twas the Text Before Christmas
Patterson and Donovan have worked together before. In 2021, both starred in Jingle Bell Princess on Great American Family. If you've had a chance to watch it, you can find a fun trivia quiz on it here. It's also still available on DVD.
The two generate a lot of onscreen chemistry. I particularly love all their warm hugs over the course of their Christmases together. They cling together for longer-than-average embraces, and judging from Addie's facial expressions, James feels like "home."
This Christmas, consider inviting someone to your home who has nowhere else to go. You might just be entertaining an angel unaware!
Thank you for the wonderful review! 📱🎄💚❤️
ReplyDeleteLoved this movie and everyone played their roles unbelievably well. I want to come to Nana’s Christmas celebration!
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