The Secret Gift of Christmas (2023 Hallmark)
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Cast: Christopher Russell, Meghan Ory
Director: Christie Will Wolf
Writer: Christie Will Wolf
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlySynopsis (via Hallmark)
A personal shopper helps her new client and recent widower reconnect with his young daughter, find them both everything on their wish list, and rediscover the joys of Christmas.
Recap/Wine Thoughts
Bonnie Parker (Really?) is a personal shopper with a crazy pink bow, literally on her shoulder at all times. She gets a new client named Patrick Armstrong. Who her assistant thinks is VERY wealthy based on the address.
Patrick isn’t a wealthy businessman but a widowed/single dad construction worker who loves singing Christmas songs loudly while working. His nephew/assistant Bernard hired Bonnie, but Patrick is thankful for the help. He gives her a list of people to buy for, including his daughter and clients. Patrick seems cool with Bonnie, except for the fact that she is a social media influencer.
Bonnie decorates with her sister Sam and is upset that their father is moving on after their mother’s death. Even though Bonnie is heavily online, she isn’t into online dating. Sam pushes her sister to date because she is in a long-distance relationship.
Patrick worries that Bonnie is buying gifts that are too extravagant. Her cheery disposition is momentarily dulled, but she bounces back with more thoughtful gifts. People start thanking Patrick for the presents. Ms. Appleby, Patrick’s daughter’s teacher, even gets the wrong idea and thinks he likes her. Another guy robotically thanks him.
Bonnie buys Patrick’s suit and discusses whether he has a winter or a spring color palette. Later, she talks to Patrick’s daughter and tells her that social media isn’t real and not to read too much into it. The kid is relieved because she feels her life hasn’t been social-media-worthy. (Since her mom died. Yikes! This kid!)
Sam set her sister up on a blind date, and it was such a mismatch. He talks about his divorce the whole time.
Bonnie has a more romantic time with Patrick while Christmas Tree shopping. They talk about Christmas traditions and family memories.
Bonnie’s dad calls and asks her to stand in his wedding, and she tells him no. WTF, Bonnie, that is messed up.
Skating happens!
Pheobe invites Ms. Appleby to a holiday event, not realizing she is setting her up for heartbreak because Patrick also asks for Bonnie as his date. Bonnie and Patrick almost kiss, but she stops him by telling him he has cookies in his beard.
At the big event, Bonnie looks like a cupcake, and Patrick seems to be into it. Ms. Appleby attacks Patrick and literally sniffs him heavily. (I can’t blame her; I might do the same thing to the actor myself.) Ms. Appleby tries to figure out who the hell Bonnie is and is sure to mention a date she has planned. Bonnie isn’t deterred and slow dances with the hunk.
Patrick sings Christmas karaoke and invites Bonnie on stage. Ms Appleby jumps onstage and sings Silent Night with him. The rivalry over Patrick is on!
Bonnie feels insecure and looks at social media on her laptop. (Who does that?!) The comments are loving Ms. Appleby and Patrick’s duet, so Bonnie archives a photo she took with him and his daughter. Then, she buys over $700 worth of retail therapy.
Bonnie’s brain breaks; she deletes her social media and donates all her clothes to charity.
On Christmas morning, Patrick’s daughter tells him she is voting for Bonnie over Fiona Appleby. (DAMN!) Patrick apologizes to Bonnie for any confusion about his daughter’s music teacher; he is definitely NOT interested. Patrick tells Bonnie that she is the perfect gift and he wants her in his life.
They makeout! The End!
Note/Stray Thoughts
Mr. Christmas himself, Christopher Russel, is one of my favorites.
Fiona Apple-by? Do we have a Fiona Apple fan on our hands?
Judging women for being “influencers” is rude because they are just entrepreneurs marketing their business.
This felt more like a Lifetime Christmas movie, rather than a Hallmark with the whole fighting over a man thing.
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🎄🎄🎄 (3 Christmas Trees)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷🍷 (3 glasses of wine.)
What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments or on social media @LifetimeUncorked
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*Photo Credit: © 2023 Hallmark
