I don’t know what it is about this year’s Christmas movies, but they just aren’t hitting the same way they have in recent years.
My Secret Santa had so much potential, and on paper it should have been one of the charming holiday standouts of the season. The premise is genuinely sweet: a single mom named Taylor and her ambitious teenage daughter, who seems destined for a snowboarding future if only she can get the right training. Conveniently, the best snowboarding academy in the country happens to be right near their tiny town and its little academy building.
Things take a turn when Taylor loses her job in the very first scene, leaving her scrambling to make ends meet. The nearby ski resort home to that elite snowboarding program offers a 50% discount on lessons to employees, so she decides to take a job there out of necessity. Unfortunately for her, the only position available is none other than the resort’s resident Santa Claus. This leads to some genuinely fun moments as Taylor enlists her brother and his boyfriend to help transform her into a believable, jolly Saint Nick. Their scenes together are some of the best parts of the movie, adding warmth and a bit of queer joy without making it a big “statement.”
Meanwhile, there’s also a romance brewing. Taylor slowly falls for the resort owner’s rebellious son, played by Ryan Eggold, and the chemistry between him and Alexandra Breckenridge is incredibly sweet and wholesome. They’re honestly the heart of the film, and every time they’re on screen the movie becomes more engaging.
However and this is where the disappointment comes in the script just doesn’t hold everything together. There are pacing issues, abrupt tonal shifts, and plot points that feel rushed or barely explored. Visually, the movie is lovely, with cozy winter scenery and the right festive atmosphere, but aesthetically pleasing shots can only carry things so far.
Overall, I’d say My Secret Santa is a cute, easy watch that works well as background comfort, but it’s not a movie I’d give my full, undivided attention. It has charm, heart, and a great cast, but it’s ultimately let down by a script that can’t quite match the potential of its setup. Perfect for a lazy December afternoon, but not a new Christmas classic.