How sad is this?

A brilliant film that helped define a genre

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

This is a good Hallmark Christmas movie. Period. Watch it.Yes, the "I can't lie" plot device may not be original, but it is unique to Hallmark Christmas movies and Alicia Witt really pulls it off here. She comes across as extremely believable and relatable, as if you could know someone like this in your real life (confirmation of a good character, dialog, and acting). I think the way that they had her not lie was why the movie was so interesting - it had good dialog and she blurted out what she was thinking, not just being truly honest. This being a Hallmark Christmas movie there is a can of cheese here and there, but this one refreshingly has a more realistic romance and believable characters, especially the reluctant romantic interest. The "too cozy with the client" subplot was a little much, and the ending climax was done all wrong, but the strong characters, focus on plot, and dialog saved the movie. This is the second Hallmark Christmas movie I've seen this year. These movies are 2 for 2 with having a convenient massive snowstorm shut down the main airport at the most critical time in the plot (how convenient) and having the real Santa appear in the movie for no good reason and pretend to be a fake Santa while granting Christmas wishes with magic. Just a note - I live in Minnesota and it takes one big whopper of a blizzard to shut down MSP. Flights usually get delayed and only cancel when the storm lasts more than a day, and this is rare. The writers need to think up a more realistic way to keep key characters in the action. I'd also like to see the Santa's more integrated into the plot, and not just standing around ringing a bell or walking around aimlessly.

Previous reviewers have pointed out the many, many flaws in this movie including the magic, color-changing skates, but there is one glaring flaw that has not been addressed: how Higher Education works. We are led to believe that a general music teacher in a elementary school would SUDDENLY be offered the Director of Bands position at a major university. First of all, he could not have near the credentials required for this position. Public school teachers most often have a BS in Music Education; rarely will you find someone with a higher degree. Trust me, I'm a retired elementary school counselor and music teacher. An MFA in conducting, PhD preferred would be the norm. Next there's that pesky "Equal Opportunity" thing. That government agency (EEO) demands equal access under the law and frowns upon the "good ol' boy/girl network. Lastly is that troubling ethics thing which in higher education requires a national search using advertising in profession journals and publications. After a review by the search committee, a few applicants would be invited to audition resulting in an offer made to the selectee. This process takes at least at least a year, not a few days.

This movie passed our doze test (no one fell asleep while watching). Alicia Witt was delightful to watch. It has a fantasy type plot but so does It's a Wonderful Life. These fantasy plots make Christmas movies more exciting for me. The movie was Well done. It is a movie I would enjoy watching again.I really enjoyed figuring out who the actor playing Santa Claus was- that voice was so familiar. This movie just might establish Alicia Witt as the Christmas movie queen- good for her and us. The movie left me with a good feeling that Truth always triumphs. There was delightful humor in blurting out the truth without a common sense filter. The family will not be disappointed. EnjoyMy criticism of the movie is its title. "I'm not ready for Christmas" is one of the worst titles. "Wishing the Truth this Christmas" would better describe it. I've noticed many reviews had a problem with the story line similar to Liar Liar which I have not seen. Good Grief. How many Scrooge themes do we see. They did a good job and we Christmas movie watchers are thankful.

This movie follows your typical Hallmark plot line, but has a nice twist. The main character, Holly, is a single, workaholic whose sister and niece often beg to spend time with her. Holly's main problem is that she has a knack for telling little white lies. This is accentuated when she promises her niece, who is in elementary school, that she will attend her Christmas program but doesn't. Later, when Holly arrives at the school after the program, she comes across the music teacher who she met earlier, who confronts Holly about a lie she told. Holly's niece asks Santa to prohibit Holly from telling lies, and as Holly walks out the school to the car, that wish comes true. Holly cannot lie. This throws a wrench in her otherwise normal life and she finds the true spirit of Christmas.