Review

Movie Review: Ghosts of Christmas Always
Subtitle: "When Ghosts, Christmas Cheer, and Way Too Much Holiday Magic Collide in the Most Hilarious and Heartwarming Way."

“Ghosts of Christmas Always” is the kind of Hallmark holiday movie that makes you believe in the magic of Christmas and also gives you just enough ghostly intervention to wonder if your next holiday party could use a little more supernatural help. It’s got everything: festive charm, holiday miracles, and—because Hallmark—an overly enthusiastic ghost who’s just trying to help, even if no one asked for it.

The plot follows Cassie (played by Kimberly Sustad), a spirited Christmas enthusiast (because who doesn’t love the holidays?) who works as a “Christmas specialist” (I wish I had this job) helping people with their holiday decorations, traditions, and spreading holiday cheer. She’s totally content with her life, but there’s just one tiny thing: she’s very single. Enter the ghost—because this is Hallmark, and who needs a simple romantic setup when you can throw in a ghost?

Cue the arrival of Ivy (played by Barbara Niven), a cheeky, well-meaning ghost who’s been assigned to help Cassie find love—because apparently, ghosts get holiday quotas too. Ivy isn’t just any ghost; she’s a ghost with big plans—mostly, getting Cassie to realize she’s been so caught up in holiday cheer that she’s missing the most important gift of all: a little romance. How does Ivy plan on making this happen? By meddling, of course! She whisks Cassie away to the most festive, Christmas-filled situations where everything screams “You’re definitely falling in love with the town’s most eligible bachelor!”

The humor comes from the outrageous situations Ivy creates to help Cassie find love. From “accidentally” dropping Cassie into awkward situations with her crush (played by Paul Campbell, who’s ridiculously handsome, as usual), to “ghostly nudges” that make Cassie look like she’s lost all her Christmas spirit in front of a crowd—it’s hilarious to watch. At one point, Ivy even accidentally makes a Christmas tree “magically” fall over, which I’m 100% sure has happened to at least one of us. Ivy is the kind of ghost who means well but definitely gets a little carried away, which only adds to the charm of this festive madness.

And then, of course, there’s the romance. Cassie’s “thing” with her crush is like watching a reindeer on ice: it’s cute, a little clumsy, and awkward enough to make you laugh but just predictably adorable enough to make you cheer them on. Cassie’s slow realization that maybe there’s more to life than just Christmas decorations (though we all know that’s a hard thing to admit) is just the right mix of sweet and funny. Ivy’s ghostly attempts at romance will have you rolling your eyes in the best way possible—because who doesn’t love a meddling, well-meaning ghost in their life?

The town itself? Oh, it’s pure Hallmark magic: snowflakes, twinkling lights, Christmas trees on every corner, and a cast of overly enthusiastic town folks who are way too excited about the Christmas spirit (but in a good way). You’ll want to move there immediately, even if there’s a ghost walking around handing out love advice, because who wouldn’t want that in their town? The locals are practically pushing Cassie and her crush together, because nothing says small-town charm like getting a couple together for Christmas—even if they don’t know it yet.

The grand finale? Well, this is Hallmark, so obviously it’s heartwarming, cheesy, and full of snow. Cassie and her crush share a perfect kiss (of course under the mistletoe), the ghost (Ivy) gets a heartfelt goodbye, and Christmas is saved. It’s like every Christmas miracle you’ve ever imagined, with a little ghostly help on the side.

“Ghosts of Christmas Always” is a funny, heartwarming, and totally out-there Hallmark movie that proves love is just around the corner—and sometimes, it takes a ghost to help you realize it. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the holiday season, a good ghost story, and the predictable but delightful mix of romance and Christmas magic. Grab your cocoa, your most festive pajamas, and get ready for a Christmas movie that’s both spooky and sweet in the best way possible. 👻🎄💋