Review

Movie Review: Letters to Santa
Subtitle: "When Christmas, Unlikely Letters, and Way Too Much Holiday Magic Collide in the Most Hilariously Predictable Way."

“Letters to Santa” is Hallmark’s latest holiday spectacle, where the magic of Christmas meets the chaos of way too many unresolved holiday issues, letters that magically send themselves to the wrong places, and, of course, a little romance sprinkled in—because what’s a Christmas movie without a ridiculously charming couple who are definitely not into each other, but absolutely are?

The plot follows Samantha (played by Autumn Reeser, because she is Hallmark’s go-to for “I’m way too busy for love, but I guess I’m also really into holiday chaos”), a woman who is definitely not interested in Christmas this year. She’s been tasked with sorting through a mountain of forgotten letters to Santa (because why not make Christmas even more complicated?), and let’s just say she’s more into checking her email than reading heartfelt letters from kids about their Christmas wishes. But, of course, things don’t go as planned when she accidentally ends up with the wrong letters, leading to a series of hilariously awkward situations where she’s trying to play Santa without any clue how to make everyone’s Christmas wishes come true—especially her own.

Enter Jake (played by Tyler Hynes, who is perfectly cast as the "charming guy who loves Christmas a little too much"—except, of course, he’s way too grumpy to admit it). Jake is a small-town guy who’s more interested in helping people than participating in any holiday cheer. When he gets tangled up in the chaotic letter mix-up that leads to Samantha accidentally delivering way too many presents (and possibly ruining Christmas for everyone involved), he’s definitely not into the whole Christmas thing. However, as per usual in Hallmark movies, they’re totally going to fall in love, despite every “we’re definitely not into each other” moment that screams, “Well, of course you are.”

The humor in this movie comes from the utter chaos of accidentally delivering presents to the wrong people and way too many holiday mishaps. Samantha’s attempts to make Christmas perfect get way too complicated when she tries to play the role of “Santa’s helper” and ends up with way too many presents in places they absolutely should not be. From too many awkward conversations with strangers about “their very personal Christmas wishes” to way too many awkward misunderstandings with Jake, the chaos of this Christmas letter situation only gets more ridiculous. And, of course, every tiny mishap is made worse by the inevitable romantic tension between Samantha and Jake, who are both definitely avoiding their feelings while getting trapped in every holiday disaster together.

Then, of course, there’s the romance. The predictable romance that starts with a “we’re definitely not falling for each other” and ends with a “how did I ever survive Christmas without you?” Every time Samantha and Jake accidentally bump into each other, share an awkward holiday moment, or accidentally exchange too many heartfelt confessions over hot cocoa, you’ll be laughing, rolling your eyes, and probably swooning at how obviously perfect they are for each other (even if they refuse to admit it).

The grand finale? Of course, it’s perfect. After too many letter mix-ups, way too many Christmas miracles, and way too many holiday surprises, Samantha and Jake realize that love—and maybe even the spirit of Christmas—was right under their noses all along. And yes, they definitely end up together—probably under a perfectly decorated Christmas tree with way too many presents that are all finally in the right place.

“Letters to Santa” is a predictable, hilarious, and absolutely delightful holiday movie that gives you all the Christmas chaos you could possibly want, mixed with a little too much holiday magic, way too much romantic tension, and too many letters to Santa to count. If you love Christmas mishaps, way too many holiday miracles, and a romance that’s guaranteed to make you smile, then grab your coziest blanket, a plate of Christmas cookies, and get ready for a movie that will have you laughing, swooning, and maybe even writing your own Christmas wish. 🎄💌💋