Review

Movie Review: My Christmas Family Tree
Subtitle: “DNA Tests, Holiday Drama, and One Big Happy Family-ish.”

My Christmas Family Tree is Hallmark’s surprisingly hilarious attempt to combine heartfelt holiday cheer with the kind of family reunion that only modern DNA tests can create. It’s part rom-com, part family dramedy, and entirely powered by the kind of festive chaos that can only happen when you find out you have a whole new family… just in time for Christmas.

The plot follows Vanessa (Aimee Teegarden), a sweet but slightly lost young woman who discovers through a DNA test that she has a biological father she’s never met. Enter Richard (James Tupper), her long-lost dad, who eagerly invites her to spend the holidays with his very close-knit family. Cue awkward introductions, over-the-top holiday traditions, and Vanessa trying to figure out if she belongs in a family that’s clearly been rehearsing for the Hallmark version of The Brady Bunch.

Aimee Teegarden’s Vanessa is endlessly relatable as she stumbles her way through meeting a family that seems way too perfect to be real. (Spoiler: They’re not.) James Tupper’s Richard is the quintessential overenthusiastic dad, treating Vanessa like she’s been there all along, even as she’s still trying to remember everyone’s names. And let’s not forget Andrew Walker as Kris, the conveniently handsome family friend who’s just supportive enough to make Vanessa realize she’s also landed in a Hallmark love story.

The humor comes from Vanessa’s constant “what have I gotten myself into” moments. From accidentally stepping into decades-old family traditions (hello, competitive ornament decorating) to dodging overly personal questions from nosy relatives, she handles it all with the kind of awkward grace that makes you root for her. Meanwhile, Kris’s attempts to help her blend in—while also clearly flirting—add a layer of romantic comedy gold.

The family’s holiday traditions are hilariously over-the-top, with everything from synchronized cookie baking to a gingerbread house competition that’s so intense it probably needs a referee. Watching Vanessa try to keep up while also processing “oh hey, this is my biological dad” is both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny.

Of course, no Hallmark movie would be complete without some drama, and My Christmas Family Tree delivers with a last-minute plot twist about whether the DNA results were a mistake. (Yes, Hallmark went there.) But don’t worry—this is still a holiday movie, so everything is resolved in the most feel-good way possible, complete with heartfelt speeches and a tear-jerking group hug.

The romance between Vanessa and Kris is slow-burning but sweet, with plenty of lingering glances, cocoa-fueled chats, and one very satisfying kiss under the mistletoe. By the end, you’ll be wishing for a family friend as charming and helpful as Kris—preferably one who can also bake.

The grand finale ties everything together with a picture-perfect Christmas celebration: snow falls, misunderstandings are cleared up, and Vanessa officially becomes part of the family, just in time to help light the Christmas tree. It’s cheesy, predictable, and exactly what you came for.

My Christmas Family Tree is a funny, heartwarming holiday movie that blends family, romance, and festive chaos into one delightful package. It’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what would happen if their DNA test came with a side of holiday magic—and a hunky family friend. 🎄❤️✨