Review

Movie Review: My Christmas Guide
Subtitle: "When Christmas, Life Coaching, and Way Too Much Holiday Magic Collide in the Most Hilariously Predictable Way."

“My Christmas Guide” is Hallmark’s latest holiday movie, and it’s got everything you want in a Christmas rom-com: way too much holiday magic, a charming yet grumpy love interest, and, of course, a life coach who’s definitely about to learn something about life... and love—all wrapped up with way too many snowflakes and mistletoe.

The plot follows Mia (played by Vanessa Hudgens, because, of course, she’s the perfect fit for “charming but slightly overwhelmed holiday expert”), a life coach who’s way too good at giving other people advice, but definitely not very good at taking it herself. Her career has been totally thriving but her personal life? Not so much. Enter Griffin (played by Niall Matter, because who else could play the perfect blend of handsome but grumpy?), a Christmas skeptic who’s been forced into Mia’s life because his family hired her to help him with his lackluster holiday spirit. He’s definitely not interested in following any Christmas traditions or getting help from an overly-enthusiastic life coach who’s way too into Christmas, but guess what? He’s about to get way more than he bargained for.

The comedy in this movie comes from the utter ridiculousness of Mia’s attempts to teach Griffin the magic of Christmas—because if there’s one thing Mia’s good at, it’s way too much holiday optimism. From teaching Griffin how to ice skate (because no one can be immune to Christmas miracles when ice skating is involved), to showing him the “true meaning of Christmas” through way too many Christmas movies (you know the drill: “I don’t like Christmas,” followed by “I’m suddenly in love with the Christmas spirit after watching this rom-com!”), watching Mia drag Griffin through way too many holiday traditions is like watching someone try to teach a Grinch how to be Santa. It’s chaotic, but also absolutely hilarious.

Griffin is so obviously falling for Mia as they share way too many holiday mishaps, like getting covered in flour during a cookie decorating disaster, or accidentally running into each other under mistletoe (because Hallmark isn’t a Hallmark movie unless this happens). Every time Griffin tries to “avoid getting caught up in Christmas”, he somehow ends up more in love with Mia than ever. They share way too many heartfelt moments over hot cocoa, way too many “I’m definitely not falling for you” arguments, and of course, an accidental romantic kiss under a way-too-perfect Christmas tree.

And let’s not forget the holiday magic—because no Christmas movie is complete without way too many signs that the universe (or Santa) is secretly pulling the strings to make everything fall perfectly into place. The plot is as predictable as the snow falling on Christmas Eve, but you’ll love it anyway. Way too many Christmas miracles happen, and every holiday disaster is eventually turned into a feel-good moment that makes you think, “Yes, I did need to learn how to embrace the chaos of Christmas in my life.”

The grand finale? As predictable as it gets. After way too many Christmas interventions, way too many holiday misunderstandings, and of course, way too much mistletoe (because what’s a Hallmark movie without it?), Griffin and Mia realize they’ve been in love the whole time. It’s the ultimate Christmas confession in front of way too many people—and after a perfectly timed Christmas tree lighting, they share the perfect kiss because, well, it’s Christmas, and nothing says “love” like way too many Christmas decorations and too much snow.

“My Christmas Guide” is everything you expect from Hallmark: way too much Christmas magic, too many holiday miracles, and a romance that’s as predictable as it is heartwarming. If you love watching way too many holiday mishaps, romantic misunderstandings, and the most heartwarming Christmas lessons that only a life coach can deliver, then grab your coziest blanket, a cup of cocoa, and get ready for a movie that will leave you laughing, swooning, and wondering if maybe you, too, need a life coach to make your Christmas perfect. 🎄💋🎁