BBA Christmas Movies Awards & Review: “Eve’s Christmas” (2004)

Fancy banner done in a navy ground. On either side, Hollywood red curtains tied back with pearl-white cords. In the center of the banner are four gold-navy-&-red art deco-styled brackets framing out the words “Books by Alicia Presents” (in gold), then “The Heartlight Awards” (in pearl white).

Celebrating Christmas Romance Magic

As a romance novelist who grew up watching classic Hollywood films, I know the magic that happens when the right story meets the right cast at the right time.

During the 2024 holiday season, I shared my journey through various Christmas romances — some that sparkled, some that stumbled, and one that captured that special magic that makes a movie worth watching year after year.

Today, on this celebration of love, I’m excited to present the very first BBA Heartlight Awards. We’ll be honoring two special films:

The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence
The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance

The Heartlight Awards celebrate the enduring magic of Christmas romance — where the glow of holiday lights meets the warmth of hearts finding their perfect match.

Like the iconic spotlights of Hollywood premieres illuminating moments of cinematic magic, these awards shine a light on stories that capture that special spark.

Gold frame around ivory ground with the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence" in navy.

This award honors that one standout Christmas romance I discovered during each year’s holiday movie journey. The winning film must demonstrate exceptional storytelling, chemistry, and that ineffable quality that makes you want to revisit it year after year.

While the movie itself may have been released in any year, it earns its place in my Christmas collection by creating magic during the prior season’s viewings.

Gold frame around ivory ground with the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance" in navy.

Some movies capture our hearts long before we think to write reviews. This award celebrates those cherished films that have proven their staying power — the ones we’ve loved through multiple holiday seasons, whose magic remains undimmed by time. These are the movies that helped shape my love of Christmas romance, laying the foundation for all future reviews.

Just as the Golden Age of Hollywood produced timeless classics that still enchant audiences today, these award recipients represent the best of what Christmas romance can be — whether newly discovered or long beloved.

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for… the recipients of the first annual BBA Heartlight Awards!

Gold frame around ivory ground with five drums in red, navy, silver, and bronze acting as a divider as well as a visual "drum roll, please" for the upcoming awards announcement!

Award envelope in pearl flap and navy base closed in a red/gold seal. Atop the pearl flap, the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Christmas Romance Excellence" (in gold outlined in red) and the words "goes to..." (in navy cursive). At the bottom corners, an art deco element in gold and red.

The Christmas Contract

This 2018 gem captured hearts with its perfect blend of chemistry, storytelling, and holiday magic, proving that sometimes the best romance is in the execution, not just the premise.

AI image of a golden award statue. It's made of an open book and a movie reel that, together, form a makeshift heart. It sits on a golden base with a placard on the front.

Award envelope in pearl flap and navy base closed in a red/gold seal. Atop the pearl flap, the words "The Golden Heartlight Award for Timeless Christmas Romance" (in gold outlined in red) and the words "is awarded to..." (in navy cursive). At the bottom corners, an art deco element in gold and red.

Eve’s Christmas

You may well recognize this beloved film from my many references to it throughout my reviews.

This cherished classic has earned its place in my heart and on my annual must-watch list.

And speaking of Eve’s Christmas, I’m excited to share my honorary review below.

Though I watched this movie long before beginning my review series, its impact on my love of Christmas romance deserves to be documented.

Enjoy!

Gold frame around ivory ground with five art deco tassels in red and navy acting as a divider.

Basic banner of navy ground and very light gold art-deco brackets in the upper left and bottom right corners. In bolded pearl white, a movie title is written. This one says, “Eve’s Christmas.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (2004) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ A Time-Traveling Tale That Proves Some Holiday Magic Never Grows Old ~

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Elisa Donovan as “Eve Simon”
Sebastian Spence as “Scott”
Erin Karpluk as “Mandy”
Cheryl Ladd as “Diane Simon”
Peter Williams as “Brother James”
Winston Rekert as “William Simon”
Location: NYC to Eastborough, Oregon (fictitious)
Platform: Tubi
Date: January 13, 2025

Classic Cinema Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Cinema Scale.” Beneath it, three film reels—the top in gold, middle in silver, bottom in bronze. Each has words done in navy. For the gold reel, “Golden Age Worthy: Exceptional performances, chemistry, and production that capture the magic of classic Hollywood.” For the silver, “Matinee Material: Good entertainment with solid elements, though not quite reaching classic status.” And the bronze, “B-Movie Blues: Missing the mark despite potential.”

Golden Matinee — A delightfully quirky Christmas romance that captures the enduring magic of holiday wishes

Tissue Box Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Tissue Box Scale.” Beneath it, a column of tissue boxes, all in red, gold, and navy—the top is a single box, middle is two, bottom is three. Each has words done in navy. For the single box, “One Box: Keep a tissue handy, but your makeup is safe.” For the duo, “Two Boxes: You’ll definitely need those tissues, but you’ll still be presentable after.” And the trio, “Three Boxes: “Is pepperoni okay?” territory — don’t even bother with mascara!”

One Box — Keep tissues handy for Mandy’s heartwarming reception speech

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I’ve referenced this Christmas romance movie so often in my reviews that I wondered if watching it again after all these years might diminish its magic. I’m thrilled to report that Eve’s Christmas still sparkles with the same charm that first captured my heart. Yes, it’s quirky — our heroine talks to an invisible guardian angel and navigates time travel with comedic flair — but that’s precisely what makes this holiday romance so endearing.

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco red-&-navy brackets in the upper corners. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Connection.” Beneath it, in navy, “This could have been a brilliant Barbara Stanwyck or Irene Dunne vehicle back in the day — a woman losing everything only to find what truly matters. It has all the emotional depth and social commentary of classic Hollywood, just with modern problems.”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Chemistry Test” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

The chemistry between Elisa Donovan and Sebastian Spence lights up every scene they share. Their first reunion after Eve’s time travel is particularly memorable — she literally loses her footing at the sight of him, and his confused but charming response sets the tone for their rekindled romance.

The supporting cast brings their A-game, too. Cheryl Ladd shines as Eve’s mother, delivering wisdom with grace, while Erin Karpluk makes every scene count as Eve’s best friend, Mandy.

The entire ensemble creates a believable family dynamic that adds depth to this Christmas romance.

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The Christmas atmosphere feels authentic throughout, from the tastefully decorated Simon family home to the festive town displays. There’s a particularly magical moment when Eve helps her father decorate their impressive Christmas tree, and the establishing shots of Eastborough’s decorated homes create a perfect holiday backdrop.

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The costume design thoughtfully reflects each character’s journey and the setting’s requirements. Business attire hits the right professional notes, while the casual wear in Oregon perfectly captures small-town winter style.

While Eve’s executive wardrobe works well — as does that fabulous oatmeal zip-front sweater she wears in Oregon — there are some notable missteps in the wedding dress department.

The original black pinstripe suit jacket over tulle might have been meant to represent her corporate-over-romance mindset, but sometimes symbolism should bow to practicality. And speaking of practical — a bride should never have to keep adjusting her dress straps on her big day!

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco red-&-navy brackets in the upper corners. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Fashion Pro Tip 1.” Beneath it, in navy, “Let’s discuss evening wear shawls again — they’re the most impractical accessory ever invented. Nothing ruins an elegant red dress faster than constantly adjusting a slipping shawl!”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Romance Formula” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Our Christmas romance follows Eve Simon, a successful NYC marketing executive who chose career over love eight years ago.

When her married-but-separated boss cancels their Christmas plans, she makes a wish on the Christmas star to redo her past choices. Next thing she knows, she’s back in 1996, one week before her Christmas Day wedding to Scott!

The time-travel trope is handled with just the right balance of humor and heart. Eve’s fumbling attempts to navigate her old life while being the only one with future knowledge creates delightful comedy.

Yet beneath the laughs lies a touching story about second chances and the courage to choose love.

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco-inspired quote marks in Hollywood red. The opening quote is in the upper left corner. The closing quote is in the bottom right corner. In the center, in navy, the quote, “ ‘Our futures are what we make of them, but our memories are set in stone’ — Julie."

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Christian Corner” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

This holiday romance offers wholesome family entertainment without compromising on charm or humor. While some viewers might raise an eyebrow at Eve praying to Brother James instead of directly to God, the movie maintains clean content throughout — no questionable language or situations.

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Eve’s Christmas remains a sparkling gem in the Christmas romance genre. What makes it special isn’t just the time-travel premise or the holiday setting — it’s the genuine heart at its core.

Elisa Donovan brings the perfect mix of corporate confidence and endearing vulnerability to Eve, while Sebastian Spence makes Scott a romantic lead worth traveling through time for.

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the words, “Highlights” that’s sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Perfect casting with excellent chemistry between leads
Cheryl Ladd’s nuanced performance as Eve’s mother
Beautifully orchestrated comedic moments
That delightful Big Band opening song
The heartwarming karaoke scene

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the word, “Lowlights” that’ sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

The outlandish French wedding coordinator
That questionable first wedding dress design
The impractical canoeing-to-the-venue scene

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Personal Notes” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

While many Christmas romance movies come and go, this one has earned its place in my annual holiday viewing tradition. The rapport between Eve and Mandy feels genuine, and Donovan’s performance is absolutely perfect for this role.

Have you seen this Christmas romance classic? Share your thoughts on Eve’s time-traveling adventure in the comments below! And let me know if you spotted the subtle callback to the karaoke scene.

Related topics: Christmas romance, holiday movies, classic Hollywood, fashion in film, romantic comedy, seasonal entertainment

This review is part of our special BBA Heartlight Awards presentation, celebrating the best in Christmas romance movies.

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Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

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