Review: “Home by Christmas” (2006)

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), an art deco element beneath, then “Christmas Romance Reviews” (in pearl white).

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, “Movie Title.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (20##) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ A Modern Female Take on “It’s A Wonderful Life” ~

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

Linda Hamilton as “Julia Bedford”
Brenda M. Crichlow as “Selma James”
Rob Stewart as “Dr. Michael Stern”
Garwin Sanford as “George Bedford”
Campbell Lane as “Max Stern”
Location: N/A
Platform: Tubi
Date: December 12, 2024

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 — Like “It’s A Wonderful Life,” it’s a drama set at Christmas that happens to include romance rather than a pure holiday romance

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!”

Two Boxes — Keep them handy for Max’s Christmas gift scene and Julie’s confession to Michael — trust me, you’ll need them

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Don’t let the somewhat depressing premise fool you — this isn’t just another “woman loses everything” story. It’s a beautifully crafted journey about rediscovery, with some genuinely delightful moments amid the serious ones.

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 actors actually know how to kiss — hallelujah! But more importantly, the chemistry between Julie and Michael builds naturally through their interactions. That first-date banter about needing “six dates and twelve bottles of wine” for most women to be as honest as Julie? Priceless!

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

The Christmas-decorated house is absolutely lovely, though I’ll never understand the appeal of upholstered dining room chairs.

The decorations hit that perfect festive note without going overboard.

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

Julie’s wardrobe appropriately reflects her character’s journey from well-to-do wife to starting over, with plenty of smart skirt sets and twin blazers.

And can we talk about her gorgeous hair? Now that’s what I call a proper leading lady look!

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!”

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 2.” Beneath it, in navy, “And don’t get me started on Andie’s post-Spain elephant pants. Whoever made pedal-pusher-length, full-legged pants fashionable needs to rethink their life choices!”

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.

While not a traditional romance, the love story weaves naturally through Julie’s journey. The meet-cute at Max’s shop (where she jokingly tells Michael she’s dating his father!) sets up a charming dynamic that carries through their relationship.

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.

A few mild swear words pop up, but they’re balanced by meaningful church scenes.

And speaking of church, there’s definitely a “people with no rhythm” section in the back pew! 😊

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

Can we talk about that absolute MESS of a teenage daughter? I know sixteen is tough, but, honey, when your father cheats with someone barely older than you, maybe don’t appear to be siding with him?

And going behind your mother’s back instead of having an honest conversation? That’s not just not done, sweetie.

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.

Natural chemistry between leads
Meaningful character development
Perfect Christmas decorations
Michael’s two surprise gestures
The meeting between Michael and George

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.

Andie’s questionable loyalty (and fashion choices)
Those impractical evening shawls
George’s audacity to say “we messed up” (or, well, George in general!)
Julie giving up the house too easily

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 I might not watch this every year like It’s A Wonderful Life, it’s definitely worth at least one viewing. The message about finding what truly matters in life resonates, especially during the holiday season. And that scene where Julie gifts Max his Christmas present? Keep those tissues handy!

Do you agree that there was an It’s A Wonderful Life undertone to this Christmas movie? Let me know in the comments below!

Related topics: Christmas drama, holiday films, classic storytelling, family dynamics, seasonal entertainment

This “baker’s dozen” review ends our “BBA’s 12 Days of Christmas Movie Reviews” series. Thanks so much for exploring romances in a different format during my favorite time of the year. I’ll see you in December for the next installment of our “BBA’s 12 Days of Christmas Movie Revies” series. In the meantime, check back every Wednesday for my regular blog posts.

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Color photo of me, Alicia, authoress and writer of this blog. Because these specific posts are all about Christmas romance movies, I enhanced my photo with a Santa hat and with a bough of holly bracketing the bottom right. In the center of the holly bough are two candy canes crossed like lovers in a romantic embrace. (See what I did there? 😊)

Alicia Strickland

As a romance novelist with expertise in fashion, interior design, and a deep love of classic Hollywood, I bring a unique perspective to holiday romance reviews. Join me in exploring the magic (and occasional missteps) of Christmas 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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