Every year, networks bump up the start date of 24/7 Christmas movies, and it's bordering on ridiculous. Many romcom fans appreciate a weekly dose of holiday cheer year-round to keep the cozy vibes going until the holiday season officially gets underway, but when Great American Family moved the 2024 rollout to October 11, it seemed more like a competitive marketing strategy against Hallmark than an early treat for fans.
The first original premiere, Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons, aired on October 12, and featured Casey Elliott and Kristin Wollett. While the movie contained several positive elements, overall, it only earned 2.5 out of 5 stars here at RomCom Review.
What Is Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons About?
Rebecca owns a wreathmaking store, and she is swamped with seasonal business, online orders, and preparing for the church's annual Christmas market--the worst possible time to slip on ice and injure her arm. With no viable hiring prospects, she is alarmed that her business won't be able to stay afloat--until her neighbor volunteers to split his time between helping her and running his family's bakery.
A bad past experience has given Rebecca "trust issues," so while she begrudgingly accepts Jason's offer, she questions his motives. She proves to be a stubborn and closed-off micromanager, but the more time she spends with her kindhearted and sincere neighbor, the more she warms to the idea that their relationship might be more than just business.
Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons Has Heart
Great American Family's tagline this season is "Christmas as It's Meant to Be," and Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons is the embodiment of that premise. While other networks fixate on the secular aspects of the season, GAF packs this movie with reminders that Christmas is about faith and family, and they do it beautifully without sounding preachy.
Jason shows kindness and generosity towards Rebecca, even though she's been antagonistic towards him. He's living out the Second Commandment. When he refuses to accept payment for the hours he works, his selfless act demonstrates the humility of serving others without expecting something in return.
Several church scenes are included--a topic you'd expect at Christmas yet something many networks currently avoid. Rebecca regularly donates wreaths to the church, which Pastor Kevin gives to a different family each week. The Christmas Market hosted by the church is a fundraiser to help families in need. Rebecca isn't working on Sunday because she acknowledges that it's "the day of rest." These are the types of values that viewers appreciate seeing underscored.
The first unofficial date that Rebecca and Jason have is attending a show where a variety of nativity sets are on display. This reflection on the true meaning of Christmas is seamlessly sown into the storyline.
Until we learn why Rebecca is so guarded, she's a little off-putting and unlikeable, yet Jason is able to see past her defense mechanisms to the person she really is on the inside. This is a Christ-like character quality he possesses, and his unconditional love brings out the best in her.
Jason feels obligated to run his family's bakery, even though his heart's desire is to open his own restaurant. When his mother realizes that her son's aspirations don't match her hopes, she sets him free, which again, demonstrates the ideal of loving others as yourself.
The gorgeous set decor is professionally staged and vastly improved from GAF's beginnings.
Did you catch the advent calendar prop from the beloved Destined at Christmas movies, which also star Casey Elliott? That is a nice touch!
One of my favorite movie tropes is "enemies to lovers," so I enjoy how both Rebecca and Jason start off on the wrong foot but grow closer over time--a slow burn romance is more believable than falling in love in the span of 30-seconds. Another common trope is included in the plot--overhearing a conversation, which leads to a major misunderstanding--and this is done well.
Review: Christmas Wreaths and Ribbons Is Underwhelming
Despite the movie's positive points, it's generally slow-moving and uneventful. The scenes are low-key and monotony-inducing.
Elliott is a terrific actor who is warm, charming, and loved by his avid fan-base, but unfortunately, he is cast with Wollett who is definitely not leading-lady material for a romcom. In another genre, like County Rescue, Wollett might be able to hold her own, but she doesn't have the voice, the demeanor, the charisma, or the look to qualify as a central love focus.
Just because Great American Family didn't come strong out of the gate on their first new movie of the 2024 Christmas season doesn't mean we should get our Santa suit out of shape. Plenty more premieres are ahead that are sure to include some treasured hits.
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