In this holiday feature film, directed by Paul and Alicia Schneider, single mom Jane (Lindsay Hicks) is raising 10-year-old Lexi (Colette Hahn) and running her family’s Michigan horse farm after the death of her father. Her mom (Jill Larson) is there to support her, but Jane is also seeking vainly for romance. Speed dating at the local queer bar just isn’t cutting it.
As Christmas approaches, however, so does the wedding of Jane’s ex-husband-turned-best-friend Mark (Joe Piazza) to his fiancée, Heather (India Chappell). Jane has agreed to be the best (wo)man, although she and Lexi are appropriately annoyed with Heather’s often patronizing attitude towards Lexi (who is in fact wise beyond her years).
Cue the drama as Jane finds a spark with Mark’s wedding planner, Sue (Rivkah Reyes)–until a mix-up threatens not only the wedding venue but also Jane and Sue’s budding relationship. As this unfolds, Jane’s mom finds out from the local banker (Marsha Warfield) that she needs a miracle to save the farm.
The film is as cheesy as any holiday film, but that’s part of the appeal of the genre. Even if the ending is somewhat predictable, it feels like a nice change from the uncertainties of the world right now. There are some genuinely funny moments, a passel of quirky neighbors, and of course, a romance centering a queer mom. That’s enough for a holiday treat. Don’t expect anything profound from it; just pull up a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog and enjoy.
