FAQ

1. How do you rate the movies?
We use a five‑Christmas‑tree system to rate every movie. Ratings are based on chemistry between leads, plotline, and sets, with bonus points for original aspects. The scale is:

  • 🎅 Santa Face – A true highlight of the season.
  • 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 Five Trees – Excellent, may watch again.
  • 🎄🎄🎄🎄 Four Trees – Solid and enjoyable.
  • 🎄🎄🎄 Three Trees – Adequate; some good moments.
  • 🎄🎄 Two Trees – Meh; might skip some parts.
  • 🎄 One Tree – I might have (definitely) skipped to the ending.
  • 🌲 Undecorated Tree – Don’t waste your time.

2. How do you determine things like good chemistry, a good plotline, and good sets?

  • Chemistry – This is a tough one to describe. Just like real life, sometimes when you see people together, they just make sense. Other times your brow furrows and you turn up your nose and say things like, “I just don’t get it.”
  • Plotline – I think a good plotline can take different forms. Sometimes it’s a familiar story that gives you just enough twists and turns to keep you engaged. Other times, it’s a new concept and you just can’t wait to see where it goes. The point here is that while you may have some things figured out from the beginning, you still want to see where it goes.
  • Good Sets – Did the set designer do such a good job that it looks like it was plucked from a Balsam Hill catalog, or did they stick a big red bow in the middle of the wall and call it a day? How realistic is the fake snow? Does the white sheet moonlighting as new-fallen-snow move when they step on it? How about those suitcases that some of these people will be dragging along? Suspiciously light for someone who has “overpacked?” It’s all taken into account.

3. What networks do you review movies from?
I watch and review holiday movies from Hallmark, Lifetime, Great American Family, Netflix, Disney+, and more. Basically, if it’s a holiday movie you might watch this season, I’ll probably cover it.

4. How often do you post reviews?
I post reviews as quickly as possible after new movies come out, so expect updates throughout the holiday season — usually multiple times per week during peak months (October–December).

5. How can I get your ratings before I watch a movie?
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