User reviews

So many things to like about this understated holiday movie:

1. It's sweet without being sappy, a real relief to see a Hallmark holiday romance where the story is not over the top mushy and crowded with cliché.

2. the actors look and dress like real people, and their houses are closer to normal family homes than Hollywood-scale sets. A little crowded, a little dusty, with short sight-lines.

3. Kellie Martin (who plays Kathy, the widow running her late husband's dream shop) has a face that's lived a life and felt sorrow. She's not touched up to look like a typical young TV widow who has never actually wept or frowned (except beautifully). She moves flawlessly between strong and vulnerable, sadness and humour, tidy and a bit of a mess. She looks and sounds REAL.

4. Cameron Mathison as Tim is cute, in a harmlessly rugged kind of way. A former soap opera actor, he is muted and believable in his character and, unlike so many romantic-movie leads, marked but not terribly traumatized by his past life experiences. He doesn't need to be redeemed through the love of a good woman. There's a bit of believable tension and confusion, both internal and (as expected) external, about an old love affair. He behaves like a nice man, someone you would want to meet or have as a neighbour.

5. The secondary characters seem like real people with their own lives, not the story kind who live their whole lives in service of their cooler or more troubled friend. They never distract from the simple, touching story at the heart of the movie. Jewel Staite is great as Kathy's best friend Jenna, warm and cute and concerned, but clearly has her own life. There's good, credible friend-chemistry between the two, a level of comfort and non-competition that many women wish for and never find.

6. It made me want to go skating again (and eat Christmas cookies, but that I do anyway).

Anyway, without being a great classic in the making, this is a very nice way to spend an evening in the holiday TV season, with ordinary people working through ordinary situations. I know that sounds dull, but if you're tired of the kitcsch and hype of the usual TV fare, this is a nice change of pace that maintains the seasonal glow.

The Christmas Ornament is a Hallmark made-for-TV Christmas-themed movie - sentimental and largely predictable. In 2013, Hallmark seems to be making a push to produce better quality movies, and they are having some success. The Christmas Ornament has better dialog, acting and cinematography than the usual Hallmark fare and even had a small plot twist in the end that my wife and I did not see coming!

This film is almost completely a two actor movie. A haggard looking Kellie Martin plays Kathy, a recently widowed woman (without children) who isn't celebrating the Christmas season because she is still grieving for her dead husband. She meets Tim, played by Cameron Mathison,who is a successful and gorgeous businessman who loves Christmas and sells Christmas trees. However, the film rises above this incredibly cheesy premise. Kellie Martin delivers a fine acting performance and is believable as a struggling, sad woman who slowly allows herself to stumble up on happiness. I enjoyed this movie and will enjoy watching it again.

Personally I think it's always a good thing when you recognize the leads of the movie, that gives me hope that the movie will be of good quality!

Kellie Martin and Cameron Mathison headline this movie about a widow that is going to attempt to skip Christmas as it brings up too many memories of her late husband. Jewel Staite from Serenity/Firefly also stars as the best friend.

Kathy's plan to skip all things Christmas doesn't go as she plans after she meets local Christmas tree seller, Tim. Is Kathy ready to make new memories and room in her heart?

Cute, warm and funny. worth a view.

Good story and likable characters. Tim was good for Kathy and they had definite chemistry which helps in any Hallmark movie. This is one of my go to movies of the season. I pretty much like Kelli Martin in anything I've seen her in. Cameron Mathison was to new to me but I'd watch him again. I hope to see them again together in another movie.

7.4 stars.

There are many touching and tearful moments in this that caught me off guard this morning. I did not expect these two actors to pull off the magic quite so effectively. Kellie Martin has always been a favorite for inspirational drama lovers. She is one of the original ones, starting way back in the late 80's into the 90's when she was an up and coming star in the genre. She was (and still is) a household name. And she hasn't lost her spark.

I love the wistful moments the two main actors capture so effortlessly. In addition, the supporting cast all have distinct and interesting personalities, her best friend is very much the best friend a person could hope for, and she wholly expresses her love and compassion. The nephew of the male lead also has a few quirks and insights that peak out at the audience, and he comes to life. The bike shop assistant is a cool hipster sort of young man. The rival shop owner even has a hint of personality in the very narrow role given. The male lead's sister and her husband are a bit less developed for some reason.

This story is believable, I feel if I follow the rules that are laid before me, I might actually have a chance at love. Give it a chance, take a risk, grab hold of it - GRAB HOLD of it, don't let it go. I bet it works if you do it right. But you have to do it right, lest you appear too creepy, or eager, in contrast too distant, or cold... believe me I think there is a very fine line between all of these attributes. This is expressed throughout, but both of them are mature and experienced adults, able to see past the oddities. Ultimately what I have learned is they navigated through the treacherous and equally rewarding journey of finding true love.

Christmas time is a special time of the year. For many of us it is the best time of the year. In this film that is true for Kathie the young widow who owns "Dream Cycle". The store she just opened with her husband less than a year ago. He died and the business is now struggling.

In the same town is Tim. He is a single guy who gave up on 401k and office work to live his dream. He runs/owns a Christmas tree lot with hopes of something bigger. His dream is to own a place where "Christmas can be celebrated all year long". Tim however is just getting over a break up. He meets Kathy one day on his lot. They click but both are afraid to admit it.

By chances they run into one another ice skating. They become friends but both are like teenagers. Afraid of being hurt and slightly haunted by a past relationship.

The ending is what you expect (AND LET'S FACE YOU WANT THIS TYPE OF ENDING) but everything that happens in this is how most people would react in real life. I love the fact everyone here makes mistakes and learns from them. I also love it that nobody is called "Stupid" for acting (or reacting) a certain way".

IF they ever did a follow up film I would have Tim and Kathie trying to bring more "Christmas Joy" to the town they live in. And along the way they there dreams come 100% true.

Although his eyes are a bit too close together, there is still definitely something about Cameron Mathison that makes him ruggedly handsome and I love that voice. The character he plays in this film is confident and ambitious, strong and thoughtful, just my kind of guy. I'm not quite sure why he falls for Cathy as she is quite drippy and hard work, but I do love a good romance, especially at Christmas. This film provides that and without going OTT.

My biggest criticism about this film, which many others are guilty of too, is that their Christmas Trees are all really manky looking. They're half dead before you even get them home. It takes away a layer of belief for me.

It's the usual love story for the season, but still enjoyable.

This is a very sweet film. Better than the average Hallmark film. What this is about is 2 adults who are single for different reasons. One lost her husband the other was dumped. Both are afraid of getting hurt. What is nice about this film is that both characters are nice decent people that enjoy the holidays but both find themselves alone. If your an adult you know its hard to be alone at Christmas.

In this film Kathy owns "Dream Cycle". It was her husbands business and she is trying to keep it open during a downturn in the economy. He has just passed away but she fears if she loses the store it would be like losing her husband all over again

On the same block is Tim. A great guy who own a Christmas tree lot. He is a level headed man who loves Christmas and family. He was dumped by his girlfriend some time ago and is very afraid of being hurt again.

When Kathy & Tom meet they like each other but each is afraid of making a move. They don't want to be hurt and both are afraid of being rejected. Each one likes the other but both are making excuses for not moving forward.

If you are a shy adult you will "Understand" both of these people. For shy people it is a major fear of being rejected. Man or Woman, nobody wants to be hurt.

The film is not ground breaking. However it is well made. Look for it on the Hallmark Channel. It is one of the best. You will love it!

"AWFUL!"...yes! Annoying and boring!...the stars / co-star, the plot, the lines, everything! In every one of her movies, Kellie Martin has a habit of mumbling...speaking inaudibly, fast, and in spurts. Just when you think she is finished saying something, she continues again and again in spurts.

Jewel Staite must have a fear of hair stylists and stage wardrobe experts! In every one of her movies, her hair and clothes are atrocious! So apparently she must be the one who decides her appearance. She should be embarrassed with the "sloppy" look! No, it's not the "natural" or "casual" look...it's just plain sloppy...very detracting in what is supposed to be a decent movie.

The plot was totally pathetic, as were all the players. It seemed as if the plot didn't know where to go next...as it went from the tree sales, to the bike store, to her home, to ice skating, to cookies, to the relationship, and around and around again...and again and again.

Her "amazing" cookies were over the top, too unbelievable.

There was no sense of sincere feelings extended about her loss (but perhaps I missed it when she mumbled). Anyone who has lost a beloved spouse, is not even considering a romantic relationship within a year...much less become disappointed and jealous when she thinks the guy is interested in someone else.

And "Tim" was just too obsessed with "Kathie," someone he hardly knew...and who really had nothing enticing to form a relationship.

This is a great film. Kathy plans to avoid any holiday traditions that bring back memories of her late husband until she receives an ornament from a handsome shop owner. To move on from her loss, Kathy works for a balance between her memories and finding a future.

I am sure this film was conceived so that Hallmark could sell the Christmas Ornament that is featured in this film but they did make an amazing film to help sell it!

There is not anything I would change in the film. This film is so special that it made we want to bake cookies and open a Christmas Tree Lot.

If you love Romance then watch!

Was OK. Camera, Sound, Lighting, Editing - all good for a change. Script was adequate - you get the feeling the real howlers in the script were removed by the Actors in rehearsal. With such a grown-up theme and obviously experienced Actors, you would think the script could do a bit better than: "Man sells Trees" and "Woman does Cookies". Both these ideas are tired, juvenile and lazy scenarios. Oh one thing - if you're a Male Lead and are not young - get a shave, otherwise you look closer to hobo rather than hearthrob

Hallmark up its game with this film. The story is believable. The people come across as real. The situation plausible. The chemistry between the leads "GREAT".

In this film Kathy lost her husband about a month after she and him opened up a bicycle shop. After less than a year the business is struggling. At the same time she meets a handsome Christmas lot owner. Her friend is trying to get her to go out with the guy (Cameron Mathison). So what her friends does is she buys a Christmas Tree from and has him deliver it to her home.

Of course the guy has some baggage but he is someone most people would love to land. His dream is to open up a place where Christmas is celebrated all year long. He also wants Kathy to be there with him. Kathy gets cold feet real fast.

To give anything else away would be a crime. If you love Christmas movies and films about adults you will enjoy this.

BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY REVIEWED ONE FILM. THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE ABOUT THESE FILMS.

Put "The Christmas Ornament" on your must watch list! In this film a recently young widowed is facing her first Christmas without her husband. Cameron Mathison plays a man who owns a Christmas Tree lot and the two of course fall in love.

What is believable about this film is that is shows no matter how old you are you never lose the nervousness you have when you "Like someone" and hope they like you. What was perfect about this was the two leads do not start off as adversary's. I love the fact that each one is a "Little Gun Shy" and is afraid of being hurt.

Most adults over 30 will "fully understand" and can relate to both of these people. My favorite moment in the film happens when they turn on the Snow Machine on the Christmas Tree lot. Try not to smile when you hear the man say "I Love Christmas". It is a magical moment

This is a well made film. I can not believe how special it is. This film is really all about "Love". Finding love and letting go at the same time.

What is nice about this is the film is about how real people act when possibly falling for somebody and hoping they feel the same.

In this film Kathie runs a bike shop. She and her husband opened it up in January but he dies shortly after that.

Tim owns and run a Tree Lot. When Kathie meets Tim the click but she is afraid of admitting that and she at the same time feels guilty for that. (This is not said by Kathie but if you watch this more than once you will understand what I am saying).

What is great about this film is that it captures real emotions and how people get scared of change and sometimes getting in their own way on the road to happiness.

Love This Film!! Can not say enough nice things about it.

I love this film. It's a great romantic film that stars two adults over 40 and thats rare even for television.

In this film two people meet at a "Christmas Tree Lot". It is owned and operated by Tim and his nephew. One day on his lot he meets "Kathy" a very nice but reserved Bicycle shop owner who recently lost her husband and not looking for a relationship but she can't help falling for Tim. Tim however has baggage. He likes Kathy and is also not looking for a relationship. However he has a huge heart and the viewer really roots for these two.

If you are under 30 you might not like this film. However if you are afraid of having your heartbroken then you will understand Kathy's actions.

Great to watch anytime of the year

This isn't just a movie that presents us with a sad backstory and moves on while the lead quickly overcomes it. Kelly Martin does a great job of building the backstory so that the viewer really feels it.

It's a simple story with many of the common plot devices that are so familiar, but this story also has heart. There are some simple touches that fill it up like the ornament and keeping the light on.

I have bumped this up a star since the first time I watched this movie. Maybe it has to do with the fact that Hallmark's crop this year has more less than stellar movies than good ones and so far none of them have caught a sentiment quite like this one.

This film is made for people who been in love before and losst the person that they love for any reason.

This film a woman runs a "Dream Cycle". It's been open for less than year but its struggling. See she opened the shop with her husband who died shortly after they opened.

By Chance she runs into Tim who runs a Christmas Tree Lot. The two click but he is also not over his past girlfriend. Somehow these two connect but "The Ghost of Christmas Past" can back in unexpected ways that can possible harm a new romance they you are meant to be in!! A WINNER

My talent is not writing but I want to say something about this movie.

I was expecting it to be an average movie or worse, so I watched it last of three movies on Sunday evening. It should have been the first one I watched.

I watch a lot of these kinds of Christmas movies and I personally rate everyone for myself, from 1 rating to 5 rating. Most of them, I rate about a 3. This was a 4 rating.

I don't know if it was mostly the director, writing or acting that made this movie better than most. All of the performances were good, particularly the lead male actor. For him, "Natural" was the word that came to mind as I watched him. Even the small parts were good, like the Christmas tree sale helper.

One of the messages of the film is very important of which everyone should heed.

"Discover what you love to do and figure out a way to make money doing it."

This is definitely one of my favorite HM Christmas movies if not my favorite! I thought the character development flowed nicely and I really liked the supporting characters especially Jewel Staite. KM and CM did an excellent job, their chemistry together was very good. I didn't think this movie was boring or sappy stupid at all, in fact I thought it was very believable, so kudos to HM and all the cast and crew. Yes, I'm writing this January 2019... lol better late than never! I loved this movie - well done!

Watching this movie again today made me think about how Hallmark movies have gone downhill in the last five years. Ms. Martin conveys the heartbreak of losing a loved one so well you just want to reach out and hug her. Also Jewel Staite is great as the sister.

You know how different this film is the minute it opens to a biking scene with Kellie Martin as Kathy.

This movie does so much well sometimes I forgot it was Hallmark. The production values are mostly better. The characters are 3-dimensional and believable. So are the relationships. The chemistry sparkles. There are subtle moments.

Best of all, plenty of emotions and backstory aren't overstated.

There's some bad (telegraphing) music and a few cheesy scenes. Cameron Matheson isn't as subtle as Martin. Tim is a more typical HMC creation; the overloud blustery handsome guy who can be played. Kind, but a bit cheesy; I wanted to turn him down a few notches.

I would've given it an 8, but Matheson's page quote about his soap opera character made me LOL. 9/10.

If I could rate this movie higher the a 10, I would. It was really good. I felt like this was something like real life. It was great. Happy Holiday's and enjoy.