A Merry Holiday

I enjoyed the movie and appreciated that they were trying to bring two cultures together. However, I found it odd that the writers took pains to explain the religious beginnings of the Eight Days of Hanukkah but their explanation of Christmas made no mention the birth of Jesus Christ.

I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did, it had the usual characters, but it was a watchable, feel good movie.

You want different? This is different. Yes there was a movie a few years back with the similarities of blending a Christmas and Hannukah, but it was lame, and there are plenty of differences.

The story has enough different things going on that it does not get boring as it builds up to a great conclusion, even though it is plenty cheesy.

The leads! I loved Kelley Jackle last year in Christmas Harmony. I hope she continues to do Christmas movies. Some might think she is a little over the top cheerful or that her smile is less than sincere. But I love this kind of leading lady and Jackle is definitely growing on me as a favorite. Then there is Jake Epstein. Please let's see more of him in Christmas movies. He did a twofer for Lifetime this year and was great also in A Storybook Christmas. And chemistry, yes. I loved these two together.

Some will like that there is diversity and an educational aspect to this movie. Some will hate at least the latter. I liked it.

BTW: a couple of reviewers penalized the movie for not mentioning Jesus, which I find strange. It is true that Jesus is the reason for the season and this movie stressed family and community instead. But how many Hallmark or Lifetime movies can you name that do mention Jesus as anything more than a baby in a manger, or by singing a religious Christmas song? Even UPtv seems to be careful not to emphasize Jesus too much.

Congratulations Lifetime, Kelley Jakle, Jake Epstein and cast and crew for making a beautiful story about Hannakuh, Christmas, showing how traditions are different. but the love of family is still the same. I really enjoyed this movie.

I just loved Mistletoe & Menorahs aka A Merry Holiday (2019). I had yet to find a decent movie about Hanukkah and this was really fun and enjoyable since I am Jewish but also secretly love Christmas. Plus the actors were so lovable and had such great chemistry. Plus, it's just a great overview of the Hanukah story in general.