A childless couple, Will (Steve Lund) and Laurel McCullough (Kaitlin Doubleday), is struggling under various pressures. They live in her beloved grandma Helen Atwater (Paula Shaw)'s home after some financial problems. Helen breaks her wrist. Laurel calls up senior living aide but they don't have any opening. They are surprised the next day with the arrival of Gloria Merkel (Caroline Rhea).
Apparently, there is a series of book with this Merkel character written by Debbie Macomber. This is a Hallmark movie dealing with some heavier issues which is nice to see. There is only so much of the standard lightness that one should taken. Everyone needs a dash of edginess and this delivers the slightest of dash. I actually thought Caroline Rhea would do some wacky stuff which she does not and I understand why. This sets a semi-serious tone and everybody works within that. This tries to put some heavier substance into the standard empty calories of a Hallmark Christmas.
Apparently, there is a series of book with this Merkel character written by Debbie Macomber. This is a Hallmark movie dealing with some heavier issues which is nice to see. There is only so much of the standard lightness that one should taken. Everyone needs a dash of edginess and this delivers the slightest of dash. I actually thought Caroline Rhea would do some wacky stuff which she does not and I understand why. This sets a semi-serious tone and everybody works within that. This tries to put some heavier substance into the standard empty calories of a Hallmark Christmas.