Podcast in a Pear Tree: Christmas Movie Reviews

Meeting a Hallmark star and appreciating b-story lines

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 18:00:00 GMT

We kick off this episode with an exciting run-in story you won't want to miss! Somehow we caught all of the Lifetime movies from the second full weekend of December, including Christmas in Alaska, Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch, Rodeo Christmas Romance, and Runaway Bride for Christmas. Yeah, there were two "ranch/raunchy" movies with plenty of inuendo. We couldn't bring ourselves to catch the latest GAC films, but we did enjoy Hallmark's offerings, Oy To The World, which included both Christmas and Hannukah traditions, and A Suite Holiday Romance, which we enjoyed a lot more along with back tracking to My Secret Santa (Netflix).

Kinda down for Scary Christmas, but let's remember to appreciate mom

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

We review Christmas movie premieres from the first weekend of December! We find ourselves once again in the genre of trying to fulfill dead Grandma's dying wish with Christmas at Mistletoe Manor (GAC), but also go to England yet again in new Hallmark tv show, 12 Dates 'Til Christmas. We had high hopes for She's Making a List (Hallmark) which fell flat, but we perk right back up with Lifetime Movie Network's Do You Fear What I Fear as part of the "Slay Bells" series. Deck the Hallways (Hallmark) and Amazon Prime's Oh. What. Fun. were pretty good! (Dis)honorable mention to Hallmark's Single on the 25th and The Christmas Cup.

A grown up A.C. Slater plus time travel strikes again

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

It's a mega Thanksgiving episode! So many movies, so little time. Plus Lifetime finally makes their movie debut. Let's see if you can guess our thoughts on Great American Christmas' A Christmas Spark, Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix), Grand Ole Opry Christmas (Hallmark) and our call for justice for Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry in The Christmas Campaign (Lifetime). We had some honorable mentions in there because there's just TOO much!

Going from Buffalo Bills to Parisian Inuendo

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:00:12 GMT

In this episode, we review movies that premiered during the pre-Thanksgiving weekend, including Hallmark's latest installment of the Holiday Touchdown with A Bills Love Story and catch up with the series Finding Mr. Christmas. We tried to do Christmas North of Nashville (GAC) but that didn't work, so we discuss getting ready for the mega Thanksgiving weekend premieres and close on Netflix's steamy Champagne Problems (well, we made it steamy).

Some Wise Tidings and a Conscious Uncoupling

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 15:00:14 GMT

We chat about several films across different networks like the insane product placement in Three Wisest Men (Hallmark), then jump over to a surprising verdict on Timeless Tidings of Joy (Great American Family), then dive into the (dys)functional Christmas family fantasy in Joy to the World (Disney+). We also touch on the Alicia Silverstone and Melissa Joan Hart team up in Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix) and Hallmark's other "tidings" movie with Tidings for the Season.

Kicking off with royals, comets and large airport bathrooms

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:00:10 GMT

We're back for Season 5, and the Christmas movie season is strong upon us! Well, for Hallmark and Great American Family (Christmas) at least. We binge watched a ton to discuss all of this season's latest releases through the first full week of November.

Time for alpacas, Christmas reality tv and Die Hard action

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 16:00:15 GMT

It's our last episode for 2024, and we had a manageable list of movie debut options coming into the mid-weekend of December premieres that somehow had a different mix of movie tropes from cocktails to sustainable fashion. We review a Hanukkah-focused film on Hallmark (Hanukkah on the Rocks) and The Santa Class, Lifetime's offerings with The Holiday Junkie and Christmas on the Alpaca Farm, Get Him Back for Christmas on GAC, and a surprise new release find on Netflix. Before diving into the films, we also tackle Hallmark's reality show Finding Mr. Christmas.

Mystic Santas, Lopez dimples, and no snacks (yikes)

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:00:08 GMT

We kick-off our episode with a festive visit to the first ever Los Angeles Christmas Market in Downtown Los Angeles. But it's down to business as we tackle all sorts of tropes in the films that debuted the second week of December, including Sugarplummed and Leah's Perfect Gift from Hallmark, How to Fall in Love by Christmas and A Very Merry Beauty Salon from Lifetime, Nutcrackers on Hulu, and of course, Once Upon a Christmas Gift (GAC).

LiLo and the 90s do Christmas for Thanksgiving

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 21:00:08 GMT

We finally review all the films from Thanksgiving Weekend, and there were definitely too many! We kick-off with the theater-released Amazon film, Red One. To keep the chaos somewhat manageable we go by network, starting with Hallmark (A 90s Christmas, Holiday Touchdown, Christmas Quest), Netflix (Our Little Secret), Lifetime (BeBe Winans' We Three Kings), and Great American Christmas/GAC (I Heard the Bells, A Cinderella Christmas Ball, Home Sweet Christmas).

Here comes the spice, Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce and bunches of Bs

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 15:00:15 GMT

We've hit a solid B week for films. Plus, have you ever wondered what your desert island Christmas song would be? Well you'll be thinking about it as we discuss the premieres from films right before the Thanksgiving holiday, including Netflix's Christmas spicy film The Merry Gentlemen, the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce romance inspired Christmas film on Lifetime, Christmas in the Spotlight, and others like Sincerely, Truly Christmas (Lifetime), Three Wiser Men and a Boy (Hallmark), Little Women’s Christmas (Great American Christmas), and To Have and to Holiday (Hallmark).

Diners, quilts, and awkward mistletoes... some of the best films of the season have arrived

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 15:00:08 GMT

We had some of the best movies of the season in this latest episode! One in particular was quite possibly our star of the season. Some films we cover this week: Confessions of a Christmas Letter (Hallmark), A Cozy Christmas Quilt (Great American Christmas), Jingle Bell Love (Roku) and some honorary mentions of Reason for the Season (Hallmark Mysteries), Hot Frosty (Netflix), Jingle Bell Run (Hallmark), Christmas at Plumhill Manor (Lifetime), and A Christmas Less Traveled (Great American Christmas).

Just Some Christmas Gaslighting, Trivia, and Triumphs

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:00:22 GMT

We run into some gaslighting shenanigans while discussing our mediocre encounters and charming gems for this week. Some movies we cover this week: Netflix's Meet Me Next Christmas, Hulu's Christmas on the Ranch, Great American Christmas' Christmas Under the Northern Lights, Hallmark's Trivia at St. Nick's, and preview of Netflix's Hot Frosty.

Let the Pop Culture References Sleigh Ride In

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:00:24 GMT

In our rundown of the films from the beginning of the season from October (let's face it, mostly Hallmark), we find ourselves mentioning to a lot of random pop culture references. See if you catch all of them. Hints: Crashers, Lies, Sir a , the Teenage

Sorry Halloween, it's time for Christmas

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:00:08 GMT

Halloween is here, but the Christmas movie season is already upon us. Here's a bit of our take of what it's looking like so far in our season 4 opener. (Note: we recorded this before Lifetime's full line-up was released)

Run far, far away from this Christmas Twister

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:00:17 GMT

To commemorate the release of Twisters (2024), a follow-up to the beloved 90s movie Twister (1996), and a nod to Christmas in July, we thought we would review a randomly discovered holiday take, Christmas Twister. Good idea? Debatable.

Lifetime is kind of trying with Yes Chef! Christmas, but not by much

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 13:00:20 GMT

We want to root for Lifetime with this film, but we're left torn between blatant overseen details with the cooking competition backdrop yet heartwarming family feels of a family reconnection. Tia Mowry is a key draw, if you can persevere through the oversights. Oh yeah, and there's kinda romance too.

We get taken a very strange road in Candy Cane Lane (Amazon Prime)

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 13:00:18 GMT

Some big stars join in Amazon Prime's main flick for the Christmas season, including Eddie Murphy and Tracee Ellis Ross. But it gets really wacky, and you better be ready for it. Seriously.

A Biltmore Christmas (Hallmark) takes on classy time travel in a very real locale

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:00:24 GMT

A prop hourglass brings some twisty time turns in this surprisingly entertaining film set in the historic Biltmore estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Things go meta on this film about a film that also has some Hallmark Christmas easter eggs for those paying attention.

Hitting late 90s nostalgia with nods to the original with Christmas in Notting Hill (Hallmark)

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:00:21 GMT

Finally! A Christmas film that pays appropriate homage to its source material in many ways, aside from the possible incesty vibes. Tom joins us as our special guest to provide us with valuable UK perspective.

Hallmark's escape to Europe trend continues this season with A Merry Scottish Christmas

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:00:21 GMT

Whip out those nostalgic Party of Five vibes as we see the reunion of sister-brother duo of Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf in this escape to Scotland production. Our special guest Kim did some homework on this one for us!

How to find yourself stranded on Hallmark's Christmas Island

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:00:22 GMT

We take an extended (indefinite?) Christmas pitstop in Nova Scotia with familiar Hallmark faces, though different accents (if you remember The Royal Nanny). Special guest Chloe joins us as we discuss expected illogical moments and fun facts in this film.

For the 2023 season, Christmas is alive and well in October

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 16:00:27 GMT

We're back for season 3 and as expected, Hallmark is ahead of the game with six premieres before Halloween! That's just crazy. We breakdown our thoughts on hits, misses, and meh options so far.

Christmas in July comes with A Royal Christmas Crush (Hallmark) and guess we're fine with it

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:50:19 GMT

We're back for some "Christmas in July" debut films, starting with a familiar storyline of an ordinary person falling in love with a royal in a make-believe country. That's pretty much what it is, nothing more and nothing less.

Queen of Christmas Movie mega review: CCB, Part One

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:35:07 GMT

We're doing a deep dive with the works of a well known "Queen of Christmas" movie maven, Candace Cameron Bure. There was so much to discuss, we had to divide this episode into two parts! Part one covers her early beginnings prior to her rise to fame with Hallmark.

2022 Christmas movie season in review

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:35:04 GMT

We share a little of our holiday travels, including visits to Hallmark's Enchant, and review some of our top and not so great films from the 2022 Christmas movie season.

Battle of the Bubbes steal the show in Hanukkah on Rye (Hallmark)

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:00:21 GMT

Our hearts were warmed in this "You've Got Mail" style take on a matchmaking story during Hanukkah in New York City. While we wish Lisa Loeb was more than a cameo, the multi-generational interactions will keep you laughing.

A Christmas to Treasure (Lifetime) left us searching

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 15:00:21 GMT

A film about six friends reuniting for a Christmas treasure hunt? We really wanted to like it, but we got lost in... everything.

You don't have to choose with Your Christmas or Mine (Amazon)

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 06:26:22 GMT

Hilarious chaos abounds in this home for Christmas switch in the UK which we found heartwarming and cute. We talk gilets, fit Steve and doggie antics.

Sorry, this was definitely not The Most Colorful Time of the Year (Hallmark)

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:00:32 GMT

The title and premise are promising until you watch and realize its going in a direction that includes borderline stalking and possible HIPAA violations (not an exaggeration).

Merry Textmas (Lifetime) has us dreaming of a colorful Christmas

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:26:42 GMT

A refreshing storyline in a new locale? Count us in. Believability, family and strong women grounded this film in warm Christmas spirit, and we didn't need to have snow! PS: Find out about Samantha's hidden talent and our thoughts on the Austin (Texas) airport.

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane (GAC) reminds us that putting up Christmas lights is dangerous

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 07:18:45 GMT

We dutifully support Full House alum Andrea Barber in her Christmas film debut by doing our best to make something of this movie, except we're not quite sure what that was supposed to be.

Real chills with Death Santa and déjà vu in The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve (Lifetime)

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 04:35:59 GMT

Only someone like Kelsey Grammar can pull off "A Christmas Carol" meets "Groundhog Day" holiday film. But Santa is not who you're used to seeing in this one.

Hall Out The Holly (Hallmark) and A Christmas... Present (GAC) released the same weekend? Hmm 'kay.

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:00:39 GMT

Join us for a double header of the "Queens of Christmas" as we discuss Lacey Chabert's latest Hallmark film and Candace Cameron Bure's first appearance on Great American Family (for Great American Christmas, or GAC as we call it).

Outtakes: Cheesy favorites that come to mind

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 06:24:20 GMT

From the cutting room floor: Before recording the last two episodes, a random list on IMDb led to us reminiscing on past movies including A Christmas Movie Christmas, Christmas Perfection, Holiday in Handcuffs, A Very Nutty Christmas, and Feliz NaviDAD.

There’s one big reason Santa Bootcamp shines (Lifetime)

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:19:25 GMT

We are honored by the presence of Rita Moreno, who at even 90 sparkles the film channeling Santa spirit at every turn. We watch for her and impressive ASL inclusion.

We’re trying to imagine throwback feels with Three Wise Men and a Baby (Hallmark)

Sat, 26 Nov 2022 05:01:29 GMT

Because the writers were looking for a way to work with a baby, we get a film itching for some 80s nostalgia. Plus some sugar plum fairy dancing and intense house decorating.

Need The Royal Nanny? (Hallmark) Time to call in Scary Poppins

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 09:18:05 GMT

The most action packed Hallmark Christmas movie we've seen yet. Secret agents and weaponized umbrellas? We are totally here for it!

LiLo is back! But we’re not Falling for Christmas (Netflix)

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:18:13 GMT

The highly anticipated return of Lindsay Lohan to film comes to us in Christmas movie glory. Come with your nostalgia and tropes—you’ll need it for this one!

Back for more in 2022 with Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix and... GAC?

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:27:16 GMT

Thoughts on the 2022 season line-ups on our favorite holiday movie channels... and the new ones!

Just call me “Christmas Carole” with Netflix's Single All The Way

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:36:08 GMT

Our trio shares their thoughts on national treasure Jennifer Coolidge, the magic of New Hampshire, and Jesus H. Christ in this modern, breath of fresh air holiday romcom by Netflix.

Lifetime's A Christmas Dance Reunion... and mad dancing skills

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:05:57 GMT

Paying respects to the High School Musical reunion of Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman, we watched some awesome dance moves, Corbin Bleu's convincing acting, and Instagramable moments in this Lifetime film. But that's pretty much all we noticed.

We Wish (Hallmark's) Next Stop, Christmas Was Back to the Future, and a Happy New Year

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 20:48:49 GMT

Enamored by the reunion of Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, our three holiday experts find a lot of parallels between this movie and the much more well known Lloyd/Thompson collaboration, Back to the Future. Along the way they inadvertently plug Balsam Hill, Hallmark Jewelry and another Hallmark film with a scarf, a merry-go-round and a five year wait.