I enjoyed this Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Original Christmas movie. It had a pleasant and gentle rhythm to it, I felt. I enjoyed the mystery in this one; i.e., trying to figure out who brought these strangers together to the Inn, and how thru this process of trying to figure this out, they connected and bonded with each other. The atmosphere at the Inn was quite cosy and festive, which added to the warm and gentle feel of the movie. I agree with other reviewers on here, the ending seemed rushed; unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown. As another reviewer said, "here is an idea, leave the mystery unresolved". For this one, I agree. It would have worked better to leave it to the imagination. Leaving this aside, what made the movie work, of course, was the acting. Overall, it was very good. Lacey Chabert (playing Sarah), a Hallmark regular, was fantastic in this role. She usually has impressive performances in this genre of film (which of course is why Hallmark keeps renewing her contract). Stephen Huszar (playing Ben) had both a strong and tender presence on screen, I thought, which worked well with Chabert's performance. Indeed, the chemistry between the two was subtle, yet, I felt it worked well in this one. The supporting cast, overall, had a great performance. What stood out to me was the role of Jasper, played by Leon. He had a very convincing performance; too bad we did not get to hear him sing more. The scenery, props, and sets were well-polished and festive (as I noted above about the Inn). Where can I get that Christmas chess set? I want one. No complaints about the music or music editing; the latter has been an issue for some, e.g., Lifetime Christmas movies this season. All in all, this is a lovely Christmas movie (though, a disappointing ending). It is a nice new edition to Hallmark's 2020 Christmas movie lineup.
25 Reviews
Keep in mind it's very much a drama
HotToastyRag14 December 2021
Not everyone likes sugary-sweet Hallmark movies that have every end tied up in a bow. Dramas have their time and place, and if you're on the lookout for a serious movie that leaves you more somber than uplifted, check your tv guide for Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas. You'll see Hallmark's darling, Lacey Chabert, but it's quite a drama.
Five people are sent mysterious, anonymous invitations to spend Christmas at a bed & breakfast inn. They each accept, for various reasons. They each carry their own sadness in their hearts, which are revealed throughout the film. Family tensions, loss of loved ones, and loneliness permeate, so that even though there is a bit of romance and some budding friendships, you still feel sad. I'm not criticizing the movie; but if you're expecting Lacey's cheerful smile and giggle throughout the ninety minutes, you'll be extremely disappointed. It's actually a very good drama, but it's not one that will be enjoyed by everyone at Christmastime. For those who do enjoy it, it'll probably be one of your favorites.
Five people are sent mysterious, anonymous invitations to spend Christmas at a bed & breakfast inn. They each accept, for various reasons. They each carry their own sadness in their hearts, which are revealed throughout the film. Family tensions, loss of loved ones, and loneliness permeate, so that even though there is a bit of romance and some budding friendships, you still feel sad. I'm not criticizing the movie; but if you're expecting Lacey's cheerful smile and giggle throughout the ninety minutes, you'll be extremely disappointed. It's actually a very good drama, but it's not one that will be enjoyed by everyone at Christmastime. For those who do enjoy it, it'll probably be one of your favorites.
Santa's Little Helpers just couldn't help themselves. Ho Ho Ho
Ed-Shullivan17 December 2020
A mystery that isn't so easily discovered or explained until the happy ending that takes place at the Snowfall Inn. Five (5) guests all get a free Christmas vacation under somewhat false pretenses at a cozy place called the Snowfall Inn, A young lawyer named Sarah Thomas (Lacey Chabert) who takes it upon herself to wrap up some still opened cases that were the responsibility of her late mom, is one of the five (5) invited guests and she just can't help herself to try and figure out who is their mysterious benefactor who paid for their rooms.
A special treat for Mrs. Shullivan and I was one of the five (5) invited guests is the fantastic R&B singer and actor Leon. He has such a distinct and memorable voice that the movie is well worth watching just to hear him sing even one Christmas song.
It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas film if there was not a romance blossoming and so the producers wanted a guarantee so of course they signed the Queen of hallmark Christmas movies and that would be Lacey Chabert who has appeared in dozens of these similar movies over the past decade or so. Her love interest in this latest romance is the smooth talking and handsome actor Stephen Huszar who plays the Snowfall Inn's owner named Ben.
The five (5) guests backgrounds are gradually explained as to how they each received their free invitation to the Snowfall Inn and Ben agrees to assist the pretty young lawyer Sarah in deciphering who their Secret Santa is/was.
It's a nice little story with some heartwarming scenes and the mellow voice of R&B singer Leon is a huge bonus. I give it a 7 out of 10 IMDB rating.
A special treat for Mrs. Shullivan and I was one of the five (5) invited guests is the fantastic R&B singer and actor Leon. He has such a distinct and memorable voice that the movie is well worth watching just to hear him sing even one Christmas song.
It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas film if there was not a romance blossoming and so the producers wanted a guarantee so of course they signed the Queen of hallmark Christmas movies and that would be Lacey Chabert who has appeared in dozens of these similar movies over the past decade or so. Her love interest in this latest romance is the smooth talking and handsome actor Stephen Huszar who plays the Snowfall Inn's owner named Ben.
The five (5) guests backgrounds are gradually explained as to how they each received their free invitation to the Snowfall Inn and Ben agrees to assist the pretty young lawyer Sarah in deciphering who their Secret Santa is/was.
It's a nice little story with some heartwarming scenes and the mellow voice of R&B singer Leon is a huge bonus. I give it a 7 out of 10 IMDB rating.
mystery Christmas romance Hallmark, all of the above
SnoopyStyle11 July 2021
Lawyer Sarah Thomas (Lacey Chabert) has been continuing her late mother's work saving her Brooklyn neighbors from evictions. She gets a complimentary invitation to a winter resort run by manager Ben (Stephen Huszar). She's surprised that her office didn't make the reservation. There's a mystery gift giver and there are other recipients.
I like the idea of the mystery gift giver. Once Sarah realizes that, I want her to go full Nancy Drew on the mystery. It's a mystery. It's Christmas. It's romance. It's Hallmark combining all the big hits. I like this concept but I want it to be better. I want it to be more than a Hallmark movie or the best Hallmark movie ever. It should be only about Sarah and Ben joining forces, going around investigating the recipients, alleviating what pains them, and falling in love. At last, it is what it is. There is nothing to hate except maybe the lost opportunity. There is a super sweet reveal. It's a soft gooey Christmas cookie.
I like the idea of the mystery gift giver. Once Sarah realizes that, I want her to go full Nancy Drew on the mystery. It's a mystery. It's Christmas. It's romance. It's Hallmark combining all the big hits. I like this concept but I want it to be better. I want it to be more than a Hallmark movie or the best Hallmark movie ever. It should be only about Sarah and Ben joining forces, going around investigating the recipients, alleviating what pains them, and falling in love. At last, it is what it is. There is nothing to hate except maybe the lost opportunity. There is a super sweet reveal. It's a soft gooey Christmas cookie.
Coming home
TheLittleSongbird5 July 2022
Hallmark have varied massively when it comes to their Christmas films, but have been pleasantly surprised by some of those from 2020, considering that any films were even made during these circumstances that year by them was something of a miracle. Other than Hallmark completest sake and that they have done some good and more Christmas films and films in general, my main reason for watching this was the always worth watching Lacey Chabert (one of the most popular Hallmark actresses for good reason).
'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' impressed me on the whole. It is not quite one of the very best 2020 Hallmark films, Christmas and overall, it is in the better end. 'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' is flawed in terms of story (then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark, but this time it's relatively different reasons than most), but the performances and atmosphere in particular more than made up for any misgivings. It is certainly in my mind a good representation of what Chabert's appeal is.
It isn't perfect by all means. The ending agreed is much too rushed and reliant on too neat coincidence and while being usually a non-fan of open-ended endings, this is agreed a case of it being a better way to end if included.
Did think too that it is a bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue has degrees of awkwardness.
However, a lot works very well. Chabert is her usual perky, charming self and Stephen Huszar is a subtly easy going leading man. Their chemistry is understated but natural and genuine, which is more than good enough for me when watching a Hallmark film (as long as there is some form of chemistry that makes me happy). Lini Evans is solid support and it was interesting seeing Peter Kelamis in a non-voice acting role.
Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary, the gentle charm and sincere sweetness more than ideal. The mystery element while not innovative is intriguing and investable, the twist did surprise.
Overall, solidly executed effort. 7/10.
'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' impressed me on the whole. It is not quite one of the very best 2020 Hallmark films, Christmas and overall, it is in the better end. 'Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas' is flawed in terms of story (then again that is not uncommon for Hallmark, but this time it's relatively different reasons than most), but the performances and atmosphere in particular more than made up for any misgivings. It is certainly in my mind a good representation of what Chabert's appeal is.
It isn't perfect by all means. The ending agreed is much too rushed and reliant on too neat coincidence and while being usually a non-fan of open-ended endings, this is agreed a case of it being a better way to end if included.
Did think too that it is a bit of a slow starter and some of the dialogue has degrees of awkwardness.
However, a lot works very well. Chabert is her usual perky, charming self and Stephen Huszar is a subtly easy going leading man. Their chemistry is understated but natural and genuine, which is more than good enough for me when watching a Hallmark film (as long as there is some form of chemistry that makes me happy). Lini Evans is solid support and it was interesting seeing Peter Kelamis in a non-voice acting role.
Furthermore, the film pleases visually, lovely festive locations attractively and never drably or garishly shot. The music isn't as intrusive as it tends to be with Hallmark while the direction gets the job done well. The script doesn't get too cheesy or sentimental and does have a more natural flow when it becomes more settled. The story is not too heavy while taking itself seriously and is both warm-hearted and has a light touch when necessary, the gentle charm and sincere sweetness more than ideal. The mystery element while not innovative is intriguing and investable, the twist did surprise.
Overall, solidly executed effort. 7/10.
An Interesting Christmas Mystery
jagfannn7 December 2020
This is and interesting and fun little story although it seems like it may have been written in a hurry or unfinished. It's a Christmas buffet of (sometimes eye-rolling) connections and coincidences where the Characters are mysteriously brought together for Christmas at a cozy little Inn. The acting by Chabert and Huszar, along with a strong cast, still manage to make the movie enjoyable to watch
I really enjoyed this movie.
rg7991210 January 2021
Lacey Chabert is great. She does so great in these movies and I love watching them during the holidays. The lead actor was great too. I really enjoyed the story, but the ending didn't quite hit like it should've. I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads which saved this movie. I was rooting for all the characters. The supporting cast was enjoyable as well.
Best Hallmark Holiday Movie I've Seen in a Long Time
kjc-3220519 April 2021
I absolutely love this tear-jerker holiday movie. It's a celebration of love, family, friends, and the spirit of the holidays. The acting is phenomenal - Leon and Lacey Chabert give stellar performances. There is a real tangible emotion to their characters. Vienna Leacock plays a teen going through the difficulties of parent's divorcing and her growth as a character is heartwarming. Lini Evans plays the sweet and lovable Karen. The mystery reveal is so touching. Overall, this movie was fantastic and I continue to watch it over and over.
Touching Story About the Lives of Everyday People
tiffanytallent19812 July 2021
Although this movie is very slow paced, Lacey Chabert helps keep it interesting and worth watching. She plays Sarah, a lawyer who lost her mother a few months prior. She takes time off from her job in order to take care of her mom's affairs, including her open litigation cases. Sarah receives a gift reservation at an inn and assumes it was sent by her law firm. Once she arrives, she later finds out that no one knows who sent the invitation. And there end up being several other guests who received the exact same invite. With the help of the inn's owner, Ben, Sarah tries to figure out the mystery of who brought them all together. The connection they end up having is heartwarming. I enjoyed watching this one. It brought a smile to my face and warm fuzzies to my heart.
beyond a campy Christmas movie
pumpkinmom-9172311 December 2020
I love Hallmark Christmas movies for exactly what they are - a little fluff, a little visual magic. But this movie was more. It had complexity, interest, characters you could relate to and root for. It had a storyline that was both mysterious and charming. Finally, the conclusion is one that you don't necessarily see coming but it make sense. Very well written.
A very good movie
dianamarinelli13 December 2020
Plenty of heart in this one
lorriehoagland-3805730 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Nice, heartwarming story with a little mystery to solve. Loved the way all the characters lives ended up being connected in some way. It was nice that all the focus wasn't just on the love story of the main characters but actually spent some time on each of the guests that had been mysteriously invited to the Inn.
Disappointing conclusion
clarkrobertson-368816 December 2020
Loss, grief, mystery, and trying to find happiness at Christmas time.
cgvsluis27 October 2021
This was another romantic mystery movie put together by Hallmark. The snowfall inn was purchased by a former finance guy, Ben, after a bad breakup trying to recreate the happiness he experienced as a child at the inn. Sarah arrives at the end after receiving the stay as a gift...Sarah is a lawyer who lost her mom this last year and somewhere along the way lost the plans that she had made with her mom to share a practice. Sarah soon discovers that there are other guests at the inn who also received gift stays from the same mysterious benefactor. The other beneficiaries are a newly divorced dad with his teen daughter who he is struggling to connect with, a traveling musician who is newly widowed and lost the inspiration to perform, a newly divorced school teacher, and a salesman.
Each of these stories is looking for something this Christmas and they all discover that they all have a link to a single past Christmas at the Snowflake Inn.
The mystery of who brought this cast of characters together was the best part of this movie.
Each of these stories is looking for something this Christmas and they all discover that they all have a link to a single past Christmas at the Snowflake Inn.
The mystery of who brought this cast of characters together was the best part of this movie.
enjoyable
Kirpianuscus7 December 2021
The basic virtue is to feel it be different by majority of Hallmark Christmas films. Yes, it is a nice trick, a mix of flavours, from nostalgia to mistery, from reasonable performances to beautiful, seductive images, from a sort of improvisation to the Jane Austen and Christmas old fashion cards, from handsome guys to the atmosphere of cozy inn and few well used mistery drops . A very enjoyable film.
Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas
JoBloTheMovieCritic12 December 2020
there's real intrigue here
montgomerysue13 December 2020
Lacey Chabert is always very good, but in this she is really excellent. She also has a co-star, Stephen Huszar, with whom she has wonderful chemistry. Their relationship evolves in a very credible manner, due to believable dialogue and the fine talents of these two performers. That said, this is a well-written and very intriguing mystery. How were these five people invited to stay at this inn and, more importantly, why? The mystery unfolds in a captivating manner as you see not only how the relationship between the leads develops, but how all five of the invitees, ultimately, become friends. All of the supporting cast is excellent, particularly Lini Evans as Karen, Leon as Jasper, and Jennifer Higgin as Frenchie. Higgin is a fine addition to the Hallmark stable of actors. Her scenes are quite sincere and memorable, as is this entire movie. There is plenty of Christmas spirit along the way, too, with impressive production values, all directed very nicely by David Winning. The two hours goes by fast, since there is no talky filler here - it's a tight, well-crafted story, written with every scene adding to the plot, the growth of the relationships, and the ultimate conclusion, which, to me, unlike other reviewers here, was very heartfelt and interesting. One of the best Hallmark movies presented this year. Looking forward to a re-teaming of Chabert and Huszar, two charming, believable, and entertaining performers.
Heartwarming story of Christmas
youngandrestless123456 December 2020
I really liked the whole cast of this movie. It's really a diverse group that have assembled to have Christmas together. We get to see Sarah (Lacey) unravel the mystery of why they are all in this lodge for Christmas. Without spoiling, it's a very nice story that warms the heart!!
A real tearjerker
davesteur18 January 2021
I'm not ashamed to admit that, as a 52-year-old male, I found myself tearing up at various points in the movie. I won't share them here to avoid spoilers. but if you're a softy like me, you'll enjoy this movie through and through.
And, to make it better, any film with the gorgeous Lacey Chabert makes it all the more worth watching.
And, to make it better, any film with the gorgeous Lacey Chabert makes it all the more worth watching.
Great side stories but no magic with male lead
Patbrez2 January 2021
Nice story
pmtilton-880518 December 2020
Hallmark Movies finally breaks the usual mold.
cross5259 July 2021
Lacey Chabert usually has to pull a movie solo. This movie breaks the usual Hallmark movie mold. This movie has more than the one storyline, at first, but they merge into one towards the end. The usual Hallmark movie storyline has, boy meets girl, they can't stand each other at first but then slowly develop feelings and falling in love. The last 30 minutes, there is a misunderstanding and they dislike each other again. The last 10 minutes the misunderstanding is resolved and they fall back in love, get married and live happily ever after. I just wish they would do more follow up movies to see how they are doing.
Very Enjoyable Holiday Romance
atlasmb20 July 2023
Sarah (Lacey Chabert), an attorney on the west coast, receives a Christmas gift from her employer: a holiday stay at a charming inn in New York state. When she gets there, she discovers that the invitation was not from her employer and that other guests received identical gift cards. This launches a mystery that runs through the story as Sarah and the assorted guests enjoy the holiday festivities and a warm camaraderie.
The owner of the inn, Ben (Stephen Huszar), enjoys an easy chemistry with Sarah, and the entire cast fits comfortably into the narrative about finding one's true home.
This is one of the better Hallmark holiday romances. The story originated with producer Blake Shelton's mother, Dorothy Shackleford, who was co-writer of the original novel, and is one of four now in the series. Blake and mother Dorothy also co-wrote the song that is the film's unofficial theme.
The owner of the inn, Ben (Stephen Huszar), enjoys an easy chemistry with Sarah, and the entire cast fits comfortably into the narrative about finding one's true home.
This is one of the better Hallmark holiday romances. The story originated with producer Blake Shelton's mother, Dorothy Shackleford, who was co-writer of the original novel, and is one of four now in the series. Blake and mother Dorothy also co-wrote the song that is the film's unofficial theme.
Long time Hallmark loyalist.
jparkerer26 June 2022
Slow burn, feel good movie
MickyG3331 December 2022
5.3 stars.
It's a very slow drama. There is heart, and love, a little mystery, and family, and a bunch of other feel good drama filler.
I have been very spoiled with the formulaic films thus far, filled with passion and romance, happiness, and fun, and joy and laughter. This is not that. This is a movie of friendship, memories, what ifs, how to manage regret, how to deal with life's peaks and valleys. This is a film about a bunch of people trying to make sense of life, how to improve, how to be, how not to be. It is indeed a drama of dramas.
I am on the Hallmark channel for entertainment, this is a movie to watch while pondering the meaning of life. If and when I have another existential crisis, or am really digging Oprah's Soulful Sunday, I will be in the right mood for this movie.
It's a very slow drama. There is heart, and love, a little mystery, and family, and a bunch of other feel good drama filler.
I have been very spoiled with the formulaic films thus far, filled with passion and romance, happiness, and fun, and joy and laughter. This is not that. This is a movie of friendship, memories, what ifs, how to manage regret, how to deal with life's peaks and valleys. This is a film about a bunch of people trying to make sense of life, how to improve, how to be, how not to be. It is indeed a drama of dramas.
I am on the Hallmark channel for entertainment, this is a movie to watch while pondering the meaning of life. If and when I have another existential crisis, or am really digging Oprah's Soulful Sunday, I will be in the right mood for this movie.
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