The Best Christmas Movies You’ve Never Heard Of

We’ve all seen the holiday classics … and all their merchandise. While films such as It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, and Love Actually are famous for a reason, I personally enjoy finding hidden gems for the holidays. And the best part of these lesser-known delights is that they often skip the contrived Christmas tropes in favor of deeper, more meaningful themes.

Dear Santa (2011)

Dear Santa initially seems like your generic Christmas romantic comedy with all the hallmarks of your typical, well, Hallmark, fare. However, there’s something about it that is so sweet and accessible, that it comes off as just a bit more genuine. Its relatability is largely due to the immensely likable Amy Acker, known for her roles on “Angel” and in The Cabin in the Woods. Add in some gorgeous New York Christmas shots and a sly commentary on vapid social climbers, and this comedy actually has a bit of heart.

Acker portrays Crystal, a self-absorbed rich girl who’s accustomed to having everything purchased for her. She spends most of her time on her parents’ dime, lounging in her spacious NYC apartment or patronizing the city’s high-end boutiques. During one of these shopping sprees, she stumbles upon a lost letter to Santa in which a young girl, Olivia, wishes for a new mommy for Christmas. As Crystal is currently…