This film has been a annual holiday favorite in my home since I first watched it when it aired on Lifetime channel in the mid 90s. Director Jerry Vasilatos does a fine job with this character study of a disillusioned and lonely young man named Nick searching for himself on Christmas Eve. I like how the film strays away from the usual clichés and instead examines how small moments that seem insignificant can really make difference in our lives. Mike Kelley finds the right moments of uncertainty and boyish charm as Nick and Mary Margaret McCloud is also good as his former girlfriend Kristine who is doing some soul searching of her own on this Christmas Eve. Kelley and McCloud have good chemistry together and their scenes are effective and touching. With the constant commercialization of Christmas and increasing expectations of the holiday, it's nice to see film that examines its characters without histrionics or false sentimentality. Like Nick, many people approach Christmas with disappointment or loneliness and the film is an important affirmation to look within ourselves and appreciate the small gestures of kindness we can share to better those around us and most importantly, ourselves. For that reason, I watch this film every year on Christmas Day.
