T&K's Xmas (2020) Advent Calendar: Bonus Day 2 - Christmas in Evergreen

OK, Kent mentioned this one last year, and since its supposed to be a the first in a series of movies all set in the same PST, and what the PST it is, I had to go find it, and watch it. Also, its post-Xmas but I was in the mood for some cheer. The days in between Xmas and NYear's are always somewhat bleak to me.

P.S. The Peanut Gallery live-tweeted this, so she gets some embedded guest appearances.

We must begin, as Kent did, with the opening dialogue.

"In Northern Vermont, so far north that on clear days that on clear days you might even be able to see the North Pole..."

So a Hallmark movie called Christmas in Evergreen begins "In northern Vermont, so far north that on a clear day you might see the North Pole"
Unless Vermont has annexed Quebec and this town is located near Ivujivik, that would be a no.

— Marmy (@Marmalade_Girl) December 31, 2020

Seriously, did they just forget Canada exists? Or are they only familiar with Saskatchewan and assumed ALL of Canada would be so flat, that you can see all the way from the border to the Arctic?

ANYWAYZ, the town of Evergreen, which borrowed its "downtown" shots from a pioneer village in BC, so all the little shop fronts look like stalls in a Xmas Fair. Despite that, its rather charming. 

But for the diner. Chris Kringles. CHRIS ?!?!  I will never forgive that.

Anywho, the town vet Allie is packing up, closing down her business and moving to Washington, DC to finally see what life is like in the Big City. Apparently there are Big Vet Opportunities. Also, her slick Business Dude sometimes BF is there, so they can give it a go. Nobody wants her to go, especially when she usually runs the Xmas Event every year. So this year, it falls to Michelle, the token black woman, along with with the annoying, pestering Mayor. Oh wait, there's another black woman! And some Asians in the background. Apparently Evergreen is not as white washed as I expected it to be.

Allie hops into her life sized toy truck, a glistening red vintage pickup that her grampa left her, and drives it to the airport. She's coming back after Xmas, so I guess leaving it there is OK. But before she goes to the airport she goes to her parent's diner, and bumps into Ryan and Zoe. They are also on their way to the airport (in Burlington), so must also be from a small town. Zoe's mom died last Xmas so this year, they are avoiding the season by flying to Florida to board a cruise. Lunch stop in Evergreen first!

Lunch provides a brief moment of meetcute between the two, and a chance for Zoe to wish upon the magic snowglobe that Evergreen claims to retain. For a moment there, I believed that the entire movie was to take place inside the snowglobe. Alas, that is too magical for Hallmarkies. But they bump into each other, and then again at the actual airport, only to find out there is a large snowstorm coming in and all flights are cancelled. And all the Burlington hotels are booked. Back to Evergreen to avail themselves of the PST hospitality! Allie even knows of a brand new B&B that opened, and there will be room in the stable.

We also get a brief interlude where Allie, the only reliable vet in town, has to assist a farmer in birthing a calf.

In the movie, Christmas in Evergreen, a Jersey cow just gave birth to a Holstein calf. A Christmas miracle!

— Marmy (@Marmalade_Girl) December 31, 2020

The snowstorm continues to play havoc, delaying Allie and Ryan & Zoe from leaving Evergreen, playing into the fact that Zoe wished to spend Xmas in the PST. The pair continue to hang out, assist the ever stressing Michelle with the Xmas Event, and doing Xmas-y things like baking cookies and hunting down an Xmas tree for the B&B.

Now they are calling Evergreen "North Pole adjacent" and the suburbs of the North Pole, on the commuter line. I am guessing there is just a blank spot on the map where Canada should be that reads "Here be dragons...and Santa Claus."

— Marmy (@Marmalade_Girl) December 31, 2020

And finally, Mother Nature (or KRIS Kringle) has their way with the town and the road is blocked by a landslide. The SINGLE road in and out of town.

The town of Evergreen only has one road in or out. I am thinking it is encircled by an enormous gorge.

— Marmy (@Marmalade_Girl) December 31, 2020

Allie and Ryan continue to have longing stares into each other's eyes. Allie is really taken with nice guy Ryan, and his rather charming little daughter. And the town needs a doctor! And the more she spends another Xmas in Evergreen, the more she is debating why she ever wanted to leave.

And then Spencer, the Business Dude has flown in via a favour helicopter. Dude, that's a nice gesture! If Allie is to be stuck in Evergreen for Xmas, then he can come stay with her. And if they can leave, they can fly out together. Nice guy Spencer! Despite his slicked back hair, the guy's not a douche but he definitely throws a monkey wrench into Allie's heart, as I think she was already considering call the plans a dud, and staying. That might be supported by the fact that he stays at the same B&B as Ryan and Zoe.

Having the two male love interest engaging in the Hallmark version of a penis measuring contest, set to The Nutcracker Suite, is a choice.

— Marmy (@Marmalade_Girl) December 31, 2020

But Allie's heart is made up and Allie tells him to go home. Poor Spencer. But the roads are clear, and the airport is open so Ryan & Zoe head off to fly to Florida. Ryan has no reason to suddenly to cancel his Xmas plans, uproot his life and accept a doctor's position in Evergreen does he? BUT the decision is made for him by the wishing snowglobe and mysterious Nick Guy who is Totally Not Santa Claus, and the plane has mechanical difficulties cancelling it once again. They are staying in Evergreen and Ryan gets to find out that Allie is as well and... well... KISS !

One last thing of note. Michelle the Xmas Event leader is ever stressed, and supported by the other black woman in Evergreen, Hannah. Hannah gives Michelle the same longing looks as Allie was giving Ryan. Could it be? Could there be Xmas magic for everyone? Could Hannah find out the only other black woman in town is also a lesbian, and they are made for each other? BZZZZZT, no, just an another awkward guy in the same silly Xmas sweater as Hannah. Boo.

The Draw: Cuz Kent watched it and its the beginning of the Hallmark Cinematic Universe!

The Formulae: PST, possibly the most Xmasy PST in all the Hallmarkies! A Red Dress is replaced by a Red Coat and the occasional Red Sweater. Allie looks good in red. Zoe's Recently Dead Mom gives Dad Ryan a reason to bring his daughter to Evergreen. But I do wonder what PST they would be from. Also the Xmas Event is a big center of the story. And cookie baking! And tree decorating!

Unformulae: Both are from PSTs, though Ryan's is mysterious, but it still is definitely not a Big City, as why would be driving to Burlington airport to fly to Florida?

True Calling? Well, duh.

The Rewind: Did you hear that opening? No, you really have to hear this opening. Kent quoted it last year!

The Regulars: See Kent's post.

How does it Hallmark? Pretty classically, but also a bit more Xmasy, give the locale. Also, there really wasn't anyone not to like, but for the annoying Mayor.

How does it movie? Nopers.

NOTE: The poster is actually for a BOOK based on the movie, but I like it better as it highlights the life sized toy truck that she drives around. I like to think it was the truck that engineered all the Xmas snowstorms, and mechanical issues, to keep Allie around.