Ah, the orphan plotline. It can be used to make such a feel-good Christmas movie. Or it can make you feel sad and lonely. Let’s see where Hallmark went with My Christmas Family Tree.

Vanessa (Aimee Teegarden) was orphaned when she was nine years old. Now an adult, she takes a Family Tree DNA test. A few days before Christmas, her test returns a paternal match. Has she found the family that she has dreamed of?

I know, this sounds like it would be a schmaltzy movie where everyone adores everyone else. On the contrary, My Christmas Family Tree adds the right amount of skepticism to the love fest. Sure, her new father, Richard (James Tupper), and his family accept her into their family immediately, Richard also shows a bit of doubt that Vanessa really is his daughter. Even Vanessa has some doubt. I think that it offsets what could be a terribly cheesy scenario.

To be honest, I found myself enjoying the movie. I loved the way that Vanessa didn’t try to force her way into the family. She was just nice to everyone. When the kids were having a difficult time, she would talk to them like they were real people, which is a rarity. Most people treat kids like they are idiots or dolls they can play dress up with. Vanessa is there when they need someone and she doesn’t talk down to them. It’s the way people should act around children.

The romantic part of the story is actually the sub plot. Vanessa isn’t there to find her one true love. She’s there to find who her family is and where she comes from. The romantic love is the cherry on top of the happiness sundae. Sorry, Kris (Andrew W Walker), you’re kinda irrelevant here.

I would recommend watching My Christmas Family Tree. Especially if you are looking for a movie that is sweet but not syrupy, full of love but not overly romantic, and has just the right amount of Christmas. Good job, Hallmark.