“Mistletoe & Menorahs” was released in 2019. It stars Jake Epstein and Kelley Jakle.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie focuses on two main characters. The first is Christy, an executive at a toy company who has to learn everything about Hanukkah to land a big account. The second is Jonathan, a teacher, who has to learn everything about Christmas in order to get his girlfriend’s father’s approval. Christy’s friend, who has a child in Jonathan’s class, puts the two together to help each other.
What’s special about this movie? I like that they highlight both holidays equally. Neither is shown as more important or more special. Both Christy and Jonathan really embrace the holiday they are learning about. It really shows how special learning about and embracing different celebrations just adds to ours and doesn’t take anything away from them.
There’s some of the business of Christy trying to make a new toy to show the CEO at his Hanukkah party but most of it is about the two of them getting to know each other and the holidays. Christy has a boyfriend, who clearly from the beginning only cares about himself. Jonathan’s girlfriend clearly will only accept him if he changes to be who she wants him to be. The viewer sees this before they do, naturally.
Eventually those relationships end, and we get to see their friendship and respect for each other grow. I love seeing traditions I’ve loved my whole life through new eyes and learning more about Hanukkah. I knew the basics like most people do but it was more like experiencing it.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
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