Reviews often highlight the film's attempt to balance Hanukkah and Christmas traditions within a standard office-rivalry rom-com.
: The New York Times called it the "most tolerable" of that season's Hanukkah-themed movies because it avoids some of the more egregious "Christmasplaining" found in other holiday films. Common Criticisms :
The 2019 Hallmark movie is generally well-regarded as one of the network's more successful and "tolerable" attempts at cross-cultural storytelling . Critics and audiences particularly praise the chemistry between leads Carly Pope and Kristoffer Polaha , though some note the plot follows a very predictable Hallmark formula. Critical & Audience Perspectives Double Holiday
: Like many Hallmark films, the ending is seen as highly predictable.
“The movie is appealing, heartwarming and nicely acted, though the ending is a little predictable.” Movieguide · 6 years ago Ratings Summary Amazon 4.8/5 stars Audience Score Generally Positive Reviews often highlight the film's attempt to balance
“It is sweet and inclusive. Hard not to like it. Kristoffer Polaha brings fun, charm, wit and interest to this Hallmark movie.” Rotten Tomatoes
: Some Jewish reviewers on sites like Hey Alma noted that while the family dynamics felt accurate, some specific details (like the mechanics of playing dreidel) were off. Hard not to like it
: At least one reviewer found Polaha’s delivery in this specific role to be too slow, making the banter feel less sharp than intended. Community Feedback