Good news: This movie airs on Hallmark Channel at noon EST on Sunday, March 22 as part of a special Christmas weekend.
Mild Spoilers Ahead: This is not a plot summary but my take on the lessons and questions the movie presents.
Hallmark Channel’s A Shoe Addict’s Christmas has become one of my favorites since its release in 2018. It has deeper layers to the story than the title might suggest. In the uncertain time we are currently finding ourselves in, the self-reflection that Candace Cameron-Bure’s character, Noelle, goes through is what many of us are experiencing as our daily lives have quickly changed. After viewing I am always inspired to reevaluate my own choices, not quite in the Dickensian way Noelle does, but as a reminder to ask myself if my current choices are allowing me to stay true to myself.
In the first scene of the movie, Noelle chooses between wearing her mother’s gold cross necklace or a silver necklace that fits in with her polished work outfit. Even as she hesitates, she chooses the necklace that goes with the look she has refined over time to fit into her role as a human resources manager. As the movie shows in flashbacks, her look has evolved from more eclectic to toned down over time. This is one way the movie shows how Noelle has put away her creativity and style to live a life where there are fewer variables. By the end of the movie, you see Noelle slowly reintroduce her style back into her wardrobe with funkier earrings and more relaxed hair. She does this as she regains confidence in following her own dreams. You also see her reconnection with her heart as she wears her mother’s necklace in the final scene. The attention to detail that this production put in to help us follow Noelle’s journey even through her wardrobe has made viewing this movie a new experience each time. I didn’t catch all the nuances the first time and it is a statement on how, especially women, hide pieces of their personal style or personalities to fit into corporate or traditional roles. What have I hidden from the world to fit into my role in my job, as a mother, as a wife?
The movie shows how Noelle has adapted to her current life and while it is a good one, she knows that her heart is longing for more. Her current job allows her some creative outlet outside of her responsibilities, for example, decorating the Christmas tree and planning the gala but she still must execute the Fulton vision not her own. Is Noelle using these tasks as an excuse for her not to work on her own photography? What was the last project I worked on just for me?
My favorite quote from the movie is when Charlie tells Noelle that, “taking a leap of faith means accepting that you don’t always land exactly where you want to but believing you are still better than where you were.” She goes on to remind Noelle that “maybe we shouldn’t just settle for being content.” I should ask myself, am I missing the signs leading me to a new path in order to stay comfortable? Will I dare ask? In the words of Jake to Noelle, “When was the last time you took a risk?” Charlie points out to Noelle that “at some point you stopped pursuing the things in your life that meant something to you.” With all the uncertainty in the world right now, we are being given a chance to reevaluate where our focus is and if we ask the right questions of ourselves can emerge stronger and more confident. All of this from a Christmas movie!
Noelle also realizes she needs to strengthen the relationship with her dad. Even asking him, “why don’t we spend more time together?”. I am not sure she is aware that she is the one who has created a routine with him versus sharing her thoughts and feelings. The walls she has put up in her relationship with her father allow her not to confront some of the tough questions about her life choices. Her dad and her friend, Lorna know enough about her to push her to evaluate her choices. Avoiding connection with the people who know and love us can be one tactic to avoid confronting our choices. Will I ask the people who know me best if I am on the right path? Our loved ones can often remind of talents we have forgotten.
The relationship that develops between Jake and Noelle is a great contrast between someone already having their dream job, but not realizing it is ok to be content in something you truly love (Jake) and someone who gave up on their dream to keep their heart safe (Noelle). As Charlie says, “Nothing worth having comes without risk.” Noelle acknowledges she is not in her dream job but is “making the best of it.” This depiction represents what many of us struggle with in terms of career satisfaction. As so many jobs and roles are changing in this time of uncertainty, will I continue to pursue more of the same or is it time for a change? As Jake asked Noelle, “What’s your big dream job? Why did you give it up?” Noelle answers, “Big dreams are illusive.” What is your big dream? Why are you not pursuing it? What is the cost to not going after it? Noelle remembers that “Christmas time, that is when illusive, big dreams come true.” I believe they can come true anytime!
Whether you catch this movie for its whimsy, Christmas spirit, romance or great shoes, I hope it prompts you to work toward your dream. The movie presents some tough questions to ask ourselves, but if we do the work, I believe you will have the confidence to follow your calling or even just pursue a hobby that makes your heart happy. Be like Noelle in the end and take time for “just livin’ a little.”
Other Favorite Quotes:
“What we do or don’t do in life makes a difference in the world around us. We have to decide what difference it is we want to make in the world.” -Charlie
“What I am pushing you toward is taking chances, embracing joy, opening up to love. If you are willing to take that leap of faith with your heart, then the details aren’t important.” -Charlie
“No matter how things are supposed to be, we can always choose to make them different.” -Mrs. Fulton
Thanks for reading!
Sign up to receive updates on new content here:
My New Favorite Book 