The Spirit of Christmas || A Holiday Romance With a Haunting Edge

Quite an old film and one that didn’t prepare me or the little humans I chose to watch it with for just how unsettling it could be, despite being a Christmas movie. The little humans were scared more times than I could count. On the surface, the film presents itself as a soft, magical Christmas romance, but beneath that cozy glow lurks something eerie.

Synopsis(without spoilers)

The story follows Kate, a lawyer who travels to a small town to evaluate an old inn, only to discover that it’s haunted by Daniel, a ghost who appears only during the Christmas season.

Now, a romantic ghost story sounds harmless enough, but there’s something genuinely spooky about seeing empty hallways, flickering lights, sudden cold drafts, and it is even more spooky to feel a presence that watches long before it speaks. The film doesn’t lean into jump scares, but it definitely plays with atmosphere, shadows lingering, silence that’s uncomfortable and just the awareness that Kate is not alone in the inn.

That aside, what honestly surprised me most is how the film balances that creepiness with romance. Daniel is charming, yes, but the idea of falling for a ghost in an isolated inn isn’t entirely comforting. There are moments where the haunting feels more tragic than romantic, and others where it borders on unsettling, especially when the past starts to reveal itself and you realize how much pain is tied to the place.

The romance itself is soft and predictable, and the chemistry between Kate and Daniel does most of the emotional lifting. But those eerie undertones never fully disappear. Even during the tender moments, there’s a sadness and tension hanging in the air, reminding you that this love story is built on something that can’t last.

Visually, the film leans into darkness more than you’d expect from a Christmas movie. Candlelit rooms, creaking staircases, and snow-covered isolation give the inn a gothic, almost haunted fairytale feel. It is cozy, but also just creepy enough to make you glance around the room while watching.

Is it a full-blown horror film? Not at all. But is it scarier than most holiday romances? Absolutely.

By the end, my nieces and I were left with a strange mix of warmth and unease but we were comforted by the Christimas magic. I think this film is just a gentle reminder that even during the happiest season, some stories are meant to feel a little dark.

Rating: 7/10.

Absolutely perfect for viewers who want a Christmas romance with a spooky edge. If you enjoy holiday movies but don’t mind a little ghostly chill mixed in with the warmth, this one’s worth a watch.

ps: a 2015 film.

Posted Using INLEO