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November Christmas
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 | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (September 2015) |
| November Christmas | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Written by | P'Nenah Goldstein Greg Coppa |
| Directed by | Robert Harmon |
| Starring | Sam Elliott Karen Allen John Corbett Sarah Paulson Emily Alyn Lind |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers | David A. Rosemont Cameron Johann |
| Cinematography | Attila Szalay |
| Production company | Hallmark Hall of Fame |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | November 28, 2010 |
| Related | |
November Christmas is a 2010 American made-for-television Christmas drama film based on a short story written by Greg Coppa.[1] The film depicts a young couple struggling with the illness of their daughter, and the effect their family had on the small, rural community they have become a part of. The film was shot in Nova Scotia.[2] It was presented through Hallmark Hall of Fame, and premiered on CBS on November 28, 2010.[3]
Plot
[edit]A small Rhode Island community comes together to create special holiday (Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas) moments several weeks early for Vanessa Marks, an 8-year-old girl with a life-threatening illness.
At the beginning of the film, Vanessa's father Tom (John Corbett) gives her a snow globe and inside that globe is another little girl holding a snow globe. Her mother Beth (Sarah Paulson) tells Vanessa that she has to shake the globe to make it snow. Vanessa is fascinated with the snow, having never seen it before, and wishes that she could see it for Christmas. Her father, hearing this, becomes concerned that Vanessa may not live to see December.
After Tom quietly asks Jess Sanford, a neighboring farmer (Sam Elliott) about buying pumpkins – and later Christmas trees – Jess figures out that Tom is trying to speed up the holidays so that Vanessa will have the best Christmas before she dies. Jess, while searching for pumpkins to surprise the Marks family, heals an old friendship that he had lost when his own son had died years ago, and is rewarded with an invitation to be his old friend's best man at the friend's upcoming wedding. Together, the two men sneak a truckload of pumpkins onto the family's front porch, much to the surprise of Vanessa who decides she wants to have a Halloween party. Beth tries to explain that it is too early, but Tom agrees to the party and Vanessa (and her younger brother Gordon) begin to plan their Halloween costumes.
As a show of appreciation, Tom goes to the Sanford home and invites him and his wife Claire to the party. Jess goes to town and mentions it to Tammy, a young waitress (Elizabeth McLaughlin) at the local restaurant whom Vanessa had befriended. Later, Jess gives Tom a box of Halloween decorations to help decorate the family's house, and on the night of the party Tammy arrives with all the town's children to help celebrate. Vanessa (who was prohibited from going to school and meeting other children because of her illness) is overjoyed at having so many playmates and friends. Jess, Claire, and his friend and his new wife follow carrying trays of food. Tammy tries her skills as a storyteller and tells a ghost story that makes the children scream and laugh.
Together, Jess, his old friend, and Tammy help the family celebrate Halloween - and each holiday thereafter - a month early, and in doing so unite an entire community and teach everyone that what really matters in life is love.
As Vanessa and her family return home one night from a particularly sorrowful hospital visit, they find that the neighbors have decorated their homes and streets with brilliant lights and holiday decorations a full month early. Jess, his friend, and the neighboring community line the family's driveway to greet Vanessa as she arrives home; her own house covered in beautiful lights. Everyone is invited inside the home to celebrate with food given by the town's local restaurant, and later, Vanessa runs outside with her snow globe just as an early snow begins to fall, duplicating the little girl inside the globe.
Later, Tammy writes a children's book about Vanessa's life, with pictures that Vanessa had made herself during her illness. Fifteen years after the story, a young woman (reading Tammy's book to children at the local library) explains that she is Vanessa, now all grown-up and perfectly healthy, revealing that she had survived her illness after that early Christmas. Afterwards, she goes to the Sanfords' Christmas tree lot where she reunites with her family and Jess himself; to select the town's annual tree.
Cast
[edit]- Sam Elliott as Jess Sanford
- Karen Allen as Claire Sanford
- John Corbett as Tom Marks
- Sarah Paulson as Beth Marks
- Max Charles as Gordon Marks
- Emily Alyn Lind as Young Vanessa
- Elizabeth McLaughlin as Tammy
- Tegan Moss as Adult Vanessa
- Tyler Burns as Adult Gordon
Sequel
[edit]Greg Coppa wrote a short story sequel to November Christmas titled "A Partridge in a Persimmon Tree".
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Church, Chris (September 9, 2010). "Writer's story becomes Hallmark film". The Independent. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
- ^ CA. "A November Christmas in Wolfville - Entertainment - The Register/Advertiser". Kingscountynews.ca. Retrieved January 15, 2013.
- ^ Bobbin, Jay (November 24, 2010). "'November Christmas': Sam Elliott, Karen Allen in Hallmark heartwarmer". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 29, 2021.
External links
[edit]November Christmas
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Production
Development
The film November Christmas originated as an adaptation of the short story "November Christmas" by Greg Coppa, a five-page narrative published in Yankee magazine that depicts a small-town Rhode Island family's struggle with their young daughter's illness and the community's compassionate response to celebrate the holidays early with her.[6][3] The story emphasizes themes of communal solidarity and familial resilience in the face of tragedy.[7] The screenplay was penned by P'Nenah Goldstein, who transformed Coppa's concise tale into a 96-minute feature-length teleplay, deepening the emotional layers by introducing an older couple grappling with past regrets and seeking personal redemption through their involvement in the community's efforts.[8][3] This expansion allowed for broader exploration of intergenerational connections and the redemptive power of kindness, while retaining the original's focus on the child's illness and supportive neighborhood dynamics.[9] Produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions under the leadership of producer David A. Rosemont and executive producers including Brent Shields, Salli Newman, and Andrew Gottlieb, the project marked a collaboration with CBS for its holiday broadcast slot.[10][9] Direction was handled by Robert Harmon, a filmmaker recognized for his tense thrillers such as The Hitcher (1986), who brought a measured, character-driven approach to the heartfelt drama.[11] The production was announced on July 26, 2010, with CBS securing broadcast rights ahead of principal photography, positioning it as a key entry in the network's seasonal lineup premiering on November 28, 2010.[12][13]Casting
The principal cast of November Christmas was selected to bring depth and authenticity to the film's themes of community support and familial struggle, with veteran actors anchoring the emotional core. Sam Elliott was cast as Jess Sanford, the widowed neighbor who quietly aids the Marks family, drawing on his distinctive gravelly voice and weathered Western persona to infuse the role with understated gravitas and quiet wisdom.[3] His performance serves as the linchpin of the movie's appeal, providing a laconic charm that enhances the story's heartwarming tone.[3] Elliott, known for roles in Westerns and character-driven dramas, brought a sense of reliability and emotional restraint to Jess, helping to ground the narrative in realistic human connection.[8] John Corbett portrayed Tom Marks, the beleaguered father grappling with his daughter's illness, while Sarah Paulson played his wife, Beth Marks, capturing the strain within their marriage. The pairing of Corbett and Paulson, both established in television series like Sex and the City and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, contributed to the film's portrayal of a realistic, tense family dynamic, with their performances highlighting the couple's confusion and resilience amid crisis.[3][8] Their chemistry added layers to the strained parental roles, emphasizing the emotional toll without veering into melodrama, which helped maintain the movie's balanced, hopeful atmosphere.[3] Emily Alyn Lind was chosen for the pivotal role of young Vanessa Marks, the eight-year-old girl battling cancer at the story's center. As a rising child actress at the time, Lind delivered a wide-eyed, vulnerable performance that elicited strong audience empathy and drove the community's rallying efforts.[3][8] Her casting amplified the film's inspirational tone, making Vanessa's journey both poignant and relatable. Karen Allen appeared as Claire Sanford, Jess's late wife in flashbacks, providing flashbacks that revealed Jess's backstory of loss and reinforced the theme of enduring support. Allen's warm presence complemented Elliott's, creating a subtle on-screen rapport; Elliott had previously auditioned for the role of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark.[14][8] The supporting ensemble included local Nova Scotian actors to portray the tight-knit community, lending regional authenticity to the small-town setting during filming in Wolfville and Windsor.[15] This mix of established leads and regional talent ensured the film resonated with CBS and Hallmark audiences, blending star power with grounded realism to heighten the emotional impact of the holiday narrative.[3]Filming
Principal photography for November Christmas took place primarily in Wolfville and Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada, from July 19 to August 20, 2010.[15][16] The production was selected for the area's small-town charm resembling Wickford, Rhode Island—the film's intended setting—and its late-summer foliage to evoke an autumnal New England atmosphere.[17][16][18] Key shooting sites included Main Street in Wolfville for community scenes, as well as local farms and residential homes to capture family gatherings and rural life.[19][18] Artificial snow was employed for the early holiday sequences, given the summer filming schedule.[17] Robert Harmon directed the production, with cinematographer Attila Szalay handling the visuals to create intimate, emotional close-ups that emphasized the story's heartfelt tone.[3] Production designer David Chapman focused on warm, nostalgic aesthetics, using period-appropriate decor and lighting to underscore themes of community and seasonal transition.[3] The crew faced typical outdoor challenges in Nova Scotia's variable August weather, including potential rain and temperature fluctuations during exterior shots.[20] Post-production, including editing by Steven Cohen, was managed by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, with the final runtime set at 96 minutes to suit television broadcast pacing.[3][21]Story and cast
Plot
The film opens in the present day with adult Vanessa returning to her small Rhode Island hometown to read her newly published children's book to local schoolchildren, which serves as the frame narrative for the story she shares.[1] The tale flashes back to the summer of 1995, where 8-year-old Vanessa is diagnosed with cancer and returns home from the hospital with her parents, Tom and Beth Marks, and her younger brother, Gordon.[9] The family faces intense emotional and logistical struggles as Vanessa undergoes grueling chemotherapy treatments, including multiple hospital stays that strain their relationships and daily life.[1] Their reclusive neighbor, farmer Jess Sanford, who is still grieving the death of his young son years earlier, observes the family's hardship from afar and gradually forms a bond with them, offering quiet support despite his own isolation from the community and strained marriage to his wife, Claire.[9] Inspired by Vanessa's fading spirits, Tom decides to accelerate the holidays to bring her joy, starting with an impromptu Halloween celebration in August; lacking resources like pumpkins, he enlists Jess's help, which prompts Jess to reconcile with an old friend who owns a pumpkin patch and quietly rallies the town to contribute.[1] The community extends this effort to an early Thanksgiving gathering, fostering tentative family reconciliations amid ongoing hospital visits and Vanessa's worsening symptoms. As autumn progresses, Jess takes the lead in organizing a full Christmas celebration in November, transforming the town with decorations, a community tree lighting, caroling, and gifts sourced from neighbors, all kept secret from Vanessa until the reveal to maximize her delight.[9] During the festivities, Vanessa's condition critically deteriorates, leading to an emergency hospitalization, but she ultimately enters remission following successful treatment.[1] The story concludes with a 15-year epilogue in the present, showing a healthy adult Vanessa reflecting on how Jess's initiative provided him a sense of redemption and second chance at connection through aiding her family.[9]Cast
The cast of November Christmas features a mix of established actors and emerging talents portraying the close-knit community in a small Rhode Island town. The principal roles are led by veteran performers, with supporting characters filled by younger actors and local talent representing the townsfolk.[8]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Sam Elliott | Jess Sanford |
| John Corbett | Tom Marks |
| Sarah Paulson | Beth Marks |
| Karen Allen | Claire Sanford |
| Emily Alyn Lind | Young Vanessa Marks |
| Max Charles | Gordon Marks |
| Elizabeth McLaughlin | Tammy |
| Richard Fitzpatrick | Ted |
| Tyler Burns | Adult Gordon |
Release
Broadcast
"November Christmas" world premiered on CBS on November 28, 2010, as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, airing from 9:00 to 11:00 PM ET.[9][23] The two-hour film was scheduled as part of CBS's Thanksgiving weekend programming, following the holiday on November 25.[24] Promoted as a heartfelt family holiday special, the movie featured trailers that emphasized its emotional narrative of neighbors rallying to support a family facing their daughter's illness, underscoring themes of community and early holiday cheer.[25] After its CBS debut, "November Christmas" began airing on the Hallmark Channel in the United States and internationally starting in 2011, with annual repeats during the holiday season.[26][27] The premiere episode drew strong viewership for a made-for-television movie, attracting an average of 13.5 million viewers per Nielsen ratings, making it one of the top holiday specials of 2010.[28][29]Home media
The DVD of November Christmas was released by CBS Home Entertainment in November 2011, featuring special features such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews.[30][31] Digital availability began in 2012, with streaming options on Hallmark Movies Now (rebranded as Hallmark+), Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes; it is also offered free with advertisements on Pluto TV during the holiday season.[32][33][34] No Blu-ray edition has been released. International DVD versions were distributed in Canada and the United Kingdom via Alliance Films.[35] Collector's editions and bundles pairing November Christmas with other Hallmark holiday films, such as A Dog Named Christmas and A Season for Miracles, have been offered in multi-movie sets.[31]Reception
Critical reception
"November Christmas" received generally positive reviews from the limited number of professional critics who covered the film, praising its emotional depth and strong performances while noting some narrative shortcomings. Variety critic Brian Lowry described it as a "heart-tugging (and -warming) premise" that effectively utilizes a community-support theme, highlighting the sensitive direction by Robert Harmon and the script's ability to evoke genuine emotion without excess sentimentality.[3] Similarly, Movieguide's Dr. Ted Baehr called it a "heartfelt, well-made Hallmark Hall of Fame movie" with terrific acting, particularly from Sam Elliott in his role as the gruff neighbor grappling with personal loss.[9] The Dove Foundation awarded it their Seal of Approval for all ages, commending the touching story of hope and unity as a standout in holiday storytelling with creative merit.[36] Critics appreciated Sam Elliott's nuanced portrayal of grief, which added layers to the film's exploration of healing through community bonds, and the effective use of the small-town setting to underscore themes of kindness and connection.[3][9] The young actress Emily Alyn Lind's wide-eyed innocence as the ailing child was also noted for anchoring the emotional core, contributing to the film's uplifting tone.[3] However, some reviews pointed to a predictable plot structure, with Variety observing that the story, told through flashbacks, follows familiar tropes that limit its surprises.[3] Pacing was another point of criticism, as the narrative occasionally ambles due to its relatively thin substance and focus on relational development over action. Additionally, side characters were seen as lacking sufficient depth, serving primarily to support the central family's arc without fully realized backstories.[3] On aggregate platforms, the film holds an IMDb user rating of 7.5 out of 10 based on 2,289 votes as of November 2025, reflecting broad appreciation for its heartfelt execution among viewers.[11]Viewership
November Christmas premiered on CBS on November 28, 2010, drawing approximately 13.5 million U.S. viewers and ranking as one of the top TV movies of the 2010 holiday season.[28][37] This strong initial performance outperformed similar CBS holiday specials. Subsequent airings on the Hallmark Channel have aligned with the network's typical holiday programming metrics for repeat broadcasts, averaging approximately 1.5 million viewers during the November-December period as of 2025.[38] The film is available for streaming on Hallmark+, contributing to its sustained accessibility. The film demonstrated strong demographic appeal, particularly among families and viewers aged 35 and older, bolstering Hallmark's reputation for feel-good Christmas content targeted at women in that age group.[39] In recent years, it has reflected its high rewatch value as evidenced by an 80% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes based on verified audience reviews and positive fan feedback in polls.[2][40]Legacy
Themes
The film delves into themes of redemption and second chances, particularly through the arc of Jess Sanford, a farmer grappling with the lingering grief from the loss of his young son years earlier. By enlisting the aid of his neighbors to support a family facing a similar crisis with their ill child, Jess confronts his isolation and bitterness, ultimately finding healing and renewal in acts of selfless assistance that symbolize broader personal growth and the possibility of mending broken lives.[3][9] Central to the narrative is the motif of community and mutual support, portraying the transformative power of small-town solidarity in the face of adversity. In this rural New England setting, residents overcome individual differences to rally around a vulnerable family, organizing collective efforts that not only provide practical help but also rebuild fractured relationships and instill a sense of shared purpose, illustrating how communal kindness can foster emotional and social recovery.[1][3] The story challenges conventional notions of holiday timing, extending the spirit of Christmas beyond its traditional December observance to advocate for year-round compassion and joy. Through the family's decision to accelerate seasonal celebrations—such as an early Halloween and a premature Christmas—the film posits that the essence of generosity, warmth, and festivity can be invoked at any moment of need, thereby broadening the holiday's message to emphasize enduring human connection over calendar constraints.[1] Themes of family resilience emerge in the depiction of coping with profound loss, chronic illness, and emotional reconciliation, weaving in subtle faith-based elements that highlight inner strength and hope without overt proselytizing. Parents navigate their daughter's deteriorating health with determination and love, drawing on quiet spiritual reflections and community prayers to sustain their bond and adapt to uncertainty, underscoring the capacity for families to endure and evolve amid heartbreak.[9][3] Overall, these motifs draw from the original short story by Rhode Island native Greg Coppa, rooted in the authentic textures of New England small-town life, and have been noted for reinforcing classic American ideals of neighborliness and communal harmony through their emphasis on collective goodwill and moral uplift.[18][9]Sequel
In 2012, author Greg Coppa published a sequel short story titled "A Partridge in a Persimmon Tree" as part of the collection November Christmas and Other Short Stories through an independent press.[41] The story serves as a direct literary extension of the original "November Christmas" short story, shifting focus to the later years of character Jess Sanford, an aging farmer who battles to preserve his family's land—held since 1702—amid modern pressures, ultimately finding aid through an unconventional community proposal.[41] This narrative reinforces themes of legacy and communal support from the source material, while exploring Sanford's personal growth without revisiting the central illness that drove the original tale, and it includes subtle references to returning characters from the Sanford orbit, such as echoes of the Marks family dynamics.[42] The collection, which also features the original "November Christmas" alongside three other unrelated stories ("Who Will Sing for Danny?", "Hurricane," and "The Cure"), was released exclusively in digital format as a Kindle eBook, priced at $2.99 and available through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited subscription service.[41] Coppa, a Rhode Island-based teacher and writer with degrees from Providence College (1970) and Rhode Island College (1976), crafted the sequel to provide continuity for fans of the 2010 Hallmark film adaptation, earning positive reception for its emotional depth and thematic ties, reflected in the book's 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 37 global customer reviews on Amazon.[41] As of 2025, no film or television adaptation of "A Partridge in a Persimmon Tree" has been announced, keeping the work as a purely literary continuation accessible primarily through digital platforms like Amazon.[41]References
- https://www.[imdb](/page/IMDb).com/title/tt1708658/