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I'll tell you what wasn't on mine Christmas Santa's list this year – enjoying (no, loving) without any irony Netflix holiday movie. I've seen a lot of bad things in this job, but My Secret Santa undoubtedly the best of the juicy genre.
In a nutshell, this is Mrs. Doubtfire if only Robin Williams had decided to become King Santa instead of a cheeky Scottish pensioner. Instead of a man desperate to win back his ex-wife, single mother Taylor (Alexandra Breckenridge) needs quick money to send her daughter to an elite snowboarding resort.
Of course, romance is also in the air. Matthew (Ryan Eggold) recognizes ex-singer Taylor at the record store and turns out to be the resort's new general manager – you can already guess how it ends just by reading this synopsis.
My Secret Santa cements Alexandra Breckenridge as Netflix queen
If you're suggesting that I'm writing this review purely as an excuse to write a love letter to Breckenridge's work and support my goal of trying to interview her in 2026, I don't know what you're talking about.
She carries My Secret Santa right on her shoulders, and she completely pulls off what is, from a rational point of view, a completely implausible story. This is the story she was born to tell, and the film's light-hearted atmosphere, backed by more real-world issues, suits her warm and engaging personality incredibly well.
Basically, I don't care about Taylor's personality or her capers when I'm wearing baggy Santa pants—I just always buy what Breckenridge sells. It's impossible not to be charmed by her screen time as she exudes natural charm in everything she does. You want to be her, you want to be best friends with her… even when she pretends to be an old man.
As Christmas movies go, this one is pretty original.
The biggest compliment I can give My Secret Santa is that it feels relevant without having to try too hard. None worthy of shudder TikTok jokes, no trends, and no one trying too hard to fit into a mold that isn't theirs. Yes, the ending, of course, distorts, but it is quite consistent with the spirit of the film. Christmas movies.
Tia Mowry doesn't quite fit the role of the villain, and there aren't any big stakes other than Taylor's daughter can't snowboard. However, we are here to be immersed in romance, not immersed in horror. Obviously it's all a bit goofy (lacking taste and style for my non-British self) but that comes with the territory.
I can't believe I'm writing this, but I'm already thinking about watching it. My Secret Santa again (which is essentially the equivalent of pig flying). I got so much joy, warmth, and good vibes from Netflix's latest holiday offering, and that's how you know it's a job well done.
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