'Under the Christmas Tree' Review: Lifetime's sweet queer romance hits the spot

Lifetime's queer holiday romance, 'Under the Christmas Tree' tells the story of two women who find love when they least expect it
UPDATED DEC 20, 2021
Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones) and Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) in 'Under the Christmas Tree' (Lifetime)
Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones) and Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) in 'Under the Christmas Tree' (Lifetime)

When it comes to the holiday season, everyone has their own set of traditions. A rather popular one is rounding up the family and watching Christmas movies. They are filled with all things Christmas and romance and they certainly make for a light-hearted watch. Lifetime's 'Under the Christmas Tree' tells the story of Alma and Charlie, two women who come from different worlds but have one thing in common, their love for the festive season!

Tis' the season to chill out, kick back and binge on Christmas movies! If you're looking for other feel-good holiday specials consider checking out -- 'Hot Chocolate Holiday', 'Mistletoe in Montana', 'Tis the Season to be Merry' and 'The Enchanted Christmas Cake'.

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As with most holiday movies, when Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones) meets Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman), they instantly clash. For Charlie, who is on the hunt for the perfect tree for the Maine Governor's Holiday Celebration, she stumbles upon one right in Alma's yard. While securing the tree has never been an issue for Charlie before, Alma eats breathes and sleeps Christmas. Seeing that the coveted tree was planted by Alma's great grandparents when they started their Christmas-based business, there is no way she is willing to give it up. Charlie, who can charm her way through anything soon begins to fall for Alma and turns out Alma feels the same way too.

Charlie Freemont (Tattiawna Jones) and Alma Beltran (Elise Bauman) in 'Under the Christmas Tree' (Lifetime)

After a bit of conflict of interest regarding the tree and the fact that Alma doesn't want a long-distance relationship causes them to part ways, despite wanting to be together. However, in true Christmas fashion, the couple is finally reunited and ready to begin their love story. 'Under the Christmas Tree' keeps the plot simple, with rather practical issues faced by both characters when it comes to their reason for not being together.

Even Alma and Charlie's attraction is a well-paced one, where they both are smitten with each other right from the start and slowly test waters to see how it goes. The two bond over their love for the holiday season, how much family means to them and even talk about their queer identity in a candid manner. 'Under the Christmas Tree' is certainly a feel-good Christmas movie, complete with a happy ending, making it an adorable watch. 

'Under the Christmas Tree' premieres on Lifetime on Sunday, December 19 at 8/7c.

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