Now I love Christmas films, Scrooge(1951), It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle On 34th Street(1947) and the first two Home Alone movies all to name a few. That said, while not quite a classic, The Christmas Box was a lovely film to watch. And along with The Reading Room, it is for me one of the better Hallmark films. I do agree that the story line is corny and clichéd, but what made the Christmas Box so watchable was the suitably understated acting and a very poignant ending. The direction is good, the pacing is efficient enough to not make the film too sappy and the music is a beauty. The script does have a touch of honesty and heart as well, that I did appreciate. But the acting was what made the film. I cannot say I care for Richard Thomas that much, but his acting is very understated here and it works. Annette O' Toole is as lovely as ever, while Maureen O' Hara is a sheer pleasure in this film. Overall, very nicely done and moving. 8/10 Bethany Cox