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Christmas Under Wraps (2014), starring Candace Cameron Bure, is a quintessential Hallmark holiday movie that delivers cozy, romantic, and festive vibes. Set in the snowy, charming village of Garland, Alaska, this made-for-TV film captures the essence of Christmas with its heartwarming story of self-discovery, love, and community. Whether you’re a fan of holiday rom-coms or simply looking for a feel-good movie to get you in the Christmas spirit, Christmas Under Wraps is a must-watch. In this 2000-word review, we’ll dive into the plot, characters, themes, and why this film remains a beloved holiday classic.

Overview of Christmas Under Wraps

Released in 2014, Christmas Under Wraps is a Hallmark Channel original movie directed by Peter Sullivan. The film stars Candace Cameron Bure as Dr. Lauren Brunell, a driven big-city doctor whose carefully planned life takes an unexpected turn when she’s sent to the remote town of Garland, Alaska. What begins as a temporary detour becomes a transformative journey filled with romance, community spirit, and holiday magic. With a runtime of 88 minutes, the movie is a perfect blend of lighthearted romance, festive cheer, and personal growth, making it a staple in Hallmark’s Christmas movie lineup.

Plot Summary

Christmas Under Wraps follows Dr. Lauren Brunell, a talented and ambitious surgeon who’s on the verge of securing her dream residency at a prestigious hospital in San Francisco. However, when her plans fall through, she’s offered a temporary position in Garland, Alaska—a small, snowy village that feels worlds away from her fast-paced urban life. Initially, Lauren views the ᴀssignment as a setback, but the warmth of the townspeople, the charm of the Alaskan setting, and an unexpected romance with local handyman Andy Holliday (played by David O’Donnell) begin to change her perspective.

As Lauren navigates her new role as the town’s doctor, she uncovers the тιԍнт-knit community’s quirks and secrets, including the mysterious “Mr. Claus,” a beloved figure tied to the town’s festive traditions. Along the way, she forms connections with locals like Billie (Tress MacNeille) and Frank (Brian Doyle-Murray), who help her rediscover the joy of living in the moment. The film weaves themes of self-discovery, love, and the magic of Christmas into a cozy narrative that’s perfect for holiday viewing.

Why Christmas Under Wraps Stands Out

Christmas Under Wraps is more than just another holiday rom-com—it’s a feel-good story that resonates with audiences year after year. Here are some key elements that make this movie a standout:

1. Candace Cameron Bure’s Charismatic Performance

Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role as D.J. Tanner on Full House, shines as Dr. Lauren Brunell. Her portrayal of a career-driven doctor with a guarded heart is both relatable and endearing. Bure brings warmth and authenticity to the role, making Lauren’s transformation from a workaholic to a woman embracing love and community feel genuine. Her chemistry with David O’Donnell’s Andy is palpable, adding a layer of charm to the film’s romantic subplot. For fans of Bure, this movie is a showcase of her ability to carry a holiday film with grace and charisma.

2. The Alaskan Setting: A Winter Wonderland

The snowy, picturesque setting of Garland, Alaska, is practically a character in itself. The film’s stunning visuals—snow-covered landscapes, twinkling Christmas lights, and cozy cabins—create the perfect backdrop for a holiday story. While the movie was actually filmed in Utah, the Alaskan setting adds a unique flavor, evoking a sense of adventure and isolation that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the community. For viewers searching for “Christmas movies with snowy settings,” Christmas Under Wraps delivers a visual feast that captures the magic of winter.

3. A Heartwarming Romance

At its core, Christmas Under Wraps is a love story, and the romance between Lauren and Andy is both sweet and believable. Andy, a kind-hearted local with a pᴀssion for his hometown, serves as the perfect foil to Lauren’s city-slicker persona. Their slow-burn romance, filled with playful banter and heartfelt moments, keeps viewers invested. The film avoids over-the-top drama, focusing instead on genuine connection and mutual respect, making it a refreshing take on the holiday rom-com genre.

4. Themes of Community and Self-Discovery

Beyond the romance, Christmas Under Wraps explores themes of community, belonging, and finding purpose. Lauren’s journey from a career-obsessed doctor to someone who values relationships and small-town life is inspiring. The film subtly reminds viewers that happiness often lies in unexpected places, a message that resonates deeply during the holiday season. For those searching for “inspirational Christmas movies,” this film offers a meaningful narrative wrapped in festive cheer.

5. Festive Surprises and Holiday Magic

Without giving away spoilers, Christmas Under Wraps includes a delightful twist involving the town’s Christmas traditions and the enigmatic “Mr. Claus.” This element of holiday magic adds a whimsical touch, making the film appealing to audiences of all ages. The blend of realism and festive fantasy creates a perfect balance, ensuring the movie feels both grounded and enchanting.

Characters and Performances

The supporting cast of Christmas Under Wraps adds depth and humor to the story. Here’s a look at some key characters:

• Dr. Lauren Brunell (Candace Cameron Bure): Lauren is a determined, ambitious doctor whose journey of self-discovery forms the heart of the film. Bure’s performance is both polished and heartfelt, making Lauren a character viewers can root for.

• Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell): Andy is the quintessential small-town hero—kind, dependable, and charming. O’Donnell’s easygoing demeanor complements Bure’s intensity, creating a balanced dynamic.

• Billie (Tress MacNeille): As the town’s quirky receptionist, Billie brings humor and warmth to the story. MacNeille’s comedic timing adds a lighthearted touch to the film.

• Frank Holliday (Brian Doyle-Murray): Andy’s father and a key figure in Garland, Frank embodies the town’s spirit. Doyle-Murray’s gruff yet lovable performance is a highlight.

The ensemble cast, though small, creates a sense of community that feels authentic and inviting. Each character contributes to Lauren’s transformation, making the town of Garland feel like a place viewers would want to visit.

Cinematography and Music

The cinematography in Christmas Under Wraps is a standout feature, with sweeping sH๏τs of snow-covered mountains and cozy interiors that evoke the holiday season. The warm lighting and festive decorations enhance the film’s cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect watch for curling up with H๏τ cocoa. The soundtrack, featuring classic Christmas tunes and original compositions, complements the visuals, creating a festive mood without overpowering the story. For those searching for “cozy Christmas movies,” the film’s aesthetic is a major draw.

Why It’s Perfect for Holiday Viewing

Christmas Under Wraps is tailor-made for holiday movie marathons. Its lighthearted tone, romantic storyline, and festive setting make it an ideal choice for family gatherings or solo viewing. The film’s predictable yet satisfying plot is part of its charm, offering comfort and familiarity to fans of the Hallmark formula. Whether you’re a longtime fan of holiday movies or new to the genre, this film delivers the warm fuzzies that define Christmas viewing.

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Criticisms and Limitations

While Christmas Under Wraps is a beloved holiday classic, it’s not without its flaws. Like many Hallmark movies, the plot follows a predictable formula, which may not appeal to viewers seeking complex narratives. Some critics have noted that the film’s pacing can feel rushed, particularly in the development of the romance. Additionally, the Alaskan setting, while visually stunning, occasionally feels like a backdrop rather than a fully realized location. However, these minor issues don’t detract from the film’s overall charm, especially for fans of the genre.

Where to Watch Christmas Under Wraps

As of 2025, Christmas Under Wraps is available to stream on platforms like the Hallmark Channel, Amazon Prime Video, and other services offering Hallmark movies (availability may vary by region). Check your local listings or streaming platforms for access. For those searching for “where to watch Christmas Under Wraps,” subscribing to Hallmark’s streaming service or checking on-demand options is a great starting point.

Why It’s a Holiday Must-Watch

Christmas Under Wraps encapsulates everything fans love about Hallmark holiday movies: a heartwarming story, a charming romance, and a festive atmosphere. Candace Cameron Bure’s stellar performance, combined with the picturesque Alaskan setting and themes of community and self-discovery, makes this film a standout in the genre. Whether you’re looking to kick off the holiday season or simply need a dose of Christmas cheer, this movie delivers.

Final Verdict

Christmas Under Wraps (2014) is a delightful holiday rom-com that deserves its place as a Hallmark classic. With its engaging characters, cozy setting, and uplifting message, it’s a film that will leave you smiling and ready to embrace the holiday spirit. Perfect for fans of Candace Cameron Bure, holiday rom-coms, or anyone seeking a heartwarming escape, this movie is a festive gem worth revisiting every Christmas season.

Rating: 8/10

For more holiday movie recommendations or to explore other Hallmark classics, check out our related articles on “Top 10 Christmas Rom-Coms” and “Best Candace Cameron Bure Movies.” Happy watching, and may your holiday season be filled with love and joy!

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.