Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley and Carlo Marks, Hallmark’s Scouting for Christmas is a sweet single-mom and baker holiday romance. For those with a soft spot for acts of service as a love language, this film focuses on it intentionally within the narrative.
The sparks are present from the beginning when we first meet the characters and get an idea of the rapport that’s often present between the baker at Sir Bakes a Bunch and Brooklyn (Audrey Wise Alvarez). There, we also watch his kindness extend toward her mother, Angela, and it becomes clear that this is a he falls first scenario. He’s always been there, always seen her, and, more importantly, has always wanted her. Yet, it isn’t until Brooklyn suggests that they have William cater her Girl Scout Holiday Ball that the romance kicks into motion.
Additionally, Scouting for Christmas features a gorgeously healthy depiction of parenthood by revealing that Angela isn’t Brooklyn’s birth mom but that she adopted her when she and her father, Dakota, married. He’s still in the picture but off in Peru for work, and it’s riveting to see that she still has full custody despite the divorce. This isn’t something we see often in media, so it’s lovely to be reminded of the fact that adoption and biological birth aren’t all that different when it comes to fully loving a child. It also allows plenty of room for complex dynamics because Brooklyn has her father but also wants to see her mother in a happy relationship—she’s the one actively rooting for William, after all. (Keep stories like this coming, Hallmark!)
There’s a beat in the film where two women are pitted against one another with judgment passing left and right from the scout leader, but there’s a clear resolution by the end where she at least notices her flaws. Of course, this all happens after William saves the day when her initial choice for a caterer cancels, but at least she gets it at some point.
A large part of the reason why Scouting for Christmas works is entirely because of Carlo Marks’ charm. Chesapeake Shores viewers know that the actor has a way of taking an already wholesome character and somehow making him even more endearing. Who doesn’t love a gentle cinnamon role who also makes the best gingerbread cookies? Sign us up—all day, every day.
While there is a small part of the romance that I wanted to see more of, it’s understandable that the film would focus just as closely on the platonic relationships. After all, that’s a crucial point we should see more of any time there’s a kid involved—they should be an equal player, and here, Brooklyn is very much the one drawing all the cards. There’s plenty to appreciate about the film, especially when it comes to the holiday vibes. It might not be one that’ll be on a yearly rotation for me, personally, but it’s sure to land itself on many lists. It’s a delightful nod to found families, and most importantly, it’s a great showcase that asking for help is never—ever—a weakness.
Watch Scouting for Christmas on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©Hallmark