wes-connors Middle-aged housewife Linda Hamilton (as Julie) is left by her husband for a much younger blonde. A series of unfortunate events leads the divorced and deserted Ms. Hamilton to become homeless. She meets similarly down-on-her-luck, but still beautiful-looking Brenda M. Crichlow (as Selma James) and they become friends. Living in her car agrees with Hamilton as she begins to get her act together. She dates exceptionally good-looking doctor Rob Stewart (as Michael Stern), after becoming acquainted with his lovable father Campbell Lane (as Max). The older man's characterization lifts this implausible TV Movie up a notch. Hamilton, who looks better homeless than she does in the early scenes, is unable to pull her part off; for one thing, she is made to play a seemingly intelligent woman who handles circumstances like she has no life experiences. Of course, there may be some divine intervention at work – like the Spirit of Christmas...**** Home by Christmas (12/25/06) Gail Harvey ~ Linda Hamilton, Rob Stewart, Brenda M. Crichlow, Campbell Lane

mjarvis0 I managed to see this film at the fourth attempt after being constantly interrupted with family matters but I am glad I got to watch it. The story is not new but what is somewhat unusual is that the Linda Hamilton character chose not to take her husband to the cleaners after finding out that he cheated on her. What happened is that through a series of believable disasters she finds herself alone (her daughter goes to live with her father) and she loses her home. I agree with a previous commentator, I think this is one of Linda Hamilton's best performances and my only gripe about this film is that it does not appear to be on DVD as I desperately want to add it to my collection. This is a moving but easy watching film and well worth taking the time to watch if you come across it on your TV listings.

TruPretender I never pay too much attention to television films, especially when they intend to show for a certain audience, such as the way Lifetime Network targets their films for housewives and little girls. The "however", however, comes with the star of "Home By Christmas", Linda Hamilton. I could watch anything this elegant lady does, and thus so, I took a chance on this film. "Home By Christmas" is a quite depressing story of a woman, whom divorces her cheating husband, only to meet even more humiliation by loosing her home in the post-mordam madness, and living in her car. Despite this, she keeps her hopes up, and clings to every opportunity she can, in attempt to build a plan for getting her life back. Her desperation accelerates when her young daughter is returning home for X-Mas, and she needs a quick way to hide the disastrous situation that has befallen her. Not only that, but she has fallen in love, and cannot bring herself to admit her situation to the man she is interested in. Still, she manages to prevail in all her hope and glory, and just as the yuletide season is coming to it's heights.The story of this is actually depressing, and very sad to think about, but there is humor therein. Linda Hamilton is serious about this role, but she plays it out very well. The hope and humorous ambitions of her character are well represented, and we find ourselves smiling throughout the film, despite the lousy conflicts our leading actress is faced with. The fact is, we are given hope with every scene, as the writing is pretty sharp (a rarity for television films). it's no wonder why Hamilton choose this role. There is something to learn from the film, about giving and receiving. It's quite touching, and in the end, we see the miraculous life lessons of what good comes from hope and faith, and the power of the yuletide season.9/10

qed77 This movie captured the spirit of Christmas so beautifully. It doesn't matter if the plot has holes in it or not. This movie is all about the power of love and perseverance and the fact that real bonding can only take place when we expose our failures, fears, and weaknesses. It brought tears to my eyes. It was also good to see Linda Hamilton again. I have very fond memories of her from the Terminator movies. This was such a different role in a way even though she was playing a strong woman. Of course, this is a different kind of strength than we saw when she was Sarah Connor. I hope to add this movie to my Christmas movie collection. This effort outdoes The Polar Express and is in the same league as It's A Wonderful Life. and the Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol. Everybody, hurry up and vote!