Combining the warm emotional atmosphere of Christmas with the playful charm of disguise comedy, My Secret Santa is a Netflix romantic comedy released on December 3, 2025. The film embraces the familiar formulas of holiday romance while adding a light twist: a single mother disguises herself as a male Santa Claus in order to survive a financial crisis.
At first glance, the story follows a path audiences can easily predict. Yet beneath its conventional structure lies a gentle and sincere holiday movie that focuses not only on romance, but also on family, motherhood, second chances, and the meaning of Christmas itself.
Movie Information
- Title: My Secret Santa
- Original Title: My Secret Santa
- Country: United States
- Release Date: December 3, 2025
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Director: Mike Rohl
- Starring:
- Alexandra Breckenridge as Taylor Jacobson
- Ryan Eggold as Matthew Lane
- Distributor: Netflix
- Runtime: 92 minutes
Story Overview
The film opens with Taylor Jacobson, a single mother doing her best to raise her daughter, Joy, while barely keeping her life afloat. Taylor once lived a very different life—she was the lead vocalist of a rock band and enjoyed performing on stage. Now, however, she works a modest job baking cookies and struggles to make rent.
Just before Christmas, Taylor is unexpectedly fired. Around the same time, Joy is accepted into a prestigious snowboard academy. While this should be a joyful moment, the tuition is far beyond what Taylor can afford. Joy even offers to give up the opportunity for her mother’s sake, which only deepens Taylor’s guilt and desperation.
Determined to support her daughter, Taylor searches for any possible job and discovers that a nearby ski resort is hiring seasonal workers. Unfortunately, most positions are restricted to men. The only opening left is for a Santa Claus, a role also designated for male applicants only.
With the help of her brother and his partner, Taylor transforms herself into a middle-aged man named “Hugh Mann.” Wearing an elaborate Santa costume, mask, and padding, she successfully passes the interview and begins working at the resort.
Double Life and Romantic Complications
Things take an unexpected turn when Taylor encounters Matthew Lane, the resort’s general manager and heir to the company. Earlier, Matthew had met Taylor in her real identity at a record store and asked her out—only to be politely rejected. Now, he finds himself drawn to Santa Hugh, unaware that the person beneath the beard is the same woman.
As Santa, Taylor listens not only to children’s wishes but also to Matthew’s personal concerns. Matthew confides in “Hugh” about his strained relationship with his father and his uncertainty about running the resort. Their conversations become surprisingly sincere, creating an emotional bond built on honesty—ironically made possible by Taylor’s disguise.
Meanwhile, Taylor also begins spending time with Matthew as herself. Coffee dates, skiing together, and holiday preparations bring them closer, forcing Taylor to juggle two identities while hiding an increasingly fragile secret.
Motherhood and Emotional Depth
One of the film’s most touching elements is the relationship between Taylor and her daughter. While working as Santa, Taylor overhears Joy’s wish: she hopes her mother would relax more, smile more, and maybe even start dating again.
Joy sees her mother not just as a caretaker, but as a woman who once had dreams, passions, and joy of her own. This moment becomes a quiet emotional turning point, reminding Taylor that survival alone is not the same as living.
The Santa disguise allows Taylor to listen—to her daughter, to other children, and even to herself.
Christmas Spirit and Tone
Visually, My Secret Santa fully embraces holiday aesthetics. Snow-covered ski slopes, glowing Christmas trees, cozy resort interiors, and festive music create a comforting seasonal backdrop. The pacing remains light and accessible, with humor drawn from quick costume changes, awkward close calls, and mistaken identities rather than exaggerated slapstick.
The film does not aim for realism. Instead, it prioritizes warmth, kindness, and emotional resolution—values traditionally associated with Christmas storytelling.
Reception and Observations
From a critical standpoint, the film contains several logical gaps. The lack of background checks for a Santa interacting with children is perhaps the most noticeable. Additionally, the Cinderella-style romance—where a struggling single mother finds love with a wealthy resort heir—feels overly familiar.
Yet these weaknesses are softened by the film’s sincerity. Rather than focusing on intense romantic tension or dramatic twists, My Secret Santa highlights generosity, empathy, and emotional growth.
Ending Explained
Eventually, Taylor’s true identity is revealed. Matthew’s father criticizes him for hiring Santa without proper verification, pointing out the professional failure. However, instead of fleeing, Taylor faces the consequences honestly.
She apologizes publicly to the children and staff, explaining her motivations. Matthew chooses compassion over pride, recognizing her sincerity rather than her deception.
The film concludes with Taylor returning to music—performing on stage once again, this time with Matthew by her side. It’s a symbolic ending that represents reclaiming joy, balancing responsibility with personal happiness, and rediscovering love during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
My Secret Santa is not a film that challenges conventions—it embraces them. Predictable, sentimental, and occasionally cheesy, it nevertheless succeeds as a seasonal comfort movie.
For viewers looking for a lighthearted Christmas romance filled with warmth, gentle humor, and a reassuring happy ending, this Netflix holiday film offers exactly what it promises.
Sometimes, believing in a little Christmas magic—just for 90 minutes—is more than enough.
🔗 Official Streaming & Production Resources
Netflix — My Secret Santa (2025)
https://www.netflix.com
IMDb — My Secret Santa (2025)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35219851/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_4_tt_5_nm_1_in_1_q_mys
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