It is that time of year again! The time for snow, holiday cheer, and a lineup of wholesome movies including Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Polar Express, A Christmas Carol and many more. But if you are looking for a movie that is a bit different this year, then look no further than the new romcom holiday movie that is now streaming on Hulu: Happiest Season.

This movie is about the relationship between Abby Holland and Harper Caldwell. Christmas time rolls around, and Harper invites Abby to celebrate with her family. The only problem is that the Caldwell family does not know that Harper is gay and in a relationship with Abby. Hijinks ensue as they hide their secret while navigating the holiday chaos including the father’s campaign for mayor, the mother’s constant working on the Christmas dinner and party, and the elder-sister who always tries to one-up Harper.

Although this movie has comedic moments and scenes, it also makes a deeper comment on how Christmas has changed since the older movies. It has moved away from emotional themes like faith, charity, and jolliness to a more face-value kind of holiday where the presents are wrapped up in a big bow, the holiday pictures are perfect, and all the family members look their best in their gowns and suits. It has evolved into a holiday where presentation is sought after more than substance, and the holiday suffers for it. This constant quest of the perfect image of the holiday ruins what it is supposed to be about: joy and charity. This is mirrored by Abby and Harper’s situation, as they try to seem “normal,” but both feel differently about it.

Happiest Season is a romantic comedy with some dramatic scenes about Christmas, specifically dealing with what it means now and what it used to mean. It tries to bring us away from the grand parties, perfect gifts and outfits of Christmas and towards charity, happiness, and the joy of a magical holiday. It shows that this special holiday is not about the presents or the parties but, instead, the feeling of joy when you are with the people that you love and cherish.