15 must-watch Hallmark Channel Christmas movies

Crown for Christmas

Cast: Danica McKellar, Rupert Penry-Jones, Ellie Botterill, Pavel Douglas, Colin McFarlane

Year: 2015

Allie Foster (Danica McKellar) is an artist in New York who has been struggling to care for her brother and sister after the death of their mother. As Christmas approaches she’s working hard in her day job as a maid at a posh hotel when a misunderstanding leads to her being fired. The situation leads to a new job offer as the governess for a young princess who has been sending governesses running faster than you can say bah humbug.

When Allie arrives at the castle she’s met with a mixed reception. Princess Theodora’s father, Maximillian, is the King of Winshire. He knows his daughter is still reeling from the death of her mother and that has led to her acting out. Theodora starts to bond with Allie and that leads to tension between Max and the woman he’s supposed to marry out of duty.

Countess Celia is everything a potential queen should be, but she’s far from the motherly type and she’s ready to ship Theodora off to boarding school as soon as she’s married. It’s up to Allie to help Max and Theodora mend their relationship before it’s too late.

Crown for Christmas is one of many holiday movies with a royal theme. Danica McKellar is so wonderful in the role that it makes you wish there were more small countries in Europe in need of governesses.