ONE CHRISTMAS EVE by Dean FH Macy An Independent Review by Nancy Ahern "One Christmas Eve", a film musical-drama designed to tug your heartstrings and showcase the talents of then nine year old Emily Hamilton, manages to accomplish its goals. Written by Dean FH Macy, this gentle tale tells the story of a young girl who is facing her first Christmas Eve without her mother, who died in an automobile accident that also took her infant sister. The girl is played by young Emily Hamilton. The synopsis of the story has the girl unable to sleep on Christmas Eve, and so she joins her father where he broods by the fire. They talk of their missing mother, and how "Mommy" would have helped them to celebrate Christmas. In this way, and through time honored Christmas hymns and carols, the two relive the Christmas story. They bring Mommy closer to their hearts as well, and both are enlivened by the feeling of oneness they share with each other, with the gentle spirit of the mother, and with God. Dr. Macy's story is indeed a heart-tugging story. He placed all the right elements into it to guarantee a rapport with the audience. His use of scenes in a series of Christmas cards on the mantle as a way to introduce each song is ingenious. I confess that, by the time I finished listening to the soundtrack CD, I was reaching for handkerchief after handkerchief. And not all of it had to do with the sob-quality of the carefully crafted story, either. © 1997 Nancy Ahern - Used by permission Private Reviews- John & Carol Wyndham - British Musician/Writer (Peterborough, NH) - “It’s very appealing. I can’t imagine anyone not liking it. We listened to the CD over and over. Each time we played it we got more from it. But we never failed to shed tears of joy at the touchingly beautiful ending. Meredith’s and Emily’s singing, as always, is delightful.” Candy Winston - School Teacher (Oak Forest, IL) - “I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed ‘One Christmas Eve.’ The musical story was just beautiful and very touching. The subject matter of love being forever was very important to our family. The little girls’ singing was wonderful. I was not familiar with many of the songs but they were all sung beautifully. The presentation put strong visual images in my mind. I liked the way the Daughter’s questions were answered. Even her discouragement with God for taking her Mother from them was soothed by her Daddy. Many of the questions we all have asked are discussed in the story. That drew me in because I have asked many of those same questions myself. Obviously the family members depicted in the story had unbounded love for each other. Daddy showed great love and care for his Daughter as he listened to her with his heart, not his ears. More families should be that way. I felt happy at the conclusion of the CD. The whole thing left me feeling good all over. Gretchen Ogden - Teacher (Oakland, CA) - “Very touching story - it reflects the faith and hope that is Christmas. It’s nice to hear the old Christmas songs. The girls have remarkable voices for ones so young. I think the style of the songs, accompanied by harp, flute, violin and other instruments will also appeal to those who like classical music. I’m glad the mother came in at the end; that was the right touch. Connie Vanaria - (Harrisville, NH) - “I’ve just listened to your pre-production preview of ‘One Christmas Eve’. What an exciting project. I believe this would make a wonderful video or film presentation, and undoubtedly become a new Christmas tradition welcomed and embraced by so many, tired of the usual video offerings during the holiday season. As it reminds us of the original meaning of Christmas, it gives us so much more to hold on to than what the commercial Christmas offers, something that can really last all year - truly uplifting. The music is wonderful, instrumentals and voices alike. Most of the carols are unfamilar to me, which is refreshing, and Meredith and Emily are superb. Their voices are so well suited to those pieces and quite angelic. I would truly love to see a movie presentation of this. I’m thrilled just to imagine the visual possibilities. I can’t see how this project could fail. We all need more hope in our lives, love in our hearts, and faith that God does take care of us. We all need this message. I wish you the best of luck in this endeavor. I’m sure the divine energy which inspired this work will guide your way.” Mark Duke - Director LDS Social Services (Amherst, NH) - “On the same evening you gave me the CD, my wife and I listened to it. When it was over we sat and stared at each other as tears of joy flowed from our eyes. On Christmas Eve we gathered our family around us and shared ‘One Christmas Eve’ with them. It was a wonderful experience. All of our children were deeply moved by the story. Our two oldest girls took the CD to bed with them to play again. Thank you for the gift of ‘One Christmas Eve.’ We will always cherish it.”