Almost every week at Netflix, a random movie will emerge out of nowhere and shoot to the top of the streamer's most popular movies chart, beating out more high-profile films like George Clooney's new Oscar-bait drama, Jay Kelly. This week, that movie is My Secret Santa - a Hallmark Channel-esque holiday rom-com about a woman who disguises herself as a man to make money playing Santa Claus at a luxury ski resort. If that sounds like a silly premise, well, that's because it is. And it makes sense why viewers can't get enough of it. Watch With Us explains why My Secret Santa is a Christmas treat. It's Mrs. Doubtfire' Meets Santa Claus Alexandra Breckenridge in My Secret Santa Netflix The premise of My Secret Santa may seem a little familiar, but it's got a fun twist. The plot follows single mom Taylor (Alexandra Breckenridge), who is determined to get her talented snowboarder daughter into the right training program - she just needs the money for it. Taylor is laid off from her job at the movie's onset and isn't sure where she's gonna scrape up the cash for her daughter's snowboarding academy. Netflix's 2025 Holiday Lineup: A Complete Guide to New Movies, TV Specials However, the ski resort that hosts the academy offers a 50 percent discount on lessons to employees, so Taylor resolves to take up their only available position: seasonal Santa Claus. With a little help, Taylor transforms herself into a believable (and jolly) older gentleman who is perfectly fit for the job. It's a gender-swapped Mrs. Doubtfire, the classic family film in which Robin Williams' character dresses up as a female nanny to get closer to his kids. It's important, in this day and age, that women can do a Mrs. Doubtfire, too. It's a Goofy Christmas Movie That's Easy to Watch Ryan Eggold and Alexandra Breckenridge in My Secret Santa Netflix In addition to the Mrs. Doubtfire of it all, My Secret Santa also sports a romantic comedy element that adds to the charming absurdity of the film, when Taylor finds herself falling for the ski resort's charming manager, Matthew (Ryan Eggold). Ultimately, My Secret Santa has a fun angle that makes the film a perfect and effortless Christmas watch to either tuck into on a cold night or throw on in the background while you make gingerbread cookies. Like many great Hallmark movies with similarly outlandish plots, My Secret Santa isn't necessarily watchable because it's got a top-notch story and great performances, but because it indulges in some pleasant holiday atmosphere and doesn't require that you take it too seriously. It's roughly ninety minutes of fluffy Christmas confection, and Breckenridge absolutely nails her daffy role. You Mostly Know What to Expect - But That's Part of Its Charm Within the first ten to fifteen minutes of My Secret Santa, you basically know where the story is headed, especially if you've seen Mrs. Doubtfire and perhaps even more so if you're familiar with Hallmark Christmas films. Still, My Secret Santa is charming because of the very cliches and conventions that it indulges in. It's silly and sentimental, but at the same time, it doesn't necessarily force-feed you with syrupy sweetness every few minutes. 10 Best Christmas Movies of All Time, Ranked by IMDb Score Additionally, My Secret Santa may surprise you with just how likable the characters are: Taylor, in particular, is given some level of grounding with her struggling background, and while her situation is absurd, she also feels like a real person. Eggold and Tia Mowry are also great to watch, but it's Breckenridge who really steals the show. Ultimately, My Secret Santa is a great, wholesome watch that gives you exactly what you paid for while still surprising you with a few crucial flourishes. Stream My Secret Santa now on Netflix.