5 essentials for becoming Mr. Christmas

Ten men stand on the set of the new Hallmark Plus reality show,

Hallmark star Jonathan Bennett knows what it takes to become Mr. Christmas and his new show “Finding Mr. Christmas” proves it. If you haven’t seen it, and you love Christmas, it’s an all-new, must-watch series on Hallmark+, our new streaming and membership platform.

If you have seen it, and you’re wondering how you (or your favorite fella) might stack up against your favorite “Finding Mr. Christmas” contestants, these five essential qualities are a window into exactly what it takes to become Mr. Christmas in time for the holiday season.

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Actor Jonathan Bennett stands on the set of the Hallmark Plus show, Finding Mr. Christmas.

Okay, so exactly what does it take to be Mr. Christmas? Jonathan is definitely putting them through their paces to find out on the show:

“All of my friends in the industry would call me and ask, ‘How do I get to be a part of the Hallmark family?’” Jonathan said. “So, my good friend Ben Roy and I thought why don’t we create a show that would allow us to add a seat at the Hallmark holiday table for one lucky guy !”

But as any of you Christmas enthusiasts out there know, it takes a whole lot more than a big, white beard and a couple reindeer to bring joy to the ones we love.

In reality, the first (and perhaps biggest) Mr. Christmas essential is a heart filled with holiday spirit.

Actor Jonathan Bennett stands at the center of a group of the 10 men vying for the title of Mr. Christmas on the new Hallmark Plus show,

Mr. Christmas Essential #1: Embodying the Christmas spirit  

One of the things that distinguishes Christmas from every other time of year is that special mix of generosity, kindness and gratitude in the air. It’s what makes anything seem possible…even a little magic.

Mr. Christmas lives that spirit all year long, and he gets so much joy from going all in during the holiday season.

He’s the type of guy who’s happy to shovel an elderly neighbor’s snowy driveway without being asked. If he’s shopping for the ones he loves, you’ll probably see him buy an extra gift or meal for a local charity or food pantry. And whether it’s a kind word or a small token of appreciation, he never fails to thank the people who are there for him.

A collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments against a mint green background.

Mr. Christmas Essential #2: Decorating the perfect tree  

Of course, the other big thing that distinguishes Christmas from every other time of year is the decorations! And tree decorating is a must-have skill as far as Mr. Christmas is concerned. Because an amazing tree doesn’t just look pretty—it brings people together.

So he has to have a plan when it comes to lights and good judgment when it comes to garlands. He has to know how to balance all those Keepsake Ornaments to get just the right mix of whimsy, nostalgia and classic Christmas beauty. And if he has a secret to getting the star or angel on top to sit perfectly straight, he has to tell us what it is, because we’ve tried everything. 🌟😂

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Mr. Christmas Essential #3: Having holiday fun  

Another thing that makes Christmas so special? The fact that it’s filled with activities, foods and fun that only comes once a year. Which means you’re going to want to make the most of it while you can!

Mr. Christmas is no slump when it comes to ideas for holiday fun. He knows the hours of the local ice-skating rink by heart. Can make a fun-filled event out of finding the perfect tree and somehow always has snowman supplies on hand (where’d he get that top hat?? 👀).

And if you need a warmup after the spur-of-the-moment, romantic sleigh ride through the snow he arranged, don’t worry—he has an AMAZING hot cocoa recipe.

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Mr. Christmas Essential #4: Flawlessly wrapping gifts  

We love the people who give us gifts that look like they got into a street fight with a roll of wrapping paper. Really, we do. After all, it’s the thought that counts! But when it comes to gift wrap, Mr. Christmas is an artist. 🤌

He can create a whole vibe with the colors, patterns and textures of holiday gift wrap he picks out. His creases and corners? Chef’s kiss. Ribbons and bows? Not only present, but perfectly coordinated. Even if all he has time for is a gift bag, it’s filled with tissue paper that’s fluffier than freshly fallen snow.

Why? Because he knows all those little details make the holidays shine that much brighter for the people he cares about.

A collection of Hallmark holiday cards on an illustrated background of evergreen branches.

Mr. Christmas Essential #5: Delivering a heartfelt message  

Finally, it’s key that Mr. Christmas be able to say the things in his heart. It’s how the people he loves know how much they matter! And one of his favorite ways to tell someone how much they’re loved at the holidays is by writing it in a Christmas card.

To Mr. Christmas, a heartfelt message in a card is itself a sort of gift—a physical reminder of his love that they can come back to again and again, no matter where they are or how much time has passed. So he’s not afraid to make others merry by getting a little mushy when he writes.

And he thinks you shouldn’t be afraid to, either. 😉

Catch up on all available episodes of “Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark+  

Now that you have the download on what it takes to be a Hallmark holiday movie hero, make sure to join Jonathan as he puts all the Mr. Christmas hopefuls to the test this season! You’re sure to find lots of holiday fun and inspiration along the way.