Sydney Scotia recently stopped by Pop Culture Unplugged to chat about her latest role in Hallmark’s Our Holiday Story. The movie, which premiered on November 2, delves into the magic of the holiday season as it follows the love story of two parents as they recount their Christmas past to their daughter Joanna (played by Scotia) and her boyfriend. Here’s what Sydney shared about her experience on set, connecting with her character, and her own holiday traditions.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
When asked about the abundance of holiday content during this time of year, Sydney expressed her excitement for it, sharing, “There are so many Christmas movies... I love it! I haven’t quite slowed down yet for the holidays, but I love having a lot to watch.” A true fan of the season, Sydney enjoys both the classic films and new releases, especially as the holiday spirit builds up each December.
Bringing Jo to Life
In Our Holiday Story, Sydney plays Joanna, a young woman whose parents share their love story during the holidays. The role of Joanna resonated with Sydney as the character balances the thrill and unpredictability of life. Joanna, who starts off as confident and in control, eventually realizes that life doesn’t always go as planned—a theme that was both relatable and fulfilling for Sydney to explore. “Joanna is so sure she has it all figured out,” she explained, “but things don’t go the way she planned. That’s easy to relate to.”
One of the more challenging aspects of playing Joanna was portraying the character’s development over time, from age 16 to 26. "It’s not a big age gap, but there’s so much growth that happens in that time,” Sydney said, reflecting on the nuances of showing Joanna's changing perspective and maturity.
Exploring Themes of Fate and Honesty
Our Holiday Story emphasizes fate and honesty as key themes. For Joanna, honesty becomes a focal point in her relationship with her boyfriend, Chris, as she faces the difficult task of being vulnerable about her uncertainties. “Joanna has to be honest with herself and share that with Chris, even if she’s scared,” Sydney noted. “It’s a terrifying thing to admit, but honesty is the only way to grow past it.”
Sydney feels the overarching message of the film is about letting go and embracing the unexpected. “You have to trust yourself and trust others, letting things be what they are instead of holding onto what you think they should be,” she explained.
Working with Hallmark Favorites Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christie
For Sydney, acting alongside seasoned Hallmark stars Nikki DeLoach and Warren Christie, who play her parents in the film, was a rewarding experience. “They’re both so professional and natural,” she said. “Nikki was such a giving scene partner, and Warren and I quickly found a comfortable rhythm. It made every scene feel effortless.” Her connection with the two stars was apparent from the start, creating an authentic family dynamic on screen.
Favorite Moments on Set
When asked about her favorite moments during filming, Sydney recalled a fun gingerbread house-making scene with Gavin, who plays her boyfriend in the movie. "We had so much fun with that scene, and Gavin and I have worked together before, so it was easy to be playful."
Sydney also mentioned her early scenes with Warren, noting how naturally the father-daughter relationship flowed, which she believes will resonate with viewers.
Cherished Holiday Traditions
As a big fan of the holiday season, Sydney shared some of her own traditions, such as spending quality time with her family. Based in New York, she often enjoys holiday shows around the city or cozy nights in with board games. “The holiday season is all about being with family,” she said. “I’ve lived in different places over the years, from Nova Scotia to Arizona to New York, so wherever I am, it’s always special when we’re all together.”
Looking Forward to More Holiday Movies
Sydney thoroughly enjoyed her time working on Our Holiday Story and expressed interest in doing more holiday films. “I love that Hallmark movies air every year,” she shared. “They celebrate the season in such a special way, and I’d love to keep making them.”
Our Holiday Story is currently streaming on Hallmark, adding warmth, joy, and a touch of nostalgia to this holiday season. Fans can keep up with Sydney on social media to catch her latest projects and updates.