The Christmas Wish

Based on the 1996 book by Richard Siddoway, this 1998 TV movie finds grownup Will (Neil Patrick Harris) reminiscing with his grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) about holidays past. Raised by his grandfolks after his parents died in a car crash, Will had a special bond with both but he is surprised to learn of Grandpa's extensive cache of old yearly journals that mention a mysterious “Lillian” who he made sure to spend time with every Christmas Eve. Grandma asks Will to get to the bottom of Lillian's identity, and his perusal of the diaries raises doubts about his grandfather's past. Meanwhile, Will also struggles with running the family real estate business, a disgruntled employee (Beverly Archer), and two love interests—one snooty (Alexandra Wilson), the other sweet (Naomi Watts). Middling holiday fare, this is an optional purchase. (J. Williams-Wood)