Alison Sweeney Explains Why It's a 'Big Responsibility' to Make Hallmark Movies

Hallmark Channel's robust lineup of Christmas movies for 2024 doesn't disappoint. One standout, This Time Each Year, stars Hallmark fan favorite Alison Sweeney and features another familiar face, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, behind the camera.

Sweeney may be best known for her stint on Days of Our Lives but she's got more than 30 Hallmark movies under her belt, including several popular franchises like The Hannah Swensen Mysteries and The Wedding Veil trilogies.

This holiday season, Sweeney stars alongside Niall Matter in This Time Each Year about a couple who has separated but must put on the appearance of a happy couple for her character's mom.

Lowe is best known to Hallmark viewers as Rita Haywith in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered movies. Lowe has recently moved behind the camera, taking the helm as director after she completed the Make Her Mark mentorship program created by actress Ashley Williams. This Time Each Year is the second Hallmark film she has directed with Shifting Gears being the first.

Sweeney and Lowe sat down with Parade to discuss This Time Each Year and what they love most about Hallmark movies.

Related: Alison Sweeney Returns in the 10th Hannah Swensen Movie! Get an Exclusive First Look!

What do you love most about Hallmark Christmas movies?

Alison Sweeney: I love making these movies, knowing we get to be a part of people's holiday traditions. It feels so special, to know they turn it on during their Christmas. I love it but it also is a big responsibility to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe: I love that it gives us reprieve from the rest of the world. It allows us to take two hours and sit with our family while making popcorn garland and watch something that brings us hope and joy.

Do you prefer Hallmark mystery movies or the rom-coms?

AS: The mysteries are fun because I love getting to do a few action scenes, sometimes even stunts. It makes it exciting. But the rom-coms are always the best, I love a meet-cute.

CL: I can’t answer that! I love them both for totally different reasons. I am a rom-com girl through and through. But I do love the drama of a great mystery. I’ve been studying Hitchcock.

You've worked with many Hallmark actors over the years. Is there one you'd like to work with that you haven't yet?

AS: Everyone I’ve met at the Hallmark events has always been so great, so I don't have anyone in particular in mind. I’m so grateful for all the great co-stars I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I would work with Niall again anytime! He's awesome.

CL: I want to direct Ashley Williams! I think we would have the best time. I would also love to work with Tamara Mowry. She has an incredible work ethic that I really admire.

Do you have a favorite moment from This Time Each Year?

AS: I think my favorite moment is when they dance in front of the projector. It’s the beautiful silhouette shot that our director, Crystal, designed and it turned out so magical. I love it.

CL: The ending was something I was dying to do. I am a hopeless romantic and what I love about this film is that it’s not just about a couple when a separation happens. It often affects the whole family. And we got to have some pure joy as a family while filming it.

Crystal Lowe was your director on this film. What did you like about having a fellow actor as your director?

AS: Crystal had such a clear vision for the whole movie. And as an actor, she communicates so well with us while she’s directing. I think she brought so much to This Time Each Year. She elevated the project with such great ideas, and romance. I am so proud of this movie, in large part thanks to her.

Now that you've directed a couple of films, do you prefer directing to acting? Or are you itching to get in front of the camera again? 

CL: It’s really 50/50 but the other day I started to miss acting a lot so I know I’m not done with it. I want to emulate women like Issa Rae and Phoebe Waller Bridge. So I plan on writing, directing and acting. And I’m super fortunate that there are women out there proving it’s possible. Watching Allison Sweeney has been one of the best gifts because that woman literally does it all.

Do you have a favorite Hallmark movie (Christmas or otherwise) that you liked that you weren't involved in?

AS: My favorite Hallmark movie is when Ashley (Williams) and Kim (Williams-Paisley) teamed up to do that really clever sister comedy. Sister Swap was such a clever idea and they are such talented actresses.

CL: I actually started watching the True Justice movies and I thought they were really well done.

What's your next directing project? Next acting project? 

CL: I’m in the middle of directing another movie for Hallmark right now. Let’s just say it had a bit more bite and tension and I love it. Mum's the word on my next acting job until I’m given the OK!

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Tell me something about Alison Sweeney that we might not know about her.

CL: She’s a middle child through and through. Has a very strong voice and opinion but also really knows how to smooth over conflict and make her ‘siblings’ feel heard.

Tell me something about Niall Matter that we might not know about him.

CL: Niall is a man of all trades. He has literally lived a thousand lives and can actually do pretty much anything. From rebuilding a car to beating everyone at hockey. And I love that.

This Time Each Year premieres on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on Hallmark Mystery.

Next, Get Out Your Calendars! Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas 2024 Schedule Is Here!