Lexi Lawson – Always and Forever Christmas

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) Please tell us the premise for the movie Always and Forever Christmas.

A) Lucy inherits her grandfather’s year-round Christmas store, which is called Forever Christmas. Then, she makes a trip back home to support the store during its final season before she sells it to this hip athletic leisure wear company. When she is back in Vermont, she begins to love her grandfather’s shop. She understands why it is so near and dear to him that it becomes so near and dear to her. While it is all going on, she meets a love interest (Mark Ghanimé) who is a local diner owner. Within all of that, there is a season employee named Carol (Beth Broderick). She is just like the magic of Christmas.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie?

A) I love Christmas! Obviously, who doesn’t really love Christmas? I look forward to singing Christmas songs and making Christmas songs. I have always recorded Christmas music. I just love Christmas. All of that busy hustle and bustle of life stops. People remember that family is first and it’s just the most touching season for me. I just love anything to do with Christmas. I just couldn’t be happier to make a Christmas movie.

Q) Often in holiday movies the setting plays a role. How does the Vermont location standout in the movie?

A) We were fortunate. When we shot this it was August and, luckily, there were a couple of days where it actually got to be cold. It was awesome because it was summer time. People were saying, “Oh my gosh! It hasn’t been this cold at this time in so many years.” So, I was like, “Aw! The magic of Christmas!” [laughs] So, it’s always really nice to have such a beautiful setting.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the film?

A) I definitely knew who Beth Broderick was because she’s from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.” And she was such a saving grace. She’s just so seasoned and done so much work. She’s such a pro. I had such a blast watching her interact and act and just being in it. It was really an awesome experience to watch her.

Q) What advice did director Siobhan Devine give while shooting that you took to heart?

A) Siobhan is very kind. She’s has a very generous heart to her. She’s really willing to take in the actor and she’s just very sweet. Always, no matter what (whether I felt like I did a bad take or not) would say, “Great job!” I don’t feel like directors have to do that and she was always so encouraging. So, that was really nice.

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming or favorite scenes to shoot?

A) Funny enough, the director would laugh at me because after every frame we shot I would say, “That was my favorite scene!” She said, “You say that about every scene!” [laughs] So, I really just enjoyed doing a lot of the scenes. Anything to do with Christmas is just fun. I had a blast really shooting a lot of it.

Q) What do you think it is about Always and Forever Christmas that will make it a fast fan favorite holiday film?

A) What’s cool about Lifetime movies is that they are always so fun and family oriented and I think that’s important. Family can gather around and watch it together. There are not going to be any surprises or anything like that. You can cuddle up with your loved ones or you can just sit by yourself with your doggy and a glass of wine. So, with this one, it’s fun-loving, funny and charming. It kind of just has a lot of characteristics you look for all in one movie.

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching this movie?

A) There is a quote I say towards the end of the movie that kind of struck a chord. It was along the lines of, “Follow what is in your heart and trust your instincts and you’ll always be led in the right direction.” It’s the magic of Christmas.

Q) What are some of your personal favorite holiday movies?

A) Elf, by far, is my favorite movie of all time. The first time I saw Elf I was rolling around in the movie theater. I don’t quote movies often, but I can quote that one pretty well. [laughs]

Q) What are some of your favorite Christmas songs or memories of celebrating over the years?

A) Mariah Carey’s Christmas album has always been played in my household. There came a point (I’m not sure when) when I put her CD on and by the last number I’m fully performing for my friends and family, whether they want to hear it or not. I’m fully belting and performing. [laughs]

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) Always just continue to believe in yourself. Things change so fast. Life is short. But just continue to be kind to people and believe that you can achieve whatever you want in your life.