Has there been a gay Christmas movie before? None spring to mind, and I really liked the idea of cuddling up with Andreas on the couch, our recently decorated tree glowing to one side of the room while we watched Make the Yuletide Gay. The results were mixed.

Like most holiday films, Make the Yuletide Gay is a comedy. College student Gunn (played by Keith Jordan) returns home to his wacky parents who are, surprise-surprise, unaware that their son is gay. Not a problem. All he has to do is smooth his hair down and put on clothing from the GAP and no one is the wiser… until his boyfriend Nathan (Adamo Ruggiero) shows up! Yes, the premise is that cheesy, and what follows is a predictable parade of close calls and innuendo powered humor.

The film can be a bumpy ride when first getting used to the humor and occasionally amateur performances from the cast. Some of the stereotypes feel dated, such as gay people being obsessed with clothing and hair, but this is redeemed by the lack of vulgar, shock humor that the American Pie franchise has made so trendy.

The stellar music and directing helps ease the film through some rough patches until the movie hits its pace and takes a welcome dive into drama. There’s real chemistry between Gunn and Nathan, and they get plenty of screen time together, something many gay movies fail to provide. The cheap laughs never cease, but they feel more balanced among a few tears.

The eccentricity of Gunn’s parents is a major selling point, as is the dual personality of Gunn’s ex-girlfriend. The execution of these characters could have been reined in a bit, but the good nature behind their unusual behavior makes it hard not to warm to them. This reflects the hopelessly optimistic spirit of the movie, something highly appropriate for a holiday flick.

Make the Yuletide Gay is more of a homemade Christmas card than a polished movie gem. It’s the sort of film Hollywood still doesn’t have the balls (or heart) to put out, so its imperfections are easily forgiven. That Adamo Ruggiero is both openly gay and absolutely adorable is worth some major bonus points as well. A gay holiday themed movie is cause enough for celebration, and anyone looking to enhance their festivities with a little light-hearted fun won’t go wrong with this film.