I haven't seen it for several years but have looked out for it every year since 2002 perhaps. I thought it was "magical". It is a fantasy movie so just bring a little willing suspension of disbelief to the table and this movie is wonderful. I cant speak to the individual performances at this point because it has been too long, but I seem to remember everyone's performance in this movie as being on the money. I don't recall Richard Thomas being bad in this movie, he is what he is, and I have always liked him and his work, just because of him. I personally felt this movie was always underrated, but maybe not everyone can connect with it, just like not everyone could connect with Richard Thomas' characters' theories in the movie! If I can find it on DVD I will be a happy camper.
Review of The Christmas Secret
