Netflix’s holiday offering My Secret Santa has fans doing a double-take. Alexandra Breckenridge, best known as Mel Monroe in Virgin River, takes on a radically different role as Taylor, a single mother desperate to make Christmas special for her daughter. After losing her job and facing mounting financial pressure, Taylor takes a bold step that surprises everyone: she dons a full Santa disguise at a luxury ski resort to earn money. The catch? She is disguising herself as a man, complete with prosthetics, mustache, beard, wig, and a heavy Santa suit. The transformation is so thorough that even longtime Virgin River viewers may struggle to recognise Breckenridge in her festive guise.

The film doesn’t just rely on laughs and seasonal trimmings—there’s emotional weight behind Taylor’s decision. She’s fighting for her daughter’s holiday dream, willing to endure discomfort and odd stares to provide something magical. Working at the lodge as Santa brings her into contact with the resort manager, and Jennifer finds herself navigating unexpected romance amidst the snow, glitter, and holiday chaos. The story explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go for her child. There’s also a nostalgic thread: Breckenridge mentions drawing inspiration from The Santa Clause to capture Santa’s voice and mannerisms. The physical transformation demanded more than just acting—it’s described as a three-hour makeup process with facial prosthetics and wardrobe that tested her endurance.

Behind the scenes, filming was tough. The contrast between freezing nights outdoors and stifling indoor hot sets took its toll. Breckenridge even had ice packs inside the Santa suit to cope with the heat. Yet she embraced the challenge, saying the role pushed her boundaries and reignited her passion for acting. She also spoke about the emotional complexity of Taylor: someone worn-down by loss and responsibility, but resilient enough to believe in love and connection even in the most challenging circumstances. Fans have been vocal about how surprising it is to see Breckenridge, so associated with quiet strength in Virgin River, transform into a Santa figure. The anticipation for My Secret Santa is high, and it’s clear this is a role built to stretch both the actress’s range and the expectations of her audience.