If You Believe (film)

If You Believe is a 1999 American made-for-television Christmas fantasy drama film directed by Alan Metzger. It stars Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. The film centers on Susan Stone (Walker), a cynical literary agent, who encounters a young girl, Alice (Panettiere), who claims to be the embodiment of the spirit of Christmas from 1892. Alice believes that Susan, due to her childhood belief in Christmas, is the only one who can help restore the holiday spirit to a town consumed by commercialism and negativity. The narrative follows Susan's journey as she grapples with the possibility of Alice's claims and ultimately rediscovers the importance of faith and the true meaning of Christmas. The film explores themes of cynicism versus faith, the commercialization of holidays, and the enduring power of belief. It was originally broadcast on Lifetime.