Days before Hallmark Channel kicks off its 16th annual Countdown to Christmas, actor Kristoffer Polaha found himself overcome with gratitude while filming overseas and chose to share it with his fans on October 12, 2025.
Polaha has had a busy few months of dream projects coming to fruition — including the world premiere of his feature film directorial debut, landing a new series, and starring in Hallmark’s “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas.” The flurry of activity has been a welcome contrast to a personally and professionally challenging 2024 for his family, from losing loved ones to navigating the financial strain of an unusually sparse work schedule.
In September, Polaha told EntertainmentNow, “My career has been such a gift. I’ve been able to work and provide for my family. But there have been slow times — truly, the last year was the worst year on record (for us).”
The stark contrast between then and now felt particularly poignant for Polaha on October 12, so he shared two photos of himself in the back of a pickup truck with members of his current crew, writing, “Had a moment of pure gratitude on set yesterday. What a gift to be able to make a living doing the thing I love. I don’t take it for granted for a second.”
Fans React in Droves to Kristoffer Polaha’s Gratitude Post
Inspired by the deaths of numerous Hollywood legends over the past year, Polaha continued in his post, “As we lose icons; Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Kris Kristofferson, folks who feel immortal because of the work they did, it’s a reminder that this life of ours is but a breath.”
Polaha continued, “A reminder on this Sunday to enjoy your life, to be grateful for everything (the struggles and the blessings) you’ve been given; each according to their own talents and abilities. Pass it on.”
Fans flooded Polaha’s post, inspired by his reminder to reflect on what they were grateful for, too.
One person shared, “Well I am grateful that I turned on my TV and found you and your work five years ago because aside from leading to some really great friends and fun adventures, me loving your work provides a great escape when my job is leaving me mentally/physically exhausted to the point that all I want to do is crawl under the covers and get lost in your characters’ worlds while I recharge. In other words, you and what you do makes me happy, and I’m glad our paths have crossed.”
Someone else reflected, “I ❤️ this post! I deeply feel this gratitude for every day. Even the hard ones.”
Kristoffer Polaha Has Been Filming New Movie in Burgaria
Polaha has not shared specific details on the movie he’s been shooting throughout the month, but has revealed that he’s been filming in Bulgaria, including witnessing the area’s first snowfall of the season in early October.
In a post on October 6, Polaha shared footage of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia and another inspiring message, writing, “Like cubes of sugar stacked against the night sky, the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral gleams against the dark. These are melancholy times that demand radical acts of love and light. Be like this.”
The “A Biltmore Christmas” star continued, “Create joy. Bear hope. Love. I challenge you to pray for a stranger this week. If you don’t pray, just say something encouraging to a total stranger. Especially if it scares you. It is October after all.”
Notably, “Chesapeake Shores” alum Emilie Ullerup, who appeared in August’s “Catch of the Day” with Michael Rady, also shared a photo of the cathedral in her Instagram Stories on October 12.
What’s Next for Kristoffer Polaha?
Polaha has more busy months ahead. He’s a big part of Hallmark’s new slate of Christmas movies with his starring role in “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” with Nikki DeLoach, Sharon Lawrence, James Denton, Eliza Hayes Maher, and more.
In late October, he’ll head to Winnipeg to begin filming the MGM+ series “American Hostage” with Jon Hamm and Giovanni Ribisi. Polaha is also still scheduled to appear during the fourth weekend of the Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City (December 19-21). Meanwhile, Polaha’s directorial debut, “Mimics,” is slated to premiere in theaters on February 6.
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Kristoffer Polaha Shares Touching ‘Moment of Pure Gratitude’ After Challenging Year