A Hallmark Christmas

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So if you’re anything like me and my family, then ever since October 31, you have been indulging in a two-month-long binge of Hallmark Christmas Movies.

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We’ve been DVR-ing them for weeks now, and have a solid 14 or 15 of them saved on our TV.

I know, I know. They’re all the same. Same cheesy predictable love storylines. Same midwestern-looking actors. Every plot has a snowball fight (in fake snow), an overly-heartfelt montage of Christmas baking/ice skating/gift wrapping/etc., a clunky sponsorship shot of a Balsam Hill fake Christmas tree, and of course, a Santa Claus figure – played by a jolly old man that has eaten one too many Christmas cookies.

But you know what — I love every. single. minute of them. And truth be told, I have a cheesy smile on my face throughout the entire thing!

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But I’ve come to realize, as I’ve causally let slip my affinity for all things Hallmark, that these movies have a bit of a cult-like following — albeit highly secretive. Whenever I mention Hallmark movies, people light up, and then express (with embarrassment) how much they love them too, and then sheepishly tell me that they have a number of them saved on their DVR as well.

People love ’em.

And over Thanksgiving, when we were tee-ing up our 3rd consecutive DVR’d Hallmark movie of the day, it made me question why.

Why do people love it so much? Because as a professional actor, I can tell you, it’s not from high cost cinematography, nor grandiose on-location sets, nor storylines that challenge the viewer.

Why? I think the answer lies much deeper than merely a longing for wholesome non-secular Christmas cheer.

I think at the end of the day, we’re all longing for a return to Christian humanity. An existence that isn’t fiercely divided along political party lines, nor cluttered with noise and judgement from a mainstream secular media with the sole agenda to undermine faith, and morality.

Hallmark movies transport you to an idealistic existence where family comes first, faith is not just respected – but expressed, and wholesome, monogamous relationships still exist.

Maybe that’s painting a bleak picture of what our world is like now, but I’m afraid I’m not too far off.

I have yet to see a Hallmark movie that involves a hookup dating app, or the culmination of a love story ending with a more-than-friends-but-unwilling-to-commit cohabitation situation with no ring in sight.

Nope. In Hallmark movies, neighbors love one another. Living for the good of others is the way of life. And families cherish time together.

We all have a deep yearning for that beautiful way of life. And for good reason.

We were created for community. God created us with hearts designed to love one another.

Mark 12:30 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Want to know the magic of a Hallmark movie? It’s right there. That is the underlying foundation upon which every cheesy storyline is built: Love God, and Love your neighbor.

It’s no wonder that we all are infatuated with these Hallmark gems: they reflect a world that exists as we were created to exist.

My challenge for us today is simple: right now, with all the hustle and bustle of getting everything ready for Christmas, let’s not forget the purpose of that Very First Christmas. Christ came to earth as a baby to love. To love us all the way to the Cross.

So let’s follow His lead. And let’s try to live our lives the Hallmark way: loving one another, and celebrating the true joy of Christmas, fake snowball fights and all. 🙂

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

170 thoughts on “A Hallmark Christmas”

  1. Great post! Yes, I’m a closet Hallmark watcher too. LOL I think we also like the simplicity and predictability of Hallmark stories. Our lives are so unpredictable that sometimes we want to know that things are going to end happily. As a parent, it’s also nice to be able to watch something and not have to worry what my child will see when I leave the room. I know they won’t see something inappropriate for their age that I’ll have to spend the next 30 minutes explaining. It’s nice to walk away from a movie with a good feeling. Blessings and enjoy your Hallmark binge!

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    1. Thank you so much Lisa!! Haha let’s start a club! 🎅🏼🎅🏼🎅🏼 That’s such a great point too – they’re so family friendly!! Same to you, friend! Hugs and love xox

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      3. I’ll let you know when it’s out. Both of my other books are feel good sort of Hallmark stories too, just without the romance factor.

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  2. I’m a Hallmark movie aficionado, as well! I love those movies, and there are so many to love! I also think you make an excellent point. So much so, that I think watching a ton of Hallmark movies (at least for me) can often leave me discouraged and dissatisfied with my life. Why? Because we long for that perfect ending, that complete and unconditional love that we don’t see on this side of eternity–aside from in Christ.

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    1. Thanks so much! That’s such a profound point. I think you’re absolutely right. We long for that perfect ending! Hugs and love xox

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  5. Beautiful reflection! Most movies and TV series now have turned the virtues and values upside down, and people think that’s the norm and what they have to expect from life… but of course deep down we all long for something else, even if a lot of people don’t dare to believe it.

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  8. I love what you have to say here! I too love Hallmark movies and I agree that there is something special in the simplicity of them. It’s honestly amazing how Hallmark repackaged the same plot line and yet still have such a loyal fan base. That is talent😂

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  10. Sooooo, do you know about the Hallmark APP? It lists all the movies for both Hallmark channels with their showtimes AND sends alerts prior to them airing. Best part: you can ‘check them off’ after you’ve viewed one. I no longer wonder if I’ve missed a New Release (because the tittles are all so similar I have a hard time remembering until I’m a few minutes into one. Giggles.). I believe a silent majority of us all have hearts that harken back to a time that was kinder and gentler and focused on a morally enriched drive to live ones life. Hugs and blessings to you for the wonderful reminder we are NOT alone in our thinking.

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    1. Whaaaaat?!!!! OH MY GOSH this is amazing! You have just changed my life!!! Haha thanks Dawn! And so true – a kinder and gentler time. Hope you’re having a beautiful week! Hugs and love xox

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  11. i love hallmark movies and your right “every cheesy storyline is built: Love God, and Love your neighbor.” mainstream secular media can never understand this. nice read,thankss

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  13. Yes. Yes. Yes. I love the Hallmark Christmas movies. I don’t watch a lot of TV and when I was flipping channels I accidentally landed on Hallmark and I haven’t stopped watching since. Yes they are predictable, cheesy, whatever anyone wants to say about them, I love them 🙂

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  14. Great point! I know I love them bc they just make me feel good. And, knowing I can watch them and not have to pause it when the kids come in the room makes me feel good too. They are about finding happiness when you least expect it. No drama. Nothing inappropriate. No swearing or nudity. Just some nice, wholesome shows!

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