Here’s our picture-perfect joy to the world this holiday season.
Ever wonder what’s beyond the greetings?
Same with those Hallmark Christmas chick movies. You only have to unwrap one to get to the heart of them all.
With a predictable, sappy plot, the girl always gets the guy at the end.
Yet, I’ve fallen in love, too.
Whatever has brought me to this?
Covid.
Yup! You know the ole quarantine drill–it rhymes with the guillotine for a reason. It feels like a similar life sentence. Five days of being secluded from family and friends at Christmas is enough time for strangers to fall in love in a Hallmark movie.
So out came the remote control and the Hallmark channel (all-Christmas-all-the-time to the rescue!) I sprinkled in a dash of Netflix and Lifetime original Christmas movies, which couldn’t hurt a girl, either.
I can feel you rolling your eyes.
Watching them is one thing, but was falling in love so necessary?
Capture the magic with me. I’ll take you through the twelve days of Christmas through any of these classics. You might fall in love, too.
Revealing The Top 12 Features of a Hallmark Christmas Movie:
Feature 1: The ruggedly handsome bachelor
Don’t be surprised when the first rugged, good-looking man you see happens to be an eligible bachelor. And if he happens to be wearing a business suit or jeans, don’t let that fool you; there’s more to learn about this stranger.
Feature 2: The non-threatening female lead
The woman, whether a baker or a high-powered executive who seems way too annoying to get anyone’s attention, is not so beautiful as to pose a threat to us other women but pretty enough to win over the guy.
Feature 3: The failing business dilemma
There will be a failing business or someone overly concerned with work/money.
Feature 4: The bitter and lonely past
Somebody will have died around Christmas in the past, leaving the survivor bitter and lonely. When everyone else is happy, one person will be swearing off Christmas.
Feature 5: It’ll be wholesome
Okay, not literally swearing. That brings us to another Hallmark movie standby: No cursing!
Feature 6: Lavish Christmas decorations
There will be an inn, B&B, or a family home decked out with lights and garland that cost way more than any of the character’s combined salaries. Come to think of it, even when they leave the Family Room with the cozy fire, no matter where they go, even in the kitchen or to grab an errand in town, there will be holiday decorations in the background.
Feature 7: Baking Christmas cookies
There will be baking (or a bakery). Someone somewhere will be making Christmas cookies. If you’re romantic enough, you can smell them wafting through the TV oven.
Feature 8: Snowy montage
Yes, there’ll be snow–everywhere. And the obligatory snow montage will occur after the characters have had a few days to get to know each other. It will feel timeless, as if they’ve known each other forever, even though one will live under pretenses.
Feature 9: Secrets and fallouts
There will be a secret that, if revealed (and it will), will make the other person fall out of love and call off the budding romance. Close your eyes if you must; it’ll be brief.
Feature 10: No foggy breaths
When everyone talks, their breath won’t fog up when they speak outside in the cold. (That’s only for us mere cold-weather breathers).
Feature 11: Mom and Pop’s victory
Note that big business/real estate will fight the underdog (the small village). And though it won’t look like that Mom and Pop shop has a chance, the little guys always win.
Feature 12: Dinner reconciliation
The love interest/opposing forces will say yes to dinner. How else will they reconcile, make amends, and get together?
You haven’t fallen as hard as I have? They’re monotonous. Or shall we call it nostalgia? Or is it more like escapism?
I watched enough to be the Christmas chick flick guru. And now I understand what’s at the heart of their irresistible charm; end the show montage now, please–vulnerability.
When we’re vulnerable, we find the Christmas spirit, believe in the good, and spread joy to the world.
If these characters can be vulnerable (and we see them do it repeatedly), we can be authentic, too.
No wonder I felt less isolated and lonely and forgot I had Covid.
These movies tap into relatable emotions, sentimental themes, and familiar plot lines with a cozy holiday backdrop.
It reminded me of a fundamental truth: we can find true love, whether in love or friendship, money matters, charity, or health. We can find anything if we open ourselves up to hope and joy.
So now you know the truth about me: I’ve fallen for those sappy Christmas chick flicks every time (even though I’m fully aware that no sap falls from those Hallmark Christmas trees). With the help of a Hallmark movie, I can unwrap the heart of Christmas and remember to be vulnerable and in love again.
Can’t you smell the cookies baking?
lolol well-done!! well-said!
It made me laugh too both times I wrote it—I lost the first version. So glad you had fun with it too!! xoxo
Fellow Hallmark Christmas Movie lover here🙋🏼♀️ And yes, I can smell the cookies (and the hot cocoa😆). You nailed it!!
Yes, the hot cocoa—you are a Hallmark Christmas movie lover!!! You’re the real deal!!! Sending you love and Hallmark hugs this Christmas!!! xoxo
Wow! A Christmas Home Run. How you circle the bases and reach home plate is stunning!! You may call this muse your second-best attempt, but it always ends up being the best! Thank you for the giggles you bring to my heart – with Covid and all. Joy IS the heart and hallmark of the season – no matter what’s happening – and you wrap it up so nicely!
The chick flicks are great but the “catch” is the year-round magic and Christmas spirit you pass on that light up our days until the next Hallmark movie comes around. May God bless your gift.
Wishing Joy to the Ortiz’s and the World this Christmas! Feliz Navidad!! xoxo
I love to write to hear your responses!!! You are my muse and I carry you in my heart always!! You are my Christmas gift no matter the season. I love you so!!! Sending that joy back at you and your family, dear Nuria!!! 💚❤️💚❤️