November 30
Hallmark Christmas Movies
Unlike the classic movies of Christmas, such as Meet Me in St. Louisand White Christmas, and the beloved cartoons starring Rudolph and Frosty, the Countdown to Christmas that began on October 23 on the Hallmark Channel is relatively new, having just completed its first decade, but what a decade it’s been. There are three categories of people in this regard: those who have never watched a Hallmark Christmas movie, those who’ve watched one or two and feel as though they’ve seen them all, and those who can’t wait for the channel to kick off the films that bring Christmas to life for them each year.
Those in the first two categories often take on a superior air when the subject comes up, proud to cling to their purity when a Facebook question asks if they’ve ever watched a Hallmark movie. A friend of a friend told of her experience: “Never, NEVER thought I would say this . . . It all started two years ago. I have an elderly client (88) who got me hooked. When I go over for a visit and she has it on, I’m sucked in and can’t leave till it’s over.” Sappy? Yes. Corny? Yes. Obvious, predictable, mindless? Yes, yes, and absolutely. “And yet I love it.” She notes her exhaustion with life’s challenges, and admits: “Watching the Hallmark Christmas movies with precious older people is a nice escape. Wow, admitting that felt good!”
Unlike real life, Hallmark Christmas movies nearly always have a happy ending. Christmas Under Wrapsreminds us, “You can listen to your mind, but you have to follow your heart,” for there is goodness in this world. Perhaps Hallmark Christmas movies do have a purpose, helping us to think on what is lovely, if just for ninety minutes.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT).
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