It’s 9pm and I have a choice to make. Any other month of the year I would choose sleep. But this is December, and the Hallmark Christmas Channel is calling my name. I must admit, it was only a few years ago that I denounced these movies as useless fluff. I was right, they are fluff, but I no longer see them as useless. They serve a very real purpose for me. My daily routine is a little easier knowing after homework is done, bathes have been given, and everyone is snug in their beds I get to sneak away with a cup of tea, alone in my living room, under a very warm blanket and the glow of the Christmas tree to watch the big city boyfriend get dumped, a lonely women fall in love with a ghost at the inn she is selling, or witness a miraculous transformation of a scrooge just in time for Christmas. Yes, all of these are real movies I have watched.
So, what is it about these movies that specifically resonate with moms like me?
Let’s delve into the reasons behind the undeniable allure of a Hallmark Christmas.
First let’s break down the movies themselves. Hallmark has the recipe more dialed in than your grandma’s famous Snowball Cookie recipe.
Hallmark Movies
Step One: Cast a somewhat familiar actor. Tiffany Amber Thiessen, Luke Perry, and Candace Cameron come to mind.
Step Two: Introduce them to us at a very stressful point in their lives. Needing a break, a failing business, or a workaholic that doesn’t understand Christmas. Don’t worry all this will change.
Step Three: Insert the love interest. Often, they are trying to take over the failing family business, or they are an overzealous Christmas enthusiast who must teach everything about the holiday in a pressed amount of time. Oh, and the characters most likely hate each other at first, but are forced into a situation where they must work together.
Step Four: Characters are now, somehow, in an idyllic small town, village or tree farm. They drink endless amounts of hot cocoa and cider, and are often prepping for an annual event that the ENTIRE town will participate in.
Step Five: After a misunderstanding, with mild conflict the main characters bond over small cheesy tasks and fall in love. Giving up everything to now live in a magical world where the Christmas spirit guides everything. THE END.
Side Note: It is probable that the kind jolly man giving whimsical advice throughout the movie is actually Santa.
RELATED TOPIC: Become a Hallmark Heroine
Why We Love These Movies
Not only are the plots repetitive but they are very predictable, and quite improbable. For example. Big city girl is about to take the Bar Exam and work for her Dad taking over the family law firm when she realizes her dream to become an ice sculptor is more pressing. She finds out the annual ice sculpturing contest, in the small town where she grew up, is being canceled forever and it becomes her mission to save it. Yes, this is a real plot!
I decided to poll my friends to see just what it is about these movies that we love so much.
Many expressed that this tradition is a welcome reprieve from juggling family, work, and various responsibilities that can be overwhelming. The picturesque settings, charming characters, and idyllic small towns create a magical world that allows us to momentarily step away from reality and immerse themselves in a simpler, more enchanting place.
One friend, a mother of 4 girls, wrote:
“It’s feel-good, an easy mindless watch when you just want to have a moment to breathe! Regular shows can be intense, or drama filled. The Hallmark Channel is just cute (but ridiculous). The story plot is all the same, so you don’t have to really watch it intensely…I watch them ALONE! I don’t want anyone knowing that I enjoy cheesy romance stories about a baker who bakes her way into the heart of the man who is trying to foreclose on her bakery.” – Joslynn
I learned a few things talking to my girlfriends; first and foremost, almost ALL of them watch alone, like Joslynn mentions above. One friend watched with their adult daughter, and they liked to laugh at the movie together. Another friend watched with her husband but we were sworn to secrecy to never mention it!
A lot of friends like the overall tradition of the scenes. These films often showcase timeless holiday customs, from tree decorating and cookie baking to community events and festive celebrations. The visual appeal is undeniable. From snow-covered landscapes to beautifully decorated homes and quaint town squares, these films capture the essence of a winter wonderland. Moms, who often play a central role in creating a festive atmosphere at home, are drawn to the charming seasonal aesthetics that the movies showcase, inspiring them to infuse a bit of that magic into their own holiday decorations.
But overall, what most of my friends said is that when they watch the movies they feel happy. Hallmark Christmas movies are renowned for their feel-good vibes and uplifting narratives. These films almost always have a happy ending, where love triumphs, conflicts resolve, and the holiday spirit prevails. In a world filled with uncertainties, we appreciate the reliable comfort that a Hallmark movie brings, providing a guaranteed dose of positivity and cheer during the festive season.
A Cherished Moment
This December you will know where to find me after 9pm. Cozy on the couch, ALONE, watching Hallmark Christmas movies. It has become a cherished part of the holiday experience for me and many moms, offering an escape, a dose of nostalgia, and a reaffirmation of the importance of family, love, and ridiculous movie plots!
