Hallmark Christmas Movies: Not just a guilty pleasure
Autumn Reeser. Kimberly Sustad. Erin Krakow.
Do those names sound familiar? No?
Paul Campbell. Andrew Walker. Tyler Hynes.
How about them? Nothing yet? Sigh!!
What about Lacey Chabert and Ashley Williams?
Really? C’mon!!
Okay—I’m turning over all the cards and cutting you some slack. All of the above are actors that you’ll find on the Hallmark Channel. And now you’ll see them more than ever because it’s Christmas time over at Hallmark, which means Christmas movies 24/7. Actually, it’s been Christmas time over there since October—sigh.
I’m about to admit something to you that only a few people know—I like Hallmark movies—and not only the Christmas ones. In fact, I have one on right now as I’m writing this. That’s one good thing about them—you can do other things while watching them—excellent for multitasking.
And I found out the other night I’m not the only one who likes them. I was in a group that was talking about television. I joined in with my Hallmark revelation and instead of being made fun of, a few others said they watch them, too. Then, I mentioned that I have fifteen or so recorded—and again, I wasn’t alone.
When someone asked if I liked or tolerated them, I thought about it for a minute and then answered, “Both.”
So let’s cut to the chase: What do I like about Hallmark Movies?
First: It is mindless entertainment. You don’t have to think too hard to figure out the plot or the ending—especially the ending. Let me help you out with this—the boy and the girl will overcome whatever hurdles are thrown at them to eventually get together and kiss in the final scene. Sorry if that was a spoiler alert and I killed your buzz.
Second and most importantly: IT’S NOT THE NEWS!!
If you think the world is tough to take right now and watching the news makes it worse, what’s your alternative? Hallmark movies are about as opposite as you can get. If the events in the world bum you out, which Rachel do you think will make you feel better—Maddow or Boston? Yeah, I realize you probably don’t know who Rachel Boston is. You can Google her, but I’m sure that won’t help. You’ll have to trust me on this one.
If after reading this, you might be thinking, maybe, just maybe I need mindless entertainment in my life, well, you better hurry. The Hallmark Christmas season ends after New Year’s Day. Then it’ll be back to regular programming which includes reruns of Reba and The Golden Girls. I guess that’s okay. At this point, I’ll still take Blanche and Sophia ahead of Rachel Maddow.
Okay, kids, I need to end this. Another Hallmark Christmas movie is starting. Hey look, they’re in Chicago. The lead actress is telling her co-workers she quitting her job and moving to a small town somewhere in the mountains. She says she needs to take things slower and lessen the stress in her life. Ah yes, the very same reason we watch and like, not tolerate, these mindless movies. Oh, and don’t you worry about that stressed actress. I’m pretty sure there will be a kiss in her future.