It is my distinct privilege today to feature yet another blogger whom I have known online for quite some time. Rissi owns and runs the popular blog Finding Wonderland, and I am happy to share her thoughts today on Hallmark and their wondrous Hallmark Christmas romances.

Ten years ago, Hallmark Channel debuted its popular Countdown to Christmas campaign. Of course, back in 2009, while still festive, the scale wasn’t nearly what it is now. Its game plan was a handful of Christmas movie originals that were cheerful and made complete with a little tree trimming. Today, the campaign is more of an epic event that numbers 40-some all-new originals in one season, which needs to run from the end of October through the end of December to squeeze all this in.

I don’t remember the first Hallmark Christmas movie I ever watched, but do remember it being an anticipatory tradition to watch the three-times-a-year Hallmark Hall of Fame originals, one of which usually aired in November, just in time for Christmas. From the oldie A Season for Miracles with Carla Gugino to the beautiful drama Fallen Angel with Gary Sinise, you could say I was a Hallmark fan long before I met their seasonal romantic-comedies.

One of my earlier memories of a movie under the Hallmark Channel banner is the cute A Boyfriend for Christmas; a movie I was only able to see thanks to a late night at my aunt’s during its premiere. Following Boyfriend, another early days DVD I snagged was The Christmas Card with Alice Evans.
Amid the script commonalities, it’s these memories that remind me why legions of people find these original romances so special.

There’s something infectious about these movies. They’re charming, feature a bevy of familiar faces, and best of all, they evoke a kind of old-fashioned storytelling modern cinema has lost.

There’s something about a romance that’s sweet that speaks to everyone. Every one of these seasonal love stories presents this picture. They live by morals, and because of this, we feel better about rooting for the eventual happy end we know will come. It’s just a matter of “how” it will all play out.

Matt Cohen, Brittany Bristow Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster

I’d guess it’s fair to say we all have our favorite from the ten-plus years of archives that is Hallmark’s Christmas programs. But one thing cannot be argued. Each one is of the same ilk, and that is what speaks to the viewers who return year after year to this traditional campaign. It’s gotten so that the Countdown to Christmas movies are a part of family traditions. We watch them on a snowy Saturday night in with a cup of hot cocoa and our favorite blanket; we play them while we busily wrap gifts to inspire festive cheer; or if you’re like mine, we talk about our favorites with family while ripping open that wrapping paper.

Beth Broderick Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Dolsen

All of this matters because in each story not only is there a love story we love to cheer for, they also foster traditions, and the value of family.

Candid Shot
The Christmas Club

These, and many more are all reasons why these Christmas stories are so special, and in today’s world of social media battles, uplifting entertainment shouldn’t be taken for granted. It would seem Hallmark Channel understands this, and with each new story they tell, we fall a little bit more under their spell. I’m 100% okay with this.

Check Inn to Christmas

Do you have any fond memories of the first Countdown to Christmas movie you saw? Is there one that stands out as being a favorite? What are the reasons you consider these stories special? Comment down below with your thoughts on any and all of the Hallmark conversations!

Ali Liebert, Peter Porte Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: David Astorga

Thank you so much, Ruth for kindly inviting me to visit My Devotional Thoughts today. It was a pleasure to visit and share some thoughts on one of our shared favorite TV addictions: the Hallmark Channel.

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