That’s right, everyone! It is officially Hallmark Christmas movie season! Whether you think these movies are too cheesy or you love them just as much as I do, I urge you to read this article to get the scoop on what makes Hallmark Christmas movies good or bad, along with some of my favorites from a lifetime of watching them. Yes, it’s true, everyone. I am a Hallmark Christmas movie fanatic. I used to have an official Hallmark Christmas movie sweater I would wear when I watched them. But even without that sweater, my whole family loves to cozy up with blankets and sit down and watch some cheesy, romantic, classic Hallmark Christmas movies.
You may say, “These movies are too cheesy even to sit through.” While that is a valid point, I believe the movies’ cheesy romanticism makes them fun and charming. However, I acknowledge that there are some Hallmark Christmas movies that I find to be too much or just plain bad. For example, when any movie with Allison Sweeney appears, my mom and I immediately turn off the TV. Something about her makes us feel like the movie is unwatchable. Her acting style (facial expressions, fluctuations in like delivery, etc.) falls a little flat, making us feel iffy about any movies she is in. The key to enjoyable Hallmark Christmas movie watching is finding what you do and don’t like about them and sticking with it.
The remakes of some of my favorite movies are ones I steer clear from because they can never be quite like the original. Of course, having to sit through a boring storyline is a risk you have to take. You sometimes watch at least 15 minutes of the movie before you discover it’s dry and dull. I have watched even an hour of some of these movies before, and I was like, “Oh my, this is incredibly boring.” To be honest, the movies where they bring the big stars like Mariah Carey or Dolly Parton are not my favorites. It usually has something to do with a concert that could “save Christmas,” and that storyline doesn't pique my interest. This is because I have sat through enough elementary Christmas concerts in my lifetime, so I don’t need to watch a whole movie about one. Furthermore, the “Northpole” series is one that I just can’t stand. It is just an Elf coming to help a little boy with many other plots mushed in, and I just cannot enjoy those movies. They are almost too cheesy, even for Hallmark.
Let’s get to some of my favorites and what makes them perfect and re-watchable. First, the big reveal of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movie: “Window Wonderland.” This quickly became my favorite when I first watched it six or so years ago. This movie follows two window dressers, Sloan and Jake, competing for head window designer for MacGuire’s (basically Macy’s). Secrets abound as they get closer and closer to each other, as well as Christmas, where whoever makes the best window for Christmas will win the position. While this one can be predictable, many twists and turns make it impossible to predict it all. This movie is charming and hilarious and features one of my favorite Hallmark guys, Paul Campbell. Another one of my favorite movies stars two of my favorite Hallmark people, and it’s called “The Nine Lives of Christmas.” As you may have guessed, this movie has much to do with cats. This movie is so adorable (not just because of the cats) and romantic. Marilee starts to crush on a local fireman, whom she calls “brown eyes” (his real name is Zachary). How will they meet? What’s with the cats? You’ll just have to watch and find out! And, of course, who could forget the trifecta of genius royal-themed movies: “A Crown for Christmas,” “A Princess for Christmas,” and “A Royal Christmas.” They may all sound the same, but each actress brings a different perspective and element to each movie, making them unforgettable.
I have so many other favorites that I could share with you, but Hallmark Christmas movies are about finding your own favorites. I hope I have inspired someone to become an avid Hallmark Christmas movie fan. There’s no shame in watching movies where there isn’t much of a deep plot. These are people simply enjoying Christmastime, which is what we all should be doing. Happy Holidays, everyone! Be safe, and have a wonderful time with friends and family. And go out and watch some Hallmark Christmas movies.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.