BRAINERD — I’m not going to lie — life is a lot right now.
The days are short, the nights are cold, and some moments are just sad after what seems like an unending cycle of upsetting news lately. Sometimes joy is hard to find, and all I want to do is curl up in the biggest of blankets and ignore the world.
But other times, when I take a step back and take stock of the life I’m fortunate to have, I remember everything I love about this time of year — the twinkling lights; the glistening, snow-covered landscape; the festive songs; and the cheery, wholesome movies — much of which can still be enjoyed with my big, cozy blankets.
Those cheesy holiday movies are what I want to focus on right now.
As some readers likely know, I’ve always been a sucker for a good Hallmark Christmas movie. They’re tame, predictable and maybe even a little cringey, but they’re a staple of my holiday season. This year, more than ever, they’re proving to be the thing that helps get me through — the thing that lets me escape the real world for a couple hours at a time and get sucked into the magical holly jolly realm where true love reigns supreme, where everyone loves Christmas in the end, and where everything turns out OK.
I’ve already given readers a rundown of the new
holiday shows
on Hallmark this year, so now it’s time for the network’s bread and butter — it’s Christmas movies.
These feature-length films with the small-town guys in flannel who fall for the big-city girls focused only on work are Hallmark’s ultimate product. For some (like me) they’re what makes the world go ‘round this time of year and what reminds me to slow down and look for the joy in life.
So let’s talk new movies. Twenty-four new films premier this year, many having already aired since the Countdown to Christmas began back in October. But if you’ve missed any of them, rest assured Hallmark will provide many more opportunities to catch movies new and old through the end of the year.
A few of the highlights this year include football, cats, interfaith relationships and the Grand Ole Opry.
For those who were fans of last year’s Kansas City Chiefs Christmas movie, complete with cameos by Donna Kelce, Andy Reid and several Chiefs players, this year Hallmark moves northeast to Buffalo, New York with “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.”
The only new movie I can vouch for so far this year, the Bills flick is a lot of fun for fans of both football and Hallmark. Morgan reunites with childhood neighbor Gabe, both of whom are lifelong Bills fans and continue family traditions revolving around the team. But with the new stadium being built for next season, it’s their last Christmas at Highmark Stadium. Head Coach Sean McDermott makes an appearance, as do running back Ray Davis, safety Damar Hamlin and Bills legend Jim Kelly.
No one who knows me will find it at all surprising that the Hallmark movie I’m most excited for this year is “Christmas at the Catnip Cafe.” Olivia inherits her late great aunt’s New York cat cafe and plans to sell it until she meets the owner of the other half of the business — a veterinarian who convinces her to give the cafe a go. Obviously the story sounds great, but let’s be honest, I’m in it for the cats.
“Oy to the World” explores the relationship between Christian youth choir director Nikki and Jewish youth choir director Jake, who butt heads at first before realizing they’ve got plenty of common interests despite their differing faiths.
For music lovers, “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” features former country music star Gentry, who’s transported back in time when asked to represent her late father at the Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas celebration. Her trip back in time with lifelong friend Mac might just be the thing she needs to start making music again.
Hallmark stars like Lacey Chabert, Ashley Williams, Erin Krakow, Jonathan Bennett, Tyler Hynes and so many other fan favorites are back again with new content but the same holiday cheer.
It’s below zero with the wind chill as I write this, and all I can think about is going home to a steaming cup of hot chocolate, a warm blanket and my comfy couch to throw on a Hallmark movie and remind myself of the little things that make life joyful and this time of year extra special.
I’m already wearing my fuzzy socks, so I’m practically halfway there.
And for anyone who wants to make their Hallmark watching even more fun this season, I’m back with a new version of Hallmark Christmas Bingo.
I’ve included a premade card with a few of my favorite tropes on it, along with a blank version for anyone who has their own ideas and wants to make a unique card. Those cards are available with the online version at
BrainerdDispatch.com
.
Whether you go for coverall, four corners or the traditional five in a row, I hope this little game helps brighten your holiday season.
