Hallmark Season

You can laugh at me all you want. This is the time of year that I load up the DVR with Hallmark movies and mysteries. Why- you may ask – when there are so many other choices on Netflix and Prime and Hulu and Peacock? Because they make me smile.

Sure, the plots are silly and predictable, – some might say corny- but they focus on positive emotions. – Hope, happiness, love, gratitude,and appreciation. The characters recognize their faults and accept blame. The families have silly traditions and photo albums. They strive to make connections and help others. Everyone speaks thoughtfully. They are kind – They use please and thank you. Goodness always prevails.

I find the predictability comedic and comforting all at the same time. No matter what the dilemma, the characters are able to let it go – give it time -be true to themselves and not overthink it. The workaholic slows down and discovers the wonders of nature. The career driven go home and rediscover their roots. The characters discover the benefits of helping and forgiving others. They read, they bake, they craft. They run small businesses. They take pictures. They celebrate the seasons. They drink hot chocolate and make s’mores. They encourage children. They take care of orphans. They have pets. They model responsibility and doing the right thing. They are sentimental.

Like the original movie studios- Hallmark has a stable of actors who appear in different roles and productions in a way that reminds me of my old local community theater. Familiar faces pop up from 70s TV series shows and other previous Hallmark productions regularly. Many of the productions are shot on location in Canada – mostly near Vancouver- to provide small town settings with a few pseudo European destinations thrown in for castles and royalty. So the scenery is remarkable.

It’s not for everyone. It doesn’t require thought. It’s not realistic. It is saccharine. For me, it is an escape from the relentless news cycle of politics, pandemics, pain,suffering, death and ignorance that intrude daily into my thoughts. It’s a break from grownups behaving badly and bragging about it. It’s a world where empathy trumps privilege, time after time. It’s a 60 minute refuge that’s good for my aging psyche and reminds me of simpler times. It leaves me with a smile. That’s all and it’s enough.

Thank you Hallmark

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