{"id":2383387,"date":"2024-12-24T13:05:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-24T18:05:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-enduring-appeal-of-hallmark-christmas-movies-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-12-24T13:07:37","modified_gmt":"2024-12-24T18:07:37","slug":"the-enduring-appeal-of-hallmark-christmas-movies-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-enduring-appeal-of-hallmark-christmas-movies-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"The enduring appeal of Hallmark Christmas movies &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthe-enduring-appeal-of-hallmark-christmas-movies-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2383387&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The summarized article discusses the \u2063lasting appeal of Hallmark Christmas\u2062 movies, highlighting their \u200dunique charm despite often predictable plots and character types. Thes films\u200c resonate deeply with audiences, not for their realism but for their portrayal of worldwide\u2064 desires for connection,\u2062 meaning, and \u2062hope during the holiday \u2062season. \u200cCentral themes typically revolve around romantic relationships,family reunions,and community interactions,providing a contrast to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/worlds-first-christian-fan-owned-movie-studio-cuts-in-on-hollywood-with-family-comedy-about-bible-camp\/\" title=\"Christian Fan-Owned Movie Studio Makes Hollywood Debut with Bible Camp Comedy\">real-life issues<\/a> like family estrangement\u2014approximately 27% of American adults reportedly experience \u2063this. The article emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships for emotional and physical well-being, supported by research from\u2063 institutions like Pew Research Center and Harvard \u2064University, which \u2062reveal that \u2062fulfilling relationships are\u200b crucial for happiness and\u200c longevity. Hallmark movies successfully capture the essence of human connection, evoking ideals of \u2062love and community that many aspire to.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">The enduring appeal of Hallmark Christmas movies<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1916907\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Whether you hate them or love them, there is no denying the enduring popularity of Hallmark-style <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/Christmas-movies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Christmas movies<\/a>. No other genre is able to pull off such similar plots, oddly specific festivals, and character tropes quite like the romantic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/holiday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">holiday<\/a> specials that inundate our screens every winter. Their appeal is not realism or plausibility but in portraying the very real desires that the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/restoring-america\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\"> American<\/a> public is struggling to fulfill: connection, meaning, and hope.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Romantic relationships are the star of the show, but they are closely followed by the portrayal of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/family\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">family<\/a>. Many of the stories begin with the protagonists going home for the holidays, often after a protracted period of time away, to reunite with their loving, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/the-young-men-and-the-sea\/\" title=\"The Young Men and the Sea\">close-knit families<\/a>. Yet, in real life, family estrangement is more common than you might think.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/news.cornell.edu\/stories\/2020\/09\/pillemer-family-estrangement-problem-hiding-plain-sight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Research<\/a> from Cornell University&rsquo;s Family Estrangement and Reconciliation Project found that 27% of American adults are estranged from close family members &mdash; nearly a third of American adults, which is troubling.&nbsp;In the world of Hallmark, families are safe, aside from a degree of pushiness to date that leads to faked relationships and even kidnapping.<\/p>\n<p>Whether familial, romantic, or platonic, we all want healthy relationships with loved ones. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2023\/09\/14\/what-makes-for-a-fulfilling-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Pew Research Center<\/a>, 61% of adults view close friendships as essential for a fulfilling life. Relationships can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/new-study-majority-of-working-parents-are-burned-out-but-this-diet-helps\/\" title=\"New Study: Majority of Working Parents Are Burned Out\u2014But This Diet Helps\">improve physical health<\/a>. In 1938, Harvard started one of the longest-running studies on happiness. Through the years, the study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/news.harvard.edu\/gazette\/story\/2017\/04\/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">positive relationships were a key factor in living longer<\/a>, more important even than genetics.<\/p>\n<p>Good relationships bring more than emotional fulfillment, and the need for human connection permeates all kinds of relationships, even those between strangers. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pnas.org\/doi\/10.1073\/pnas.2120668119\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">2022 study<\/a>, regular interaction with a range of people, from those you do not know to the best of friends, is a unique predictor of greater happiness. Christmas movies excel at portraying the positive side of these encounters in small towns with friendly neighbors, mysterious strangers who may or may not be Santa in disguise, and the magic of unexpected connections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>While leaving a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\">big city marketing job<\/a> to save a struggling Christmas tree farm is a trope, it reflects a common disconnect between our jobs and our lives. In 2012, <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/165269\/worldwide-employees-engaged-work.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">72% of American and Canadian employees<\/a> cited being either &ldquo;actively disengaged&rdquo; or &ldquo;not engaged&rdquo; in their jobs. By 2023, the situation had improved a bit, with 51% of Americans claiming to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2023\/03\/30\/how-americans-view-their-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">highly satisfied<\/a> with their jobs in terms of relationships with their coworkers (but not in terms of compensation).<\/p>\n<p>When purpose and work are united, people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/capabilities\/people-and-organizational-performance\/our-insights\/the-search-for-purpose-at-work\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">report<\/a> better health, more resilience, and more productivity. The switch from a corporate career to a small business may not be the wisest financial decision, but it reminds viewers to be intentional about choosing a job for a paycheck and to find meaning outside of work or a career that aligns with their own sense of purpose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Human connection and meaning aside, hope is the third gift of Christmas movies. Anxiety is on the rise, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/news-room\/news-releases\/annual-poll-adults-express-increasing-anxiousness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">43% of American adults<\/a> more anxious than they were a year before. We are far more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/short-reads\/2023\/09\/18\/americans-are-more-pessimistic-than-optimistic-about-many-aspects-of-the-countrys-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">pessimistic<\/a> about moral standards, education, and the institutions of marriage and family in the United States&rsquo;s future than we are optimistic. We cannot predict the future of our own country as surely as we know the happy ending of a Christmas movie. The temporary shutting down of the annual Christmas festival in the town of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt19751484\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Mistletoe<\/a> is less concerning than the possibility of global war, but these movies highlight the beauty of people coming together, healing from past hurts, and a vision of a better reality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The holiday season offers an alternative to the biting cynicism and justifiable anxiety about the future of American society. It is the chance to dwell on what could be: loving families, tight-knit communities, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/chair-of-psychology-department-at-columbia-pens-book-about-taking-heroin-ecstasy-meth-bath-salts\/\" title=\"Chair Of Psychology Department At Columbia Pens Book About Taking Heroin, Ecstasy, Meth, Bath Salts\">work-life balance<\/a>, a meaningful career, and peace. Hallmark and Hallmark-esque movies are not known for portraying rational or realistic decisions, but they can still remind us of the people we love, activities worth doing, and a future worth having.<\/p>\n<p><em>Rebecca Richards is the director of the Fund for Academic Renewal, the philanthropic advisory service of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1916907\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1916907\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The lasting charm of Hallmark Christmas films<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3588,"featured_media":2383388,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/iStock-2182081238-1024x683.webp","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[47354,14890,11906],"class_list":["post-2383387","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-christmas-movies","tag-entertainment","tag-hallmark"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/iStock-2182081238-1024x683.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383387","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3588"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2383387"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383387\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2383391,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2383387\/revisions\/2383391"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2383388"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2383387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2383387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2383387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}