Merry Christmas, Everyone!
'Tis the last weekend before Christmas, dear friends!
How did the holiday season slip by so quickly this year? May we all cherish these last days leading to Christmas Day! I know many of you, like myself, are extra busy getting things done and preparing for this special time - shared with family, friends, and loved ones.
I've included below the last NEW Christmas movie drop that runs Thursday through Sunday. Hopefully, you'll find something you want to see!
This weekend, there's quite a variety of movie themes - with the Nutcracker ballet, country music, puppies, mystery, and more!
See all of the details below...
Thursday, December 19, 2024:
Storyline: Michelle (Ricci) is the dreamer of her family, always brimming with imaginative ideas to make the world a better place. This Christmas, her sister Keri desperately needs a new home, and Michelle hatches a creative plan to help. Starting with just a Christmas stocking, she sets out to trade her way up to something far greater—a house for Keri. While Keri dismisses it as a far-fetched idea, local reporter Dan (Xavier) is intrigued. Assigned to cover Michelle's story, Dan follows her closely, and as her plan gains attention, he starts to see the world through her hopeful eyes. As Michelle and Dan grow closer, so do their feelings for each other. But when it seems her plan has failed and she fears ruined her relationship with Keri, Michelle is ready to give up. It's Dan’s love and belief in her that reignites hope just when she needs it most.
Premieres Thursday, December 19, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery
Saturday, December 21, 2024:
Storyline: Songwriter Brooke has the decision of a lifetime to make when a charming executive makes promises of fortune and glory that require leaving her best friend and writing partner behind.
Premieres Saturday, December 21, 2024
at 7pm/c. on UPtv
Saturday, December 21, 2024:
Premieres Saturday, December 21, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Movie Review:
🎄 Christmas in Scotland. Cute movie. I’ll give pretty much any movie based in Scotland a watch and I loved that this one was filmed locally and we could see authentic scenery and set locations instead of it being somewhere in Canada. The script and the premise are rather lacking and the movie had some typical “eye roll” moments but it also had its share of sweet and warm moments (the hot chocolate game was a cute and unique twist on a Christmas-movie staple) and I appreciated hearing some genuine UK accents instead of Americans faking it. The lead actor was kind of different than the usual leading man but I thought he felt pretty genuine in his role. The lead actress was okay but I didn’t really think she was a perfect fit for a warm fuzzy Christmas role (she has the look of Autumn Reeser but her mannerisms and tone of voice comes off as much less lighthearted than Autumn, in my opinion). I could better see her in a role that is more serious or serious with a side of quirky or light sarcasm; maybe in a mystery movie as the serious detective or the coroner along with a male lead who can provide the touch of lightness and humor and also just a hint of romance. And the two leads didn’t have the greatest of romantic chemistry, it was okay but could have been better with different casting. (Also, I was not crazy that she had a loser boyfriend throughout the movie so it felt weird for her to be falling for another guy, even though the boyfriend was an ocean away.) One cringeworthy element to the movie was the actor that played her father - he was way over-acting to the point of being ridiculous (I’ve seen him in other roles years ago and he wasn’t nearly as horrible as this one; I was actually wondering if he’s had a stroke or something that affected the way he acts?). I’m not a huge fan of Reel One movies, I feel they tend to be a bit low-budget and the sound is usually rather bad, but I’m happy to say this one was good and fun for a one-time watch, for me. Family friendly (except there is a weird, awkward scene at the beginning of the movie where the loser boyfriend briefly says he’s rented them a suite at The Plaza hotel so they could spend Christmas there, implying they’d be sharing the room???). ~~Jane
Saturday, December 21, 2024:
Storyline: Mia (Lowndes), a meticulous webpage editor for the Seattle Tourism Board, finds herself unexpectedly navigating the holidays alone. As the only one working, she's drawn into an unusual encounter when she encounters a stray dog. Unsure how to handle the situation, she crosses paths with Max (Winner of Finding Mr. Christmas), a dog shelter owner. Mia agrees to let Max's ailing dog find solace with her newfound companion, in exchange for Max showing her the hidden gems of Seattle. Through their journey together, they both step out of their comfort zones, discovering new perspectives and forming a meaningful connection.
Premieres Saturday, December 21, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, December 22, 2024:
Premieres Sunday, December 22, 2024
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, December 22, 2024:
Small Town Christmas
2 New Episodes!
Small Town Christmas (Oxford, Miss.)
premieres Sunday, December 22
on UPtv at 9 p.m. ET
Hosted and executive-produced by Inside Edition’s national correspondent and best-selling Author Megan Alexander, each episode takes viewers to a different small town around the country. This delightful southern town, located in the heart of Mississippi, comes to life during the holidays. We take viewers around their annual “Holly Jolly Holidays festival, introduce you to some spectacular gingerbread displays, a walk down the peppermint trail promoting small business, learn holiday cooking secrets from local legend Mama Jo, and more! We end the episode with the famous lighting of the square! This episode of Small Town Christmas will leave your heart full of Southern hospitality and Christmas cheer for days.
Small Town Christmas (Bryson City, N.C.)
premieres Sunday, December 22
on UPtv at 9:30 p.m. ET
Hosted and executive-produced by Inside Edition’s national correspondent and best-selling Author Megan Alexander, each episode takes viewers to a different small town around the country. We celebrate a town known for Christmas hayrides at a legendary local farm, taste a Santa Sangria, worship at the local nativity pageant, and try to spot the elves all over town. Plus, a meaningful military tribute to local veterans by Santa himself and a Christmas train ride through the mountains of North Carolina. Oh, and did we mention everyone wears Christmas PJs? This is a Small Town Christmas you won’t want to miss!
Sunday, December 22, 2024:
Storyline: A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season’s performance of “The Nutcracker” and finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance.
Premieres Sunday, December 22, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Sunday, December 22, 2024:
Storyline: When Zoe (Brittany Bristow) writes to advice columnist “Dear Adora” to help save her relationship before the holidays, she puts the advice into practice, and it's disastrous - her boyfriend breaks up with her! When she tracks down Dear Adora to confront her, she discovers it's actually a man named Adam (Marcus Rosner). Zoe vows to keep Adam’s identity a secret if he helps her to repair her life via a series of Christmas themed events publicized by his column. When the interest in their activities gains huge traction, will they also find love?
Premieres Sunday, December 22, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
That's a Wrap... on NEW Christmas Movies!
Hopefully, you found a NEW Christmas movie you will enjoy this weekend, or perhaps, a Classic Christmas movie that you want to catch one more time before Christmas Day!
Besides the new movies, there are lots of other excellent Christmas movie choices this weekend, including: A Christmas Less Traveled, A Christmas Blessing, A Cinderella Christmas Ball, Once Upon a Christmas Wish, Get Him Back for Christmas, A Bluegrass Christmas, Dial S for Santa, Crown for Christmas, Sugarplummed, Following Yonder Star, Christmas at the Plaza, A Veteran's Christmas, Miss Christmas and many more!
Hallmark Channel's Extras This Weekend:
* "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" will have an extended cut version airing Friday night, December 20th, at 8pm/7c.
* "A Reason for the Season," which initially premiered on Hallmark Mystery, will air on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, December 21st, at 6pm/5c. (I believe this is the first time this movie has aired on the Hallmark Channel.)
* "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" will have an extended cut version airing Sunday night, December 22nd, at 8pm/7c.
Unfortunately, the previous schedule that was released, which had the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes airing on Great American Family on Christmas Day, was an error. At this point, the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes, which first aired in 2022, will be available to stream through Great American Pure Flix beginning Christmas Day. The Christmas episodes can also be streamed currently via Prime Video for free, if you subscribe to Amazon Prime - click here.
On a totally different note from this family show, I want to caution that one of Lifetime's new Christmas movie premieres this weekend, A Carpenter Christmas Romance, will have sexual content that is not family-friendly. I will not be watching this movie, and I just wanted to be certain you all were aware.
Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new Christmas movies listed above; however, you can see Jane's insightful review above for "Christmas in Scotland." If you'd also like to post a review for this movie or any of the other new Christmas movies, please be sure to share in comments.
Visit the *Christmas TV Schedule* for the dates and times of NEW Christmas movies.
You can find the 2024 Christmas Movie Review post *here*.
Hallmark Channel's Extras This Weekend:
* "Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story" will have an extended cut version airing Friday night, December 20th, at 8pm/7c.
* "A Reason for the Season," which initially premiered on Hallmark Mystery, will air on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, December 21st, at 6pm/5c. (I believe this is the first time this movie has aired on the Hallmark Channel.)
* "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" will have an extended cut version airing Sunday night, December 22nd, at 8pm/7c.
Unfortunately, the previous schedule that was released, which had the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes airing on Great American Family on Christmas Day, was an error. At this point, the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes, which first aired in 2022, will be available to stream through Great American Pure Flix beginning Christmas Day. The Christmas episodes can also be streamed currently via Prime Video for free, if you subscribe to Amazon Prime - click here.
On a totally different note from this family show, I want to caution that one of Lifetime's new Christmas movie premieres this weekend, A Carpenter Christmas Romance, will have sexual content that is not family-friendly. I will not be watching this movie, and I just wanted to be certain you all were aware.
Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new Christmas movies listed above; however, you can see Jane's insightful review above for "Christmas in Scotland." If you'd also like to post a review for this movie or any of the other new Christmas movies, please be sure to share in comments.
Visit the *Christmas TV Schedule* for the dates and times of NEW Christmas movies.
You can find the 2024 Christmas Movie Review post *here*.
Happy Christmas Movie-Watching!
Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!
Net 🎄
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
“Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:4-5
YES!!! THE END OF ALL THESE NEW MOVIES!!! I'm so burned out, I can barely get motivation just to get through 3 more new movies. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, You've been quite the Christmas movie watcher this holiday season!!! I can't express to you how grateful I am for your MANY review contributions this Christmas here at It's a Wonderful Movie. I'm sure you'll enjoy the reprieve come January with much less new content to watch. And you deserve it!
DeleteBut it's just one more weekend to go... you've got this, girl!!! You can do it!!! :) :)
Merry Christmas, my friend!!! :)
Thanks, I really need the break. :)
DeleteAnd also, Christmas Eve and Day is fully reserved for GAF's yearly marathon of their new movies, as expected. -Maria
Net, You have forgotten about Christmas on the Farm with Jill Wagner & her Family on Great American Family on Monday, December 23, 2024
ReplyDeleteI haven't forgotten about Jill Wagner's Christmas special. I'm very much looking forward to seeing it next week. I'll have a reminder post with this program on Monday.
DeleteBy the way, this is not my last Christmas post, just my last NEW Christmas movie post for 2024.
How did this month come so quickly! Yikes!! I’ve been so busy with prep, a new. Christmas sounds nice right now.
ReplyDeleteAbigail, Yes! This season has literally flown by. Merry Christmas to you, Sweetie, and your wonderful family!!! :)
DeleteFantastic report from GAF regarding it's ratings growth:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.greatamericanfamily.com/2024/12/19/great-american-familys-christmas-franchise-fuels-channels-growth-placing-it-among-the-top-25-just-three-years-after-launch/
-Maria
Such good news for Great American Family! Looking forward to what they are planning for 2025.
DeleteHere's a link to the January movies:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2024/12/great-american-familys-january-2025.html
What network does Small Town Christmas air on? I didn’t see any network information listed in the description.
ReplyDeleteKatie, Small Town Christmas is airing Sunday night on UPtv. Sorry I didn't previously include that info above. I just added it in. Thank you for letting me know. :)
DeleteMerry Christmas-watching weekend!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, too! Happy watching! :)
DeleteWhat movies are you looking forward seeing this weekend?
ReplyDeleteChris, I'm looking forward to seeing North by North Pole: A Dial S Mystery, A Royal Christmas Ballet, and Engaged by Christmas!
DeleteWhich ones do you want to see?
Maybe Happy Howlidays. Merry Christmas to you
DeleteCannot believe this is the last new Christmas movie drop!!! Seriously, the time flew by. Maybe some cute ones this weekend? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know about When Hope Calls on Christmas Day! I haven’t seen it since it first premiered, so I can’t wait to see it again.
Allie B, Unfortunately, When Hope Calls won't be airing on GAF Christmas Day after all. I'm so sorry. The guide that reported this online was wrong.
DeleteI have included streaming options above. I hope one of those will work for you.
I am sad the movies are ending! It came and went in the blink of an eye 🥲 I know some people think it’s too many movies but it’s a variety of movies offered, no one has to watch all of them. If we had no new movies then we would be complaining of Hallmark not putting out any new material. So I’m thankful for the abundance of options. We have all had the flu in our house for 1.5 week so Iv been catching up on my recordings and there are so many good ones from Hallmark this year!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Paula (aka Sassy No-longer-affiliated-with-Starbucks Girl), You crossed my mind earlier when I logged in to post another review. We've had beautiful snow flurries all day today in the mid-Atlantic and it feels like we're in a snow globe (but just perfectly above freezing so it's not icing up the roads!). It made me wonder if your temperatures out there in CA have managed to drop below 80 yet!? 🤣 (I lived in Florida for awhile and it definitely did not feel like Christmas, to me, with such warm temps.)
DeleteAnd, what a yucky time for your whole fam to be sick!! Although, great opportunity to watch movies! I agree with you that the large number of movies is just fine and folks can always choose not to watch them, if they find it to be too many. I never quite understood the idea of people racing through them just to get them all over with. Because I don't usually have any very young children watching with me, I don't mind prescreening some of the Lifetime movies just to get those over with and let folks know if they're not family friendly. But, otherwise, I like having lots of options of sweet movies to savor with family and friends. Its also nice to have lots of Christmas cozy movies to catch up on in the dreary winter months (plus that's usually when I'm watching the "good" ones since I save the best for last).
Feel better soon!! ~~Jane (aka Hear the Snow Crunch!)
Paula, Oh, no... So sorry to hear that the flu bug hit your home. That's no fun, especially this time of year with so much to do. I sure hope you are all feeling better and on the mend just in time for Christmas!!!
DeleteAs for the movies, I know just what you mean. I'm also sad to see the Christmas movies go. My dvr is full and so are my Frndly recordings! I'm grateful for the wonderful variety we've had this year, and I'm glad I'll have plenty to watch in January, February and beyond!!!
Have a blessed, joyful, healthy, Merry Christmas!!! :)
Net, thank you for the get well wishes, you are so sweet 😊
DeleteAnd Jane you always make me laugh! Yes it has finally dipped below 80 here in CA 😂 Today is a high of 65 during the day so it’s nice during the day but at night it has actually been super cold & foggy in the 40s so us Californians don’t know how to act, we are all bundled in our boots, beanies, sherpa coats as if we are going to the snow 😂 I totally agree with you and Net, I enjoy saving a lot of movies to get me through cold winter months before spring comes. And then Bam, CA spring will be back to 90 degrees 😂 So today my husband went out of town for work and I’m home alone with the kids so I actually did go to Starbucks and they surprisingly made my coffee super good, dark and bitter like I like it. Pretty soon I’ll just be drinking it black like the Grinch Lol
~Paula Aka The Grinch
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the previous schedule that was released, which had the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes airing on Great American Family on Christmas Day, was an error.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, the "When Hope Calls" Christmas episodes, which first aired in 2022, will only be available to stream through Great American Pure Flix beginning Christmas Day.
The Christmas episodes can also be streamed currently via Prime Video for free, if you subscribe to Amazon Prime - click here.
I hope these links are helpful for those of you who wanted to see this! :)
Merry Christmas!!! Net 🎄🎄🎄
Christmas in Scotland is pretty good. -Maria
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched that many of this years Chistmas movies probably decause 2023 was so poor and to date there's nothing which really stands out
ReplyDeleteHallmark certainly overextended themselves throwing out movies without really giving enough attention to the content and it shows in the ratings on IMDb.
I'll watch the two Jonathan Stoddasrd movies and we'll be watching two movies as usual on Christmas night.
One of them is 'Twas The Date Before Christmas which based on the reviews I'm really hopeful will be a winner
We haven't decided on the other yet - we're having a family vote on Christmas Eve - Im going to propose Private Princess Christmas.
I've decided that despite Kimberley Sustad I just couldn't bring myself to watch The Santa Class - Florence
A Royal Christmas Ballet is very delightful. -Maria
ReplyDeleteEngaged by Christmas is safe and quite charming. -Maria
ReplyDelete