Happy Weekend, Friends!
It's another jam-packed few days filled with new Christmas movie premieres from Thursday to Sunday!
The main theme for this weekend seems to be about stars, literally and figuratively.
Most importantly, however, Hallmark Channel's new DaySpring movie, Following Yonder Star, focuses on the most significant, meaningful, and epic star of all... the Bethlehem star. I have come to love and enjoy all of the previous DaySpring line of inspirational films, such as The Blessing Bracelet and Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (which, by the way, is airing just before this new premiere Sunday night), and I have high hopes that I will also enjoy Following Yonder Star just as much. Brooke D'Orsay has been one of my absolute favorites since her very first Hallmark role in How to Fall in Love, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing her in this uplifting, faith-filled film.
As for the other stars featured this weekend...
Hallmark Mystery's All I Need for Christmas features an aspiring singing star, played by Mallory Jansen.
And Great American Family's Get Him Back for Christmas features a pop music star, played by Alexa Pena Vega, who loses her way after a heartbreaking break-up.
Although not about stars, Hanukkah on the Rocks is about the search for Hanukkah candles, which may end up lighting the path for a recently unemployed corporate lawyer.
Look for these illuminating NEW Christmas movies and more this weekend! See details below...
Thursday, December 12, 2024:
Storyline: Maggie (Mallory Jansen) has been trying for years to break in as a singer/songwriter. Now faced with challenges of new apps and social media, Maggie fears she’s outdated and unable to compete in a tech-savvy world. While helping her parents on their farm at Christmastime, she meets Archer (Dan Jeannotte), an entrepreneur who has come back to town to spend the holidays alone. Archer is developing large-scale apps and is a tech enthusiast. At first, Maggie blames him for all of her songwriting woes. To her surprise, he encourages her to get back in touch with music that really matters and write from the heart; tech can be used in a supportive role to help her achieve her dreams without replacing the art of songwriting. Archer is dealing with loss of family, and through her tight family bonds, Maggie helps Archer find ways of moving beyond years of family feuding. In this holiday romance, Maggie and Archer both discover there is merit in preserving the tried and true while making room for new ideas and methods to bring people together and help make dreams come true.
Premieres Thursday, December 12, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery
Friday, December 13, 2024:
Storyline: One week before Hanukkah, corporate lawyer Tory (Stacey Farber) finds herself unexpectedly unemployed and questioning the career she's dedicated years to. As she helps her Bubby prepare for the holiday, she embarks on a quest across Chicago to find the last box of coveted Hanukkah candles. Her search leads her to Rocky's, an Old Town bar, where she encounters Jay (Daren Kagasoff), a charming doctor from Florida, his grandfather Sam (Marc Summers) and a cast of quirky regulars who make her rethink everything. Torn between keeping her job loss a secret and embracing a newfound sense of belonging, Tory ends up bartending at Rocky's, transforming it into the vibrant "Hanukkah on the Rocks" celebration. Through festive food, drinks, and games, she revitalizes the bar, bonds with Jay, and finds the courage to pursue her true calling. As Tory navigates the holiday, she learns that sometimes a detour can lead you exactly where you're meant to be, lighting the way to a future filled with joy, romance, and self-discovery.
Premieres Friday, December 13, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, December 14, 2024:
Storyline: Bella made it big in music. Jack stayed behind in his hometown working at The Salvation Army to help his family after his dad passes. Bella returns home after a heartbreaking split with her chart-topping singing partner and asks Jack to write the perfect song to get her boyfriend back. Carlos PenaVega wrote and performs an original song, “Get Him Back for Christmas” performed for the film at AT&T Stadium.
Premieres Saturday, December 14, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Saturday, December 14, 2024:
Storyline: Kate North (Sustad) finds herself reluctantly taking over her father's once acclaimed and now struggling Santa School. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and the school's next session, Kate and her new co-worker Dan (Ayres) discover who they believe to be the real Santa Claus, lost and without his memories after his sled steered off course and crashed near the school. They decide to help him remember who he is by inviting him to participate in the intense Santa training program. There's a lot at stake this year with Kate's school needs to best the rival St. Nicholas School or be forced to close their doors, and Nick (Santa Claus) needs to remember who he is, or the fate of Christmas might be at stake.
Premieres Saturday, December 14, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, December 14, 2024:
Storyline: The Holiday Junkie follows the decorating and planning service company run by Andie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and her mother Mimi. After Mimi passes away, Andie is forced to face her first Christmas without her mother and carry The Holiday Junkie torch on her own. Despite the challenges, Andie may also find some love at Christmas along the way with the handsome house manager, Mason (Brian Hallisay), who has his own holiday secrets.
Premieres Saturday, December 14, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
Sunday, December 15, 2024:
Storyline: When a successful children's book author Chloe Anderson heads to the cozy town of Noelville to spend time with her sister's family and help care for her recently widowed father, she didn't expect the instant-connection with the local bookstore owner and single dad, Ethan; or find her number one fan in his daughter, Alex. Will the small town's charms be enough to rekindle a grieving family's Christmas spirit along Chloe's dreams of writing her first novel - let alone a chance at love?
Premieres Sunday, December 15, 2024
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, December 15, 2024:
Storyline: Abby Marshall (Brooke D'Orsay), once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a luxury Vermont resort for Christmas only to find herself without a room due to a booking mishap. All the local hotels are booked up due to a rare astronomical event - a beautiful star said to mirror the Star of Bethlehem will appear on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Abby finds a room at a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire (John Brotherton), who is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife's passing, Tom has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn and directing the local church's Christmas pageant. Empathizing with Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom's company. Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways.
Premieres Sunday, December 15, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, December 15, 2024:
Storyline: Jess (Kirsten Comerford) the “Queen of Christmas Sweaters,” quits her job at the hottest fashion label in NYC, intent on winning a Christmas competition with her own line of sustainable luxury knits. Getting her hands dirty, she teams up with Andrew (Matt Wells), a single dad and struggling alpaca farmer, as she helps bring Christmas joy to the farm and love into both of their hearts.
Premieres Sunday, December 15, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
Movie Recommendation:
I received a thoughtful email this week from a loyal follower. He wanted me to share with you all that the feature film The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is now available to view by streaming.
He also shared this brief, positive review, "This is a wonderful wonderful movie and we think it will become a Christmas classic. If you haven’t seen it do yourself a favor."
I must say, I haven't seen this new Christmas movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, yet, but since the day this film was announced, it has been on my must-see watch list! The original made-for-TV short that features this story is so beautiful and heartwarming. I'm hoping this new film will be just as special. And it sounds like, from this review, that it is!
Click here to stream The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
My Weekend Watch List:
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and hopefully, you'll be able to watch many of the new and classic Christmas movies!
Following Yonder Star and Get Him Back for Christmas are my top two picks for this weekend.
At the top of this post, I mentioned my thoughts on Following Yonder Star, but I'll sum it up again by saying how much I look forward to these inspirational DaySpring films that always focus, whether it be Christmas or Easter, on the true meaning of the season.
I'm also looking forward to seeing Alexa and Carlos' second Great American Family movie premiere, Get Him Back for Christmas. It looks like this will be a lighthearted film filled with festive music, heartwarming moments, and inspiration. I just adore Alexa and Carlos; they are such a lovely couple and they have such beautiful children. Most of all, their faith in The Lord shines through with their giving spirits as they work with the Salvation Army, which will be prominently featured in their new Christmas movie.
Please be sure to share which movies you are looking forward to this weekend in the comments below.
And by the way, if you are still doing some Christmas shopping, as I am, I have some gift-giving ideas- click here!
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!
Net 🎄
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
Scriptures for the second week of Advent,
which represents peace...
“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
goodwill toward men!”
~Luke 2:14
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.”
~ Matthew 5:9
The fact that Hallmark is still working with Dayspring brings me hope for it's future. (just a bit though).
ReplyDeleteBoth it and the Penavegas movie definitely look to be my top 2 big ones. -Maria
Maria, Hallmark owns DaySpring they acquired it 1999.
DeleteDayspring is a subsidiary of Hallmark.
DeleteFeature Film Red One is available on streaming service; Prime
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to Get Him Back For Christmas. I love the PenaVegas and am so happy we have them making movies for GAF. I think the promos look so fun and I love the music!
ReplyDeleteQuick Question: Where do you guys find the ratings for each movie? I look on https://ustvdb.com/networks/great-american-family/ but they do not always show each individual movie and it takes them quite awhile to post the ratings for GAF. I can't believe how fast the Christmas movie season is flying by!
Merry Christmas!
Gena
Gena, I always use Ustvdb.com and you are right they do not update the ratings that quickly. I used to use spoilertv.com but for some reason they do not include cable ratings.
DeleteGood question Blessedgigi23. I’ve wondered about that also. Another question I have is how do they choose actors and actresses for specific movies. Do they audition or just get pared up. Sometimes great, sometimes not so good.
Deleteblessedgigi23, I often check Hallmark's ratings at Wikipedia, but I have more trouble finding GAF's.
DeleteWikipedia lists the Great American Family movies, but doesn't provide ratings, unfortunately.
Have a Blessed, Merry Christmas!!! Net
What movies are you looking forward seeing this weekend
ReplyDeleteLooks like a some winners for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteAll I need for Christmas is good, although a bit boring. -Maria
ReplyDelete"When Calls the Heart" Christmas movie reminder:
ReplyDeleteThis Sunday Hallmark Family is showing the past "When Calls the Heart" Christmas movies.
I love that Net! Those all all special.❤️
DeleteI wonder about WCTH: S1-S11 ion Hallnark Family just before WCTH: S12 premiere
ReplyDeleteJust finished watching All I Need for Christmas. It is fantastic. I loved it from the very beginning it held my attention and I just wanted to watch it from start to finish without stopping for anything. The casting was perfect, they blended well together and actually seemed as if it was real life and not acting a part. The story was yes let's save her career, but everyone was helping everyone with their family problems, business and their careers and even dad getting a career on social media. It was really really funny. To me it was a warm, feel good, Christmas movie. I loved it I think it was great and to me it's a keeper on my dvr. Deanna
ReplyDeleteI’m all in for the Dayspring movie!
ReplyDelete“All I need for Christmas” was nice, besides the romance between Maggie and Archer there was the conflict between him and his sister and it was so sad to think people actually grow up that way, being put against each other and taught to be so competitive instead of supporting one another. It was nice to see the reconciliation at the end and how they were breaking the cycle. I typically enjoy Mallory but she was a little flat at times, and Dan was a delight as always.
ReplyDelete~Paula
In a stunning turn of events: Hallmark has ACTUALLY reversed course on a bad decision! The Way Home S3 will now air on the network this January on Fridays starting on the 3rd.
ReplyDeleteI'm, actually stunned that they actually listened to angry feedback! Hope for the future on other bad decisions? -Maria
The Way Home will premiere on January 3, 2024 & the next day on Hallmark+
DeleteHanukkah on the rocks is safe!
ReplyDeleteGet Him Back for Christmas is as I predicted, INCREDIBLE!!! -Maria
ReplyDelete(HEAVY SIGH). Holiday Junkie is not safe. -Maria
ReplyDeleteGet Him Back for Christmas & The Salvation Army - same day on December 14, 2024
ReplyDeleteEvent Title: Christmas With The Salvation Army ; Date: December 14, 2024 ; Time: 7:30 PM ; Location: Roy Thomson Hall - 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON
Mark your calendars for the 2024 National Commander's Red Kettle Challenge! December 14th, 12–4 p.m. EST One week from today, we're challenging you to help
I’m watching “The Sound of Music”(1965), tonight At 7pm-11pm on ABC
ReplyDelete(I know I say this about every Dayspring movie, but this appears to be the only time that hallmark remembers that Christmas isn't about gays, diversity, or about pretending that nobody ever goes to church at Christmas. It matters).
ReplyDeleteFollowing Yonder Star is the best movie of the Season! -Maria
Sorry but the best movie of the season is Get Him Back for Christmas.
DeleteThe Holiday Junkie is not family friendly I'm sad to say. I stopped watching it. I was really disappointed.
ReplyDelete“Get Him Back For Christmas” was such a sweet movie. I mean, Alexa and Carlos just work perfectly with one another, it’s so fun to watch them together. The storyline was cute how they had a little history and just picked up naturally. Matt was the star of the show for me, he was so funny and endearing. I laughed out loud a few times during his romantic quest and the scene with the swapped jacket. I would watch this one again next holiday season.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Following Yonder Star was a great movie! One word of caution though, Abby's(Brooke) ex-husband is getting married and they already have a baby on the way which of course means they have been living together. Even shows a brief scene of the girlfriend and she's very pregnant. When I saw this I thought this movie was not going to be family friendly, but that's the only time that scene was shown. That happens very early in the movie. At first the movie was a little on the silly side as that seems to be the going theme in the movies this year. I almost stopped watching but it gets better and so much is brought out about keeping your faith and praying trusting God. I shed some tears in this one. Acting was great...Brooke as usual was awesome! She always is!! Chemistry was good between the leads...I highly recommend this movie!
ReplyDeleteI am behind a bit, but I did watch one good movie this weekend I wanted to share.
ReplyDeleteLeah's Perfect Gift
I enjoyed this movie so much. It is the best I have watched so far this season. I know Graham's sister is gay, but it was not the main story and it was only mentioned twice. Of course, I am a sucker for the movies that go away to a family members hose and have all the activities leading up to Christmas so I wanted to watch this one.
It was all that and more. Leah was so excited to get to experience Christmas with her boyfriend Graham. I also LOVE that this stared a couple already, no fake dating, so one likes the other, other doesn't know. They were an established, in love couple. Warms my heart. Leah is jewish and Graham spends time with her family making latkas and doing their traditions. But she has never met his family. They are very very into their traditions and according to graham and sister, just very particular about things.
Leah is so excited and it of course, does not turn out like she thought. She feels she doesn't fit in. Barbara Niven is excellent. I love the sweaters Leah wears. She gives Graham a sweet christmas gift, cause they are so in love. But she starts to feel they all do not like her. She has a very sweet moment with Barbara Niven, who is Barbara in the movie (not Barb, haha).
I loved the end, how both families got together and celebrated. It showed how 2 families that do not believe in the same religions can still come together and have a great time. I loved the movie. Graham's family was very uptight, and I get it cause I know I can be very uptight about decorating, etc, so I felt a connection to the movie. I did enjoy it a lot.
Sabrina
Enjoyed the movie--Following Yonder Star.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, and Alleluia Christ was born!
DeleteI loved Following Yonder Star. The Santa Class was so good, and funny. My next favorite was Get Him Back For Christmas. My most favorite movie from GAFamily, or GAPureFlix? is Tails of Christmas, the former Army Chaplain, and the mother of the female star gave the most lovely heartfelt blessing for that family's pie night meal they give every Christmas. And there were cute dogs!!!
I recorded two Lifetime movies and never finished them. I deleted them.
What is your favorite Dayspring movies?
ReplyDelete1. Following Yonder Star 2. Miracle in Bethlehem, PA. 3. The Blessing Bracelets, 4. The Blessing Bracelet, 5. An Easter Bloom with Aimee Teagarden and Ben Hollingsworth(?)
DeleteHallmark Dayspring movies are getting better and better PTL!
Following Yonder Star is such a great, heartwarming movie. Brooke D'Orsay and John Brotherton were so good together, with great chemistry and genuine emotions. I'm not sure I've seen any movies with John Brotherton before, but he portrayed his character so well. I believed him 100%. As for Brooke D'Orsay, she was amazing as usual. She didn't play her role, she lived it. The story itself was so moving anf heartfelt. Highly recommended.
ReplyDelete*Oksanka*
Good morning, Net!
ReplyDeleteSo far, I watched three movies that originally aired last weekend. I have to say, my husband and I enjoyed all three movies, which was encouraging. I recommend each one without any reservations. All three of clean! 😊
“All I need for Christmas” – This movie had some hilarious moments as well as some heartfelt moments. Every relationship added to the storyline. Dan was very good in his role, and I have grown to really like him as an actor. His time on screen with both Mallory and Emily was magic! Plus. I got a kick out of Mallory’s parents, especially her dad. He was a hoot!
“Hanukkah on the Rocks” – Oh my gosh! I LOVED this movie! I cried a bit, at the end, but spent the remainder of the movie smiling from ear to ear. Stacey and Daren had great chemistry. I felt their connection instantly. It was so good to see Marc, who played Daren’s grandfather. He was perfect in his role. This was another Christmas movie that did not have a weak link as far as the cast. Each one of them was an integral part of a strong script. I highly recommend this sweet gem!
“Get Him Back for Christmas” – I also LOVED this movie. As time has gone on, the more I like Alexa and Carlos together as an onscreen couple. They are so good in this movie and there is something about them that is so comforting. Like a warm hug! I don’t know if that makes sense but that is how I feel when I watch them. Plus, we got to experience great music, a walk down memory lane which added to the story and strengthened Alexa and Carlo’s characters bond. Also, the swapped jacket part was priceless! On top of that, we had the sweet budding relationship of Carlo’s brother and his crush which was touching. Finally, we had wonderful music. This is another movie I highly recommend!
I am looking forward to “Following Yonder Star”, “A Novel Christmas’ and “A Santa Class”. I am disappointed to hear “A Holiday Junkie” is not family friendly. ☹ I was really looking forward to that one but I guess I will go ahead and delete it from my DVR.
Aw, A Novel Christmas is sooo sweet!! -Maria
ReplyDelete“Following Yonder Star” was amazing! Brooke was so good per usual-comedy, drama, she can do it all. I had seen John in another movie a few years ago with Candace Cameron Bure and I did not care for his acting at all. But I’m glad I have this one a chance because his acting was very good in this film. He was naturally charming, just being himself and not overly trying to impress her because she was a celebrity. Widows just pull at my heartstrings and it was sweet to see them reference the mom, especially how Brooke kept talking about her with the daughter. I laughed, I cried, it was just such an inspirational watch. And that prayer he spoke was so touching-that’s all God wants, is for us to just talk to him. Prayer doesn’t always have to be perfect scriptures being recited, God just wants us to open our hearts to him. Definitely saving this one on my DVR 😊
ReplyDelete~Paula
"The Santa Class" - What a gem this movie is. Oh my gosh it was so much fun! I laughed out loud many times. It was campy, in parts, but it made me feel good. Kimberley and Benjamin's chemistry was 'off the charts'. They made a great on-screen pairing. Also, all of the actors and the one actress, who attended the class were perfectly cast. And, whoever decided to include Paul Campbell, needs a bonus! I won't spoil it for anyone, but suffice it to say, he was AMAZING! His last line was worth the price of admission if I was paying to see this movie in a theatre. :-) Anyway, the storyline had a few things which you typically find in Hallmark movies but there was enough 'non-traditional' things in the script to hold my interest and want to keep watching until the end. I definitely recommend this sweet and funny movie.
ReplyDeleteNet,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to include my name on my last comment where I reviewed "The Santa Class".
Joan, Not a problem at all. I'll be sure to add it for the review page. I'm always so grateful for your lovely reviews! :)
DeleteBlessings & Merry Christmas to you!!! 🌟
Thanks so much Net. :-) You are the best! Blessings & Merry Christmas to you as well! Thank you so much for the warm holiday blessing and wishes. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Santa Class was so good! Iv always enjoyed Benjamin Ayres but Kimberly Sustad took awhile to grow on me, Iv watched her in many movies and they were just one time watches for me. This one was so good: her and Benjamin were such a nice pairing, the dialogue was witty and kept me entertained, all the characters worked well together (aside from the woman Santa who I thought was kind of strange because obviously Santa is a man) and the addition of Paul Campbell was just hilarious 😂 Definitely one I’ll watch again!
ReplyDelete~Paula
"A Novel Christmas" - was a nice movie. Not a lot happened, and it was a bit slow at times, but overall I enjoyed it. The leads had sweet chemistry. I liked the sister's relationship and the daughter of the male lead was special. But, the best part, for me, was the message people could whisper to the tree top angel. :-) Made my heart soar thinking about how lovely that was because my mom is in heaven. And she LOVED Christmas.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Yonder Star is beautiful! Dayspring always produces the best movies of the holiday season. If you’re a person of faith, it’s a must see!
ReplyDeleteGet Him Back for Christmas - soooo good! Alexa and Carlos are fantastic in this and I loved the rest of the cast, too, especially Carlos’ brother! ❤️
ReplyDelete