Tis the Season for Pumpkin Spice & Pie! Do YOU also have CHRISTMAS on Your Mind?

There's a fun scene in the Hallmark Christmas movie Christmas on My Mind that features a pie contest, which got me to thinking - this is the perfect time of year for a warm slice of pie! Do you have a favorite? My personal pick is typically delicious apple pie; however, my Momma also makes this scrumptious, sweet cream pie around the holidays that everyone loves. (Including me!) Be sure to share your favorite pie flavor in comments below.

In just a couple of weeks we will be watching Christmas movies around the clock! Can you believe it? And with OVER 40 Christmas movies coming from Hallmark (on both networks) - we've yet to receive that major Hallmark Christmas Movie announcement, which is much, much later than usual. So... plenty of surprises are still in store!

Something else I've noticed different about this year is that this is the first year (in a long time!) that we won't have a Christmas movie preview show for either Hallmark network. (SEE MY UPDATE BELOW!) Both Lifetime and GAC Family are airing preview specials this year. See the Christmas Schedule for times! In years past, Hallmark had several preview shows leading up to the holiday season - hosted by Candace Cameron Bure (mostly), plus Jill Wagner, Andrew Walker, Kellie Pickler, Lacey Chabert, Trevor Donovan, and Jen Lilley. This year is definitely different, but I'm still glad we will be seeing numerous familiar faces and many of the wonderful Christmas classics we've enjoyed throughout the years.

UPDATE: HALLMARK WILL AIR PREVIEW CLIPS THIS YEAR DURING THE LAST FALL HARVEST MOVIE - SEE DETAILS HERE!



Speaking of Christmas movie classics, I hope you enjoy the two airing this week! Hint: You may want to grab a slice of pie for the first one!


Christmas Thursdays...

October 7, 2021:

Christmas on My Mind

Stars: Ashley Greene & Andrew Walker

Lucy Lovett wakes up holding a wedding dress, assuming she's about to marry the love her life Zach Callahan, only to discover they broke up two years ago, and her fiancé… isn't Zach.

See an encore of

Christmas on My Mind

Thursday, October 7, 2021

at 7pm/6c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

*********************

Christmas Fridays...

October 8, 2021:

Unlocking Christmas

Stars: Taylor Cole & Steve Lund


When a mysterious key and holiday riddle land on their doorsteps, Kate and Kevin embark on a Christmas adventure they'll never forget.

See an encore of

Unlocking Christmas

Friday, October 1, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

*********************

Happy Christmas Movie Watching! Be sure to check out the Christmas Schedule to see when the NEW Christmas Movies are airing.

Joyous Blessings to you all! Net

*"Christmas On My Mind" Images Credit: ©2019 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

*"Unlocking Christmas" Image Credit: ©2020 Crown Media United States

Unlock and Find Christmas this Week! Plus, 1 WEEK until *CHRISTMAS in JULY* - in June!

The search is over - you can unlock the Christmas movies airing this week and beyond - right here! See all the details + get great reviews below...


Thursday, June 17, 2021:

UNLOCKING CHRISTMAS

Storyline: When a mysterious key and holiday riddle land on their doorsteps, Kate and Kevin embark on a Christmas adventure they'll never forget.

"UNLOCKING CHRISTMAS"

Encores:

Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 8pm/7c.

on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

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Friday, June 18, 2021:

ON THE 12TH DATE OF CHRISTMAS

Storyline: Two seemingly incompatible game designers team up to create a romantic, city-wide scavenger hunt themed for the “12 Days of Christmas.”

"ON THE 12TH DATE OF CHRISTMAS"

Encores:

Friday, June 18, 2021 at 8pm/7c.

on the Hallmark Channel

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Both of these Christmas movies airing this week are family friendly.

Check out these wonderful reviews...

UNLOCKING CHRISTMAS:

🎄"I loved Unlocking Christmas! Taylor and Steve's previous movie The Art of Us isn't one of my top favorites, but I'm going to have to give it another watch, because they were just perfect together in this! Everything about this movie hit all the right notes for me. Except for a somewhat rushed ending, I thought the flow and pacing of the movie was spot on. The chemistry was obvious, the banter was hilarious, and the mystery/adventure was intriguing, heartwarming, and so much fun. This is a serious contender for my favorite movie of this season. Family friendly." ~ Amy Lama

🎄"I totally agree with you, Amy. I didn't care for the Art of Us but this movie was definitely a keeper. Kevin (Lund) was all but giddy when opening the "No Peeking" envelopes. This a gem of a movie! I watched my recorded version last night to make sure it recorded well and again with my sister." ~Namegirl

🎄"After USS Christmas and A Little Christmas Charm, I was underwhelmed by Unlocking Christmas. However, I did love the activities they got to do and how the clues got them to interact with the community. The romance was just so meh to me." ~ Misty

🎄"Unlocking Christmas has a lovely message, but I agree, not much of a plot, and rushed. Completely G rated. This is actually the 5th Lund and Cole pairing, granted that I haven't seen all of them, and as usual, he outshines her. She just isn't a favorite of mine, and always seems a little disinterested in her various storylines." ~Ashley

🎄"Unlocking Christmas. Cute movie. It was fun to watch them work together to unlock the clues. Overall, it was a nice movie but nothing that really grabbed me. Worth a watch, but probably not a keeper for me. Family friendly." ~~Jane

🎄"Unlocking Christmas I thoroughly enjoyed this one - great beginning and ending and while I would admit that in between it was a bit slow at times and they missed many opportunities to further the romance I some how liked the gentle pace although it was pretty obvious who was behind the mystery letters! I know there are a fair number of people who don't seem to appreciate Taylor Cole but I think she and Steve Lund make a great pairing, superb chemistry and banter. Hallmark really don't promote Steve enough although I know he is very busy appearing in two TV series. One of my personal favourites." ~Anonymous

🎄"I loved unlocking this Christmas mystery! The KEY to a great movie is a fun story and a sweet romance and "Unlocking Christmas" had both! This family friendly movie was such a joy to watch. I loved seeing Taylor Cole and Steve Lund together again (since "The Art of Us") and watching them go on this adventure - unraveling riddle clues. Everything about this movie is enjoyable and cute, especially the chemistry between Taylor and Steve. And, I loved his parents in this, too! Such a delightful watch - I highly recommend Unlocking Christmas!" ~Net


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ON THE 12TH DATE OF CHRISTMAS

🎄"My two "must watch" picks from the weekend were "Cranberry Christmas" (because we don't get many movies about an already married couple and the story sounded good) and "On the 12th Date of Christmas" (because Tyler Hynes is my favorite Hallmark leading man and I'm pretty much guaranteed to enjoy whatever Hallmark movie he's in). I've only had a chance to watch those two so far but just wanted to say they're both family friendly and I loved them both for the same reasons they were my "must watch" picks! Tyler Hynes was fantastic in his role, as always, and I thought he was well matched with Mallory Jansen. I loved watching their characters fall in love, enjoyed their interactions with their respective families, and thought the scavenger hunt theme was fun. "Cranberry Christmas" is wonderful, and I highly recommend it if you're someone who enjoys the deeper, richer stories on HMM. Don't get me wrong--I enjoy the fluffy romantic fantasies too, but it was refreshing to see the more realistic picture that marriage takes work and it's worth the effort. Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres did a beautiful job portraying a couple working through a rough patch and growing closer together through it. The ending made me tear up." ~ Amy Lama

🎄"On the 12th Date of Christmas. Loved it! A light, fun movie with good Christmas "feels". I liked the scavenger hunt twist for this movie. Tyler Hynes is fast becoming one of my favorite actors; his facial expressions and the way he times the delivery of his lines is perfection. And he seems to work well with whatever actress Hallmark pairs him with; he and Mallory Jansen were a lot of fun together. This one is a keeper for my dvr and possibly a purchase of the dvd in the future. Family friendly." ~~Jane

🎄"Completely agree with Amy about "Cranberry Christmas" and "On the 12th Date of Christmas" -- both movies were "keepers" for me!" ~~Jane

🎄"Hynes' line delivery is great. I totally agree with you Anonymous, it's a keeper!" ~ Namegirl

🎄"On the 12th Date of Christmas: This was a cute movie. I love Tyler Hynes and Mallory Jansen was a nice surprise! She was a fresh face and the plot was engaging. It felt both upbeat and lively." ~ Anonymous

🎄"On the 12th date of Christmas- Tyler Hynes has quickly become a favorite in our family. He has good chemistry with his co stars and his line delivery has that something extra that makes a movie that much better. Mallory did a nice job, I had only seen her in villain roles before so it was a nice change. This will be a re-watch for sure." ~ Kay

🎄"On the 12th Date of Christmas I really like the unique story and the chemistry. I forgot how much I love Tyler Hines in hallmark movies and this certainly reminded me. This is my first time seeing Mallory in Hallmark but she was equally great too. When they were brainstorming for the scavenger hunt app ideas I felt really intrigued to see how it all will come together. So cute and will definitely watch it again!" ~ CH Mom

🎄"On the 12th Date of Christmas is such a clever concept! Instead of our leading guy & girl going on a Scavenger Hunt, they are the game creators - who are developing a special hunt for others to use through an app. It's fascinating to watch them develop fresh ideas and test them out along the way - taking them all over the city. Of course, each new challenge brings the two closer together. I really enjoyed this family friendly Christmas rom-com! It's always fun to see Tyler Hynes and Mallory Jansen is a great addition to the Hallmark family." ~Net

Please share your thoughts on these Christmas movies below...


You can check out more Christmas movies airing in June and July for *Christmas in July*- here!

By the way, *Christmas in July* begins NEXT WEEK on Friday, June 25th - on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!

Joyous Blessings to You All,

Net

🎄 TV ALERT: SEE "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "It's a Wonderful Life," "Christmas with The Chosen" and 8 NEW Christmas Movies this Weekend! 🌟 DETAILS HERE:

Be sure to set your DVR

for the one and only airing of 

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" on TV this Sunday night;

plus, be sure to catch two airings of the beloved classic, 

"It's a Wonderful Life," 

a very special "Christmas with The Chosen" musical 

and check out 8 All New Christmas Movie Premieres 

airing this weekend below...

Friday, December 11, 2020:

Inn Love by Christmas

Storyline via Lifetime: Mandy Leeds (Jonna Walsh), a successful young woman living in Miami, is climbing her way up the corporate ladder in the hotel industry. Though she doesn’t get back to her small northern hometown much, this year her Gram (Jayne Eastwood) is able to finally convince her to come home for Christmas. Mandy has another reason too – the quaint local inn is for sale, and she wants to acquire it for her company. With her eyes on the prize, Mandy travels back home but on her way there, she runs into Lucas Menzino (Jesse Hutch) — her high school rival — who also has his eye on the inn as well.

Inn Love by Christmas premieres

Friday, December 11, 2020

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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Friday, December 11, 2020:

It's a Wonderful Life 

Storyline: After George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there."

 

Watch "It's a Wonderful Life"

Friday, December 11, 2020 

at 8pm/7c. on USA 

*Encores: Saturday, December 12, 2020

at 9am/8c. on USA 

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Saturday, December 12, 2020:

Beaus of Holly

Synopsis via ION: When Holly boldly proposes to Phil, he confesses he needs to first work things out with a long-ago ex. Having booked a romantic holiday sleigh ride, despondent Holly pours her heart out to sleigh driver, Jake, who takes a refreshing interest in her, until Phil returns.

Beaus of Holly premieres

Saturday, December 12, 2020 

at 7pm/6c. on ION

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Saturday, December 12, 2020:

Love, Lights, Hanukkah!

Storyline via Hallmark: As Christina (Kirshner) prepares her restaurant for its busiest time of year, she gets back a DNA test revealing that she’s Jewish. The discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights. 

Love, Lights, Hanukkah! premieres

Saturday, December 12, 2020

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, December 12, 2020:

A Glenbrooke Christmas

Storyline via Hallmark: As Christmas nears, heiress Jessica Morgan (Autumn Reeser) seizes what seems like her last chance to experience a relaxed Christmas and heads off to the small town of Glenbrooke, where she meets a handsome fireman (Antonio Cupo). 

A Glenbrooke Christmas premieres

Saturday, December 12, 2020

at 10pm/9c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

The Christmas Sitters

Synopsis: Facing holiday flight delays on a return trip from Europe, two parents double-book incompatible babysitters: the mother’s BFF lawyer friend, Nora, and the dad's guitarist half-brother, Max, to look after their two kids and dog. After a rather stormy start, an attraction grows.

The Christmas Sitters premieres

Sunday, December 13, 2020

at 7pm/6c. on ION

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

A Charlie Brown Christmas 

Synopsis: Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer. And for Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic holiday delight. Christmas lights may be twinkling red and green, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play. And what’s a Christmas play without a Christmas tree? But everyone makes fun of the short, spindly evergreen Charlie Brown brings back – until the real meaning of Christmas works its magic once again.

   

See "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

Sunday, December 13, 2020

at 7:30pm/6:30c. on PBS

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

"Christmas with The Chosen" 

a Christmas Musical

with a variety Christian Artists

You can also watch this special on TV - see channels and times below...

Details via Press Release: VidAngel Studios, the crowd-supported original content studio, is pleased to announce a 2-hour, Christmas TV experience on cable channels including BYUtv, Hillsong Channel, TBN and UPTV called "Christmas with The Chosen." Featuring an all-star lineup of Christian artists including Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, For King and Country, the Piano Guys, Mandisa, and more, the special will be hosted by The Chosen's Director Dallas Jenkins with a special airing of "The Shepherd," a Christmas episode and a sneak peek of Season Two.

Musical Guests:

Chris Tomlin

The Piano Guys

The Bonner Family

Phil Wickham

Stephen McWhiter and Jason Clayborn

Zach Williams

For King and Country

Mandisa

Hillsong United

Matt Maher

Joshua Aaron

How and When to Watch "Christmas with The Chosen":

SOCIAL MEDIA SIMULCAST: Simulcast on YouTube, Facebook, and The Chosen App on December 13th at 5pm PT/6pm MT/7pm CT/8pm ET

BYUTV: December 13th at 5pm PT/6pm MT/7pm CT/8pm ET

TBN: December 17th at 5:00 PT/6pm MT/7pm CT/8pm ET and also at 8:00 PT/9pm MT/10pm CT/11pm ET and then again on the 25th at 8:00 PT/9pm MT/10pm CT/11pm ET

UPtv: December 24th at 4:00pm PT/5:00pm MT/6:00pm CT/ 7:00pm ET

HILLSONG CHANNEL: December 17th at 7:30pm PT/8:30pm MT/9:30pm CT/10:30pm ET

SOURCE: VidAngel

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

Christmas Comes Twice

Storyline via Hallmark: Emily (Tamera Mowry-Housley) is a top newscaster who has achieved her career dreams but still has regrets about the guy (Michael Xavier) who got away five years earlier. When the Christmas carnival comes to town, a ride around the carousel takes her magically back in time to the carnival five years before...giving her a second chance at love before she must return to Christmas present.

Christmas Comes Twice premieres

Sunday, December 13, 2020

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

A Sugar & Spice Holiday

Storyline via Lifetime: Suzie, a rising young architect, returns to her small hometown in Maine for Christmas where, her Chinese American family runs the local Lobster Bar. Following the loss of her beloved grandmother who was a legendary baker in their community, Suzie is guilted into following in her grandmother's footsteps by entering the local gingerbread house competition. Teaming up with an old high school friend Billy, who grew up to be a catch, Suzie must find the right recipes and mix of sugar and spice to win the competition and perhaps find some love in the process.

A Sugar & Spice Holiday premieres

Sunday, December 13, 2020

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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Sunday, December 13, 2020:

Unlocking Christmas

Storyline via Hallmark: When a mysterious key and a holiday riddle arrive on their doorsteps, Kate (Taylor Cole) and Kevin (Steve Lund) embark on a Christmas romance adventure they’ll never forget.

Unlocking Christmas premieres

Sunday, December 13, 2020

at 10pm/9c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

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Looks like there are plenty of wonderful Christmas movie options this weekend! First, I always want to be sure to watch the classics, like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." There's just something so perfect about Clarence getting his wings, George Bailey being surrounded by friends and family, and Linus reciting Luke 2 and humbly saying - "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." Those are the moments that evoke those warm fuzzy feelings and it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without them.

I'm also very much looking forward to the "Christmas with The Chosen" musical special. I just love so many of those artists that will be performing, but most of all - For King & Country! I've seen them play "Drummer Boy" in concert, but each time I watch them sing the song on TV or streaming video, I always get chills. I'm also glad they are including in this special the Christmas Episode of "The Chosen" titled "The Shepherd," since it shows the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ!

As for the new movies, I am personally most looking forward to "A Glenbrooke Christmas." I just adored Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo together originally in the Hallmark movie, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade," and while I don't know if anything could ever top that one, I think this movie looks like it has great possibility of being another favorite!

Please share in comments below which movies you are looking forward to seeing this weekend. You can see my Christmas TV Movie Schedule - *here*, which includes NEW Christmas Movie Premieres and Christmas classics.

Also, I want to say once again how grateful I am to everyone who has shared reviews of the NEW 2020 Christmas movies - which are posted in my Christmas Movie Review Page. Thank you all! I can't wait to see your take on movies premiering this weekend.

*Please know - I have NOT pre-screened these NEW Christmas movies listed above. If you happen to watch one of the new Christmas movies this week and want to share whether or not it is a family friendly movie, please stop back by and leave a comment. I know everyone here would be grateful to know any information you are willing to share.

I hope you have a festive, merry & bright, wonderful weekend and enjoy many delightful Christmas movies & specials!

JOY TO THE WORLD!!! 

Merry Christmas to You All!!! Net 

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

On this third weekend of advent, which is JOY, 

we seek the JOY of The Lord!

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were terrified. 

But the angel said to them, 

“Do not be afraid. 

I bring you good news 

that will cause great JOY

for all the people." 

(Luke 2:9-10)