🎄 Merry Christmas, dear Friends and Family! 🎄 My Christmas Card to You + TV Highlights leading up to Christmas and Beyond... 🌟

What a blessing it is to share the TRUE JOY of the CHRISTMAS season with ALL of you dear friends again this year! The greatest GIFT of LOVE came to us in a tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, JESUS!

As we near the end of 2022, I hope many of you have enjoyed building special friendships here at It's a Wonderful Movie, and watching some delightful new Christmas movies, lots of beloved Christmas classics, and romantic comedies all year! The vintage Christmas card above with the open door made me think of all of you and how you've invited It's a Wonderful Movie into your homes day after day.

I appreciate each and every one who visits here... all the comments, thoughts, well-wishes, and excellent movie reviews. I'm beyond grateful for the time taken and the thoughtfulness of each of you in sharing with others. God's blessings, everyone!

Here's my Christmas Card to ALL of You...

O Come Let Us Adore Him!

Hoping your Christmas and New Year bring many memorable moments to treasure as you celebrate God's ultimate gift, the Christ child, who came to earth to save us and give us eternal life with Him.

In order to receive Jesus, all we have to do is ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us of our sins.

Then He washes us white as snow!

At the end of this year and in the new, this scripture is my prayer for you...

'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.' ~Romans 15:13

🎄 TV Highlights for Christmas Week: 🎄

🌟Christmas in Kentucky – Thursday, December 22nd

An all new Christmas TV Special is coming to Great American Family! Enjoy celebrating Christmas in Kentucky with Jen Lilley and Jesse Hutch (both of B&B Merry) on Thursday, December 22nd at 7pm/6c.

🌟It’s a Wonderful Life – Saturday, December 24th

Catch this beloved Christmas classic on NBC Christmas Eve

🌟Christmas Yule Log on Great American Family – Saturday, December 24th

Begins 4am/3c. on Christmas Eve and ends Christmas day at 10am/9c.

🌟2022 Great American Christmas Movie Countdown Starts Christmas Day 10am/9c and ends on December 26th!

🌟Hallmark Channel Movies on Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day

🌟Hallmark Movies & Mysteries on Christmas Eve/ Christmas Day

*Time to Come Home for Christmas Movie Marathon on Christmas Eve

*A Godwink Christmas Movie Marathon on Christmas Day



🌟UP new movies - December 24th and December 25th

The Snowball Effect
Premieres Saturday, December 24, 2022
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

Storyline: Rival meteorologists tracking a massive snowstorm in the town of Mistletoe must work together to get home in time for Christmas.




Christmas in Wolf Creek
Premieres Sunday, December 25, 2022
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

Storyline: When a runaway reindeer threatens the annual Christmas play, a struggling couple must work together to save Christmas for the town and each other.


🌟Christmas Classics on AMC, TNT, TBS, and TCM….

Check out Christmas Movies and Cartoon Classics and more airing this week in the Christmas TV Schedule.

Thank YOU for being a special part of this

*It's a Wonderful Movie* family!

Be sure to stay tuned for more news on Family TV Movies

and Christmas Movies throughout the Year in 2023!

Wishing You much Love, Joy, and Light

this Christmas!

Once again, I'll be sharing this Christmas with my family, if the weather cooperates. We are expecting a Winter Storm to come through the Midwest just before Christmas! We're hearing we may get 6-8 inches of snow and 50+ mph winds. I'm hoping Santa will still be able to make it, but most of all, I'm hoping my family will all be able to come home again. Wishing you all the best, as well.

God Bless Us, Everyone!

From my home to yours...

Merry Christmas to You All! Net

🌟 SHINING HIS LIGHT: 🌟

Luke 2:8-14

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄

Hallmark Announces 🎄Christmas Movie🎄 for 2023 with Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha

In case you missed this announcement with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I wanted to be sure you heard the latest movie scoop... Bethany Joy Lenz (Five Star Christmas, The Christmas Secret) and Kristoffer Polaha (Mystery 101, A Dicken's of a Holiday) will be starring in an all-new Hallmark Christmas movie, “A Biltmore Christmas!”

The movie will begin filming at the beginning of the year ~ 2023. It will actually be filmed at the Biltmore Estate, which is a beautiful and grand national historic landmark in Asheville, North Carolina.

Hallmark shared this news via Variety along with the official movie description: "Lucy Collins (Lenz) is a screenwriter who lands the job of a lifetime when she’s hired to write the script for a remake of the beloved holiday movie “His Merry Bride!” First filmed in 1947 at beautiful Biltmore House, it has long been considered a Christmas classic. As Christmas approaches, Lucy travels to Biltmore Estate for research. She joins a guided tour of the grounds where she gets insights into the history of the location and the filming of “His Merry Bride!,” and once inside the house, she’s drawn to a beautiful hourglass. When Lucy accidentally knocks it over, she finds herself transported back in time to 1946 – the Golden Age of Hollywood – as cast and crew prepare to film “His Merry Bride!” at Biltmore. Lucy does her best to navigate an unfamiliar place as a woman out of time, charming some and raising suspicions of others. It’s not long before Lucy catches the eye of the film’s dashing lead Jack Huston (Polaha) and although she initially rebuffs his advances, their connection soon becomes undeniable. Lucy’s sudden appearance sets off a chain of events that put the production in jeopardy. Before she can return to the present, she must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever. Lucy has one chance to go home but must say goodbye to the man who might be her soulmate unless some Christmas magic can keep the curtain from closing on their love story."


My Take:

Not only do I look forward to seeing the gorgeous Biltmore Estate on screen, I think Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha should make an excellent on-screen pairing, since they both have such vibrant, cheerful personalities. Plus, I love the traveling back in time aspect of the story. Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Net

❄ Great American Family's JANUARY 2023 Movie Schedule is HERE, including New Premiere Starring Lori Loughlin❄ SEE DETAILS:

New Movies are coming in the New Year on Great American Family - with Lori Loughlin, James Tupper, Rhiannon Fish, and more!

See all the movie details below...

*UPDATE: The new commercial promo for the Great American Winter lineup in January is currently showing the dates given below. Please stay tuned for any changes.


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Great American Family:

image via: filmink.com.au

A Prince in Paradise

Also known as: A Royal in Paradise

Starring: Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke

Premieres: Saturday, January 7, 2023

Storyline: Olivia, struggling with writer’s block after a break up, takes a tropical holiday in hope of some inspiration and meets Prince Alexander, who needs some distance from his duty to marry royalty.

Movie Reviews:

👑 A Prince in Paradise a nice and enjoyable movie. -Maria

👑 A Prince In Paradise was more than I expected. I fell in love with the lead guy. He and Rhiannon Fish were perfect together. It was relaxing and enjoyable. This is a keeper for me! ~kitkat

👑 A Prince in Paradise is family friendly movie is the best. Olivia Perkins is struggling writer’s block after a breakup with Kyle when she takes a tropical Holliday to Haven Isles in hopes of some inspiration so, she goes with Katie & she meets Prince Alexander Barclay the 3rd of Torova, who needs distance from his upcoming duty to marry royalty. Prince Alexander receives an invitation from Dr. Lee for Fundraiser in Haven iIsles. (SPOILER ALERT!) Prince Alexander is with his bodyguard named Winston. Winston is with Katie. Olivia is with Prince Alexander. Queen Patricia is with Ridley. Kyle is with Tiffany or without her. Olivia has written another books called; “A Prince in Paradise”. Olivia video chat with Erica about Romance, Royalty, & Tropical Islands. Erica asks about Olivia & Prince Alexander or books so, Olivia replies both. Since Prince Alexander’s Mother named Queen Patricia sends Ridley to spy on Prince Alexander in Haven Isles when Winston & Prince Alexander arrive in paradise; “Haven Isles”, for Fundraisers. ~Anonymous

👑 A Prince in Paradise – The story was simple and sweet, a bit cheesy at times, but mostly family-friendly minus some of the wardrobe. The swimsuits worn on the beach were too revealing for my taste, along with Rhiannon’s dress choice for the charity function. Overall, in my opinion, this film is not a stand-out for the royal-themed movies; the romance portion was way too instant. Not a keeper for me, personally, and unfortunately, I cannot recommend it for family viewing based on the clothing choices. ~Net



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From Chicago With Love

Also known as: Lease on Love

Starring: Rebecca Liddiard and Dan Jeannotte

Premieres: Saturday, January 14, 2023

Storyline: Poppy is a marketing specialist whose life is turned upside down when she fakes an engagement with her boss's handsome new client Milo, to win over her strict building manager and get Milo the penthouse suite.

Movie Reviews:

💕 From Chicago With Love was filmed by Reel One in Hamilton, Ontario. The Canadian release was Lease on Love and was family friendly. Poppy is quite lively for someone who gets walked over a lot. But of course her giving spirit triumphs in the end after a comedy of lies. ~Anonymous

💕 From Chicago with Love is, okay I guess. It had it's sweet moments, but it just felt too awkward for me. -Maria

💕 From Chicago With Love is family friendly about Poppy us a marketing specialist whose life is turned upside down when she fakes an engagement with her boss’ handsome client named Milo the penthouse suite ~Anonymous

💕 FROM CHICAGO WITH LOVE Family friendly, I think, although if you are watching with young kiddos, the female lead was moving in together with her fiance before they got married, which could be a questionable value for some. Anyways... some of you know I don't like love triangle romance tropes. I do love both female and male lead. Happy to see Dan Jeannotte again :) I'm not a fan of how the story unfolded and just the whole storyline generally. Too many things going on with the obnoxious and ridiculous influencer and Poppy's career life, plus the fake/real fiance, and the whole wedding planner thing which was taking it way too far and too unrealistic to me. I do love the chemistry and enjoy it when Poppy and Milo are connecting, but to me it's hard to feel good about their fake romance development while Poppy was also still engaged, no matter how indifferent her fiance was. Also, I couldn't stand that influencer lady. So dramatic and manipulative, and then all of a sudden she came to game night?! This is a one time watch for me, but I do hope we will see Dan Jeannotte and Rebecca Liddiard again in another movie. ~CH Mom



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image via: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck6kTMEpuva/

image via: https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWruJGJ0rD/

Fall Into Winter

Starring: Lori Loughlin, James Tupper, Janaya Stephens

Premieres: Saturday, January 28, 2023

Storyline: In Fall Into Winter, Keely (Loughlin) is aghast when her brother sells his half of their family-owned, upscale candy shop to his best friend from high school (and her nemesis, Brooks) forcing a sudden urgency to find connection and common ground. Keely has been hurt before; change is her new nemesis. Brooks’ past is a mirror of Keely’s. He, too, has a fortress around his heart. Fate brings the pair together. Might it also offer new beginnings?

Fall Into Winter is executive produced by Brad Krevoy and Susie Belzberg Krevoy.

David Anselmo produces for HP Into Winter Productions, Inc. Fall Into Winter is written by Cara J. Russell.

Movie Reviews:

❄ Fall Into Winter – I sooo enjoyed this family-friendly movie on Great American Family! What a delicious treat! Lori Loughlin is lovely, as always, even when she was working in the kitchen in the candy shop. Seeing her again on my TV screen, felt like a visit with a dear old friend. It was such a pleasure to see Lori return in Fall Into Winter, which was heartwarming, engaging, and down-to-earth. This well-written story is more unique than the average rom-com. The tension between Lori’s character, Kerry, and her new business partner, Brooks, played by James Tupper, was amusing and entertaining. The two also have a history from high school, which is an interesting part to their story, which leaves both characters feeling vulnerable over this new partnership. It was reiterated throughout the movie, that this business venture was a fresh start, and I thought that was a wonderful comparison for Lori’s return to acting and this January movie premiere for the New Year. Fall Into Winter is such a cozy, sweet story; I know I will enjoy watching it over and over again. And I was so delighted to see Lori Loughlin again; I can’t wait to see what Great American Family plans with her next! ~Net

❄ Fall Into Winter- Great to have Lori Loughlin back in this all new movie. The cast was great all around. Whole family enjoyed this one. CJ

❄ Ahhh, Fall into Winter is such a beautiful movie!! Looking forward to next month's lineup so much! –Maria

❄ I've enjoyed Fall Into Winter so much! It was such a lovely, heartwarming, cosy movie with lots of chocolate:) And to see Lori Loughlin again ... what a present. She is such a talanted actress. Hope to see her more on GAF. And her co-star James Tupper was just a perfect match, they were great together. I'm so happy I've got a chance to watch this really great movie. ~Oksanka~

❄ I loved this wonderful and heartwarming movie "FALL INTO WINTER"~So great to see Lori Loughlin back once again.This movie made me smile and I just enjoyed it so much.It's one of those movies that truly makes your heart feel good.I would love to see her in more movies and soon.Thank you so much for showing this.. ❤ ~Anonymous

❄ I was so happy to see Lori back in movies! ~Susan Ann

❄ I also loved this movie!! So great to see Lori back and I love James Tupper as well (fresh start for him too as he lost Ann Heche last year)! I hope he will be in many more as well as Lori!! ~Anonymous

❄ I too loved this movie...it is my second favorite movie ( A Christmas...Present will always be my #1) I thought the story was awesome and the acting also. ~Clara

❄ Loved this movie so much watched it again last night when it was on. Lori needs to be in more movies. Hope she has a Christmas movie this year. ~Anonymous

❄ it was so nice seeing Lori back on tv ~Anonymous

❄ I was so happy to see Lori again. The movie was great. Hope she does some Mysteries similar to Garage Sale Mysteries. Loved that series too. ~Anonymous

❄ FALL INTO WINTER This was enjoyable and quite a delight from GAC. Of course it is family friendly. Lori Loughlin was wonderful. I'm looking forward to see more of her! ~CH Mom



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I hope you'll enjoy these new movies in January 2023 on Great American Family. I'm looking forward to seeing Lori Loughlin in this lead role; plus, I'm happy to see Great American Family planning weekly new Saturday movies. Not sure if a new one is planned for Saturday, January 21st, yet, but I'll be sure to fill in the spot above, if one is announced.


If you'd like to share a review of any of these movies, please do so in comments.

Happy movie-watching! Net

🎄 'Twas the Last Full Weekend Before Christmas!!! 🌟 See Christmas Movies and More... Details Here:

Happy weekend before Christmas, my friends! I'm holding on tight now to all of these precious last days 'til Christmas. It's a cloudy day with small snowflakes gently falling here in the Midwest, so I'm writing up this post by the warm light of our Christmas tree. A few packages wait below the tree to be unwrapped on Christmas day (as I still have more to wrap!), and space is always left for Santa in front of our fireplace, where the stockings are hung, of course, with care.

While there are still more new Christmas movies to come next week, this weekend is the last significant drop of new ones. A couple days ago, I tried to erase a few I've watched on my DVR and make room for more. Some are easier to delete than others, but I made a little room, and I'm trying really hard not to think too much about the new movies coming soon in the new year. I try to keep my focus on Christmas as long as possible and think of those movies as far off into the distance, so to speak. But alas, the new year and January movies are only a couple of weeks away. Even still, I'm keeping my heart and mind in the present on Christmas day!

See all of the NEW Christmas movies premiering this weekend and more below...


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Saturday, December 17, 2022:

Sappy Holiday

Storyline: Stranded in a small town after her car breaks down, Joy meets the charming James, a local trying to save his family’s maple farm.

Sappy Holiday

Premieres Saturday, December 17, 2022

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

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Saturday, December 17, 2022:

Aisle Be Home for Christmas

Storyline: Two exes finally reconnect when a snowstorm leaves them stranded in a superstore (without cell service or Wi-Fi) just before Christmas.

Aisle Be Home for Christmas

Premieres Saturday, December 17, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

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Saturday, December 17, 2022:

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Storyline: A former actress trying to break into directing tests her skills with a town’s annual Christmas Eve courtroom production in which the true authorship of the famous poem ‘A Visit from St. Nick’ is debated.

’Twas the Night Before Christmas

Premieres Saturday, December 17, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, December 17, 2022:

Five More Minutes: Moments Like These

Storyline: The second holiday story inspired by Scotty McCreery’s song ‘Five More Minutes,’ a young widow’s Christmas wish for her son is answered in unexpected ways when she returns to their old home for the holidays.

Five More Minutes: Moments Like These

Premieres Saturday, December 17, 2022

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

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Saturday, December 17, 2022:

The Holiday Dating Guide

Storyline: Dating coach and aspiring book author Abigale Slater (Maria Menounos), is close to making her lifelong dream come true. She has completed her first book—a how-to guide for dating in today’s modern world—and is now more than ready to become a published author. However, after reading the book, her publisher Jack won’t proceed with the deal without knowing that her dating advice actually works. Before he has a chance to say no, Abigale proposes that she prove the rules work by using them herself and making a man fall for her by Christmas Eve in 12 days. Although Abigale’s never seen love as a priority for herself, she sets out to find someone who will fall quickly enough to get this book in print. Things change when Abigale meets Michael Ryan (Brent Bailey), and her single-minded mission takes an unexpected turn. While following her own advice, and learning to expect the unexpected in the process, Abigale discovers the romance of her dreams.

The Holiday Dating Guide

Premieres Saturday, December 17, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

An Eclectic Christmas

Storyline: When a smalltown vintage store owner leaves instructions in her will for inventory to be distributed as Christmas gifts, her out-of-town niece seeks help from a handsome local in identifying recipients from the clues provided.

An Eclectic Christmas

Premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

*Small Town Christmas: Frostburg, Md.

*Holiday Special

A heart-warming episodic show that will take viewers to different, picturesque small towns in America, showcasing the unique ways they celebrate Christmas. In each episode, we will highlight the local food, local business, entertainment and festivities that make these towns come to life at Christmas.

*Small Town Christmas: Frostburg, Md.
airs Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 9pm/8c. on UPtv

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

A Brush with Christmas

Storyline: Over the week leading up to Christmas, Charlotte tries to capture her own unique style in the local art scene while also helping her mother run the family restaurant. Disheartened and struggling to find time for her art, Charlotte throws out her latest painting, only to discover that it has been anonymously submitted to the Christmas art festival. It turns out that Wyatt, a visiting artist, stumbled upon her discarded work and is now using the festival’s exposure to find its mysterious creator who has stolen his heart with her craft.

A Brush with Christmas

Premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

Hanukkah on Rye

Storyline: A matchmaker connects Molly and Jacob, but their new romance is put to the test when they realize that they are competing deli owners. Will a Hanukkah miracle keep them together?

Hanukkah on Rye

Premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

When Christmas Was Young

Storyline: A headstrong music manager in desperate need of a hit song for his last remaining client finds himself falling for a gifted singer-songwriter with abandoned dreams of making it big, as he attempts to secure the rights to a Christmas song she wrote years ago.

*Rated PG (Mild Language)

When Christmas Was Young

Premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 9pm/8c. on CBS

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Sunday, December 18, 2022:

Wrapped Up in Love

Storyline: Ashley Mackenzie (Brittany Bristow) has always been the preeminent "Christmas Queen" in town. From making hand-crafted decorations for the office to hosting the town’s annual Christmas sweater competition, she loves everything about the holiday...that is, until she meets her match in Ben Williams (Olivier Renaud). Ben is the devilishly handsome new guy in town who loves Christmas just as much as she does—and unwittingly begins to steal her thunder. But as Ashley begins to feel like Ben is taking Christmas away from her, she is reminded of the true spirit of the holiday, and she joins forces with him to make this Christmas even more meaningful.

Wrapped Up in Love

Premieres Sunday, December 18, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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I hope you enjoy ALL of the NEW Christmas movies this weekend. And, if any of you happen to be curious about the new movies coming in 2023, see details for each network here: Great American Family, Hallmark, and UPtv.

Blessings to you all as we prepare for Christmas day! We're baking and decorating lots of sugar cookies for Santa this weekend. I'm sure there will be some sampling before Santa receives his, but we will be certain to save him the special ones.

Key Christmas Links:

🌟2022 Christmas Movie Reviews
🌟New Christmas Movies
🌟Christmas Movie Schedule

Disclaimer: Please know when I share a movie, this is NOT an endorsement of any of the actors involved, personally or professionally, with their other TV/film projects.

Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new Christmas movies airing this weekend. If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments. Thank you so much to those of you who participate in this.

Have a wonderful, joyful weekend, everyone!

Blessings & Merry Christmas! Net

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: 

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, 

and will call Him Immanuel."

~Isaiah 7:14

🌟 How to Rent *Great American Family* Christmas Movies... 🌟 See Here:

Have YOU heard the news? In addition to watching on TV, now you can rent Great American Family Christmas movies, too!

Here are the details directly from Great American Media:

"Great American Christmas movies are now available to RENT for $7.99/each! FIRST, GO TO OUR WEBSITE: https://www.greatamericancommunity.com/movie to make your payment (follow prompts), then watch Commercial Free on the Great American Community app on any device! Rentals will be available for 48 hours from the time of payment."

Happy Christmas Movie Watching!

Net