Where are You CHRISTMAS? 🎄

During these days after Christmas I've been hearing those first three lines from that sweet song from 'Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas' playing over and over in my mind...

Where are you Christmas

Why can't I find you

Why have you gone away…

It's a bit harder to find Christmas after Christmas on TV, but you know I'm always searching for it!

This week, as we head into the New Year, we can continue to find Christmas 24/7 on the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and nightly on GAC Family, plus, all day this coming weekend! I've included some of the prime-time highlights for Hallmark in my Christmas TV Schedule, along with GAC Family's complete Christmas movie lineup for this week!

In the New Year, 2022 - we will find Christmas movies Thursday night on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Friday night on the Hallmark Channel, and something exciting and new... Christmas movies will air Saturday night throughout the year on GAC Family!

Even though Christmas day has passed, the song Where are You Christmas ends with a hopeful message...

Christmas is here

Everywhere, oh

Christmas is here

If you care, oh

If there is love in your heart and your mind

You will feel like Christmas all the time

Oh, I feel you Christmas

I know I've found you

You never fade away, oh

The joy of Christmas

Stays here inside us

Fills each and every heart with love

Here is that beautiful song sung by the little girl who portrays Cindy Lou in 'Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas'...

When Christmas day is over, we must hold on to the spirit even tighter. I am reminded by that special quote by Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

Let's keep the true joy of Christmas, the birth of Jesus!, in our hearts every day!

Be sure to check the Christmas TV Schedule for special Christmas movies airing this week and beyond.

Joyous Christmas Blessings to You All

and Happy New Year! Net

New TV Movie Premieres on BYU before 2022!

The first movie listed below is "Sweet as Maple Syrup". I happened to catch it midway through 2 days before Christmas day on December 23rd. After a kick search, I learned that BYU changed their schedule on Christmas week to include this movie. I was rather bummed that I missed it and the opportunity to share it with all of you. (UPDATE: See encore air date and time below!) However, I have good news... this movie is currently available to stream through BYUtv's web-site - here or through BYU's app!

BYU will also premiere "The Secret Sauce", (also from Incendo Productions) on Wednesday, December 29th at 1pm EST. You can see it via streaming - here!

See details for both movies below.

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Movie: Sweet as Maple Syrup

Network: BYUtv

Original Air Date: December 23, 2021 at 1pm/12c.

Encore Air Date: April 30, 2022 at 6pm/5c. and 2am/1c.

Starring: Brooke Nevin and Carlo Marks

Storyline via BYU:
Desperate to save her family’s maple orchard, Rachelle enlists the help of Derek, a tree scientist. With the Maple Syrup Festival coming up quickly, Rachelle and Derek must work together to get her maple trees back to their former glory. A charming family-friendly romance, Sweet as Maple Syrup champions the virtues of hard work, science, and community-mindedness.


Review:

🌳"Just watched it and I have to say it was a fun one. Family friendly and the chemistry was great. Hope this helps!" ~Heidi Joy


🌳"SWEET AS MAPLE SYRUP "Food" related themes seem to be very popular at the moment and there have even been a couple of other movies with Maple Syrup centre stage. This is another winning showcase from Incendo (it is, of course, family-friendly). A very large part if this is due to the lead actors Brooke Nevin (I wonder why Hallmark have never taken her up?) and Carlo Marks - Rachelle and Derek. Both were excellent in their parts and there was wonderful chemistry between them. Although Derek was a professor and bookish there was nothing boring about him. You had a good idea how the plot would work out but their on-screen presence kept things refreshingly interesting. It was nice to see how romance developed between them from the initial antagonism to the gradual warming and eventually deeper feelings. There was a nice comedy line as Rachelle tried to avoid the match-making tactics of a local doyenne. I also liked Rachelle's brother who was a partner in the business. Knowing how these Rom.Coms usually go I was actually surprised that they didn't introduce a love interest for him - I was actually fully expecting something to develop between him and Rachelle's best friend - although there was a little twist on this at the end. Overall this a delightful, heartwarming movie which I think would appeal to most members here." Forence's rating - 8.


🌳"Sweet as Maple S ok but very predictable." ~JoCo


*images/details via: Incendo Productions and BYU



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Movie: The Secret Sauce

Network: BYUtv

Original Air Date: December 29, 2021 at 1pm/12c.

Starring: Tori Anderson and Corey Sevier

Storyline via BYU:
Marketing executive Laura is sent to oversee a small-town cook off and entice Jim, the local barbecue restaurant owner, to let her license his family's secret BBQ sauce. While Laura struggles with small-town life, and while Jim resists the idea of joining forces with a large business, the two soon discover how well their differences work together. With a dash of trust and a splash of kindness, Jim and Laura’s friendship slowly marinates into something much sweeter.


Review:

🍲🍔 "The Secret Sauce is family-friendly, delightful and light-hearted. The small town community feel is heartwarming. Overall, the storyline is fairly straight-forward and easy-going, with no major plot twists or surprises. I enjoyed both leads, Tori Anderson and Corey Sevier, and their chemistry was just as sweet as the sauce! Marketing executive Laura Glickman (Tori Anderson) comes from the big city of Chicago to the mid-west, to persuade the laid-back, set in his ways, Jim Covell (Corey Sevier) into selling the recipe to his secret sauce. Course, their relationship may become more than mere business. I enjoyed this charming movie, and I hope you will, too! Fair warning: It might induce you to fire up the BBQ!" ~Net


🍲🍔 "I watched and recorded The Secret Sauce on 12/29/2021 and loved it!" ~Namegirl


*If you miss this showing on BYUtv, you should also be able to watch via VOD on BYU's web-site - *click here*!

*images/details via: Incendo Productions and BYU

🎄 Merry Christmas, dear Friends! 🎄 My Christmas Card to You...

What a Wonderful Christmas Season and Year it has been,

once again,

at "It's a Wonderful Movie"!

It's always a joy to reminiscence with dear friends,

who often visit and share,

and meet new ones, as well,

who I've added to my prayers.

I hope many of you have enjoyed

building special friendships here

and watching some delightful New Christmas Movies

and lots of beloved Christmas classics - all year!

I appreciate each and every one who visits...

all the comments, thoughts and wonderful movie reviews!

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

"And she shall bring forth a Son,

and thou shalt call His name JESUS:

for He shall save His people from their sins. "

~Matthew 1:21

When I think of Christmas, I think of the glowing lights, the cherished gifts, the holy star, angels on high, pure white snow, the excitement of little ones and so many lovely things!

All of these Christmas treasures tie in to the Holy birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came as a tiny little baby that first Christmas to save us from our sins.

On that first Christmas night when the star shown bright and the angels sang, Jesus was that first Light, the Light of the World. If we receive Him, then we, too, come out of the darkness and into the Light.

The Greatest Gift of all was given in a stable on that first Christmas. Love!

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!

Traditionally, again this Christmas, I will be spending the day with my family. I love when everyone comes home! Before any gifts are unwrapped, my Father reads the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the Bible, and everyone listens intently as we think upon that first Christmas long, long ago. Jesus is always the first gift we receive Christmas morning. Then, we take turns unwrapping gifts from under the tree... appreciating the time together, the presents given, and enjoying the moment. Also, in my heart... I'll be remembering Christmases past and treasuring all of the precious memories - in the midst of making new ones!

If you're looking for more Christmas programming, old and new, then be sure to visit the Christmas Schedule, which includes the new Lifetime Christmas movies premiering this week, GAC Family's Christmas Day movie marathon, plus It's a Wonderful Life (a cherished favorite!), 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (the endearing classic cartoon!), Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers (tells the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus!), and more beloved, can't miss Christmas classics: Home Alone, Meet Me in St. Louis, and White Christmas!

Also, see the Christmas Movie Review page - to see which NEW Christmas movies from 2021 are family friendly.

God's Blessings to You

during this Holy Christmas Season!

Thank you for being a special part of the

*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 2022!

Wishing You much Love and Joy

this Christmas!

God Bless Us, Everyone!

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Glory to the newborn King!

From my home to yours...

Merry Christmas to You All! Net

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.

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Candace Cameron Bure & daughter, Natasha, Star Together in NEW "Aurora Teagarden" Movie! 🔎

There is some extra fun news newly released from the next installment of the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' mystery series "Aurora Teagarden!" Candace Cameron Bure (who stars as Aurora Teagarden Miller, the sleuthing librarian) and her real-life daughter, Natasha, are starring together in the all new "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder."

You may recall, Candace and her daughter, Natasha, also starred together in "Switched For Christmas," the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas movie from 2017 in which Candace portrayed twin sisters who traded places. In that previous Christmas movie, Natasha portrayed Candace's daughter.

Eonline recently released all the details + some great press shots from this upcoming film. Natasha will portray the teenage version of her mother in this all new "Aurora Teagarden" mystery. Plus, the younger actress playing the teen version of Sally Allison, Aurora's bestie, is Lexa Doig's real-life daughter, Mia Shanks.

According to the article at E!, Hallmark has released this story synopsis: "When Aurora Teagarden and her best friend, Sally Allison, were teenagers, they entered the infamous 'haunted' Crenshaw Mansion on a dare and, to their shock, came upon a dead body in a secret room! It's twenty years later, and Aurora's mother, Aida, has bought the Crenshaw Mansion with plans to renovate and sell, dismissing the notion that the house is haunted."

Also, starring in this movie, are Niall Matter as Nick Miller, Marilu Henner as Aida Teagarden, Lexa Doig as Sally Allison, Peter Benson as Arthur Smith, Miranda Frigon as Lynn Smith, Dylan Sloane as Phillip Pifer, Ellie Harvie as Lillian Tibbett, Cole Vigue as Davis Mettle and Julia Benson as Lizzie Allison Rankart.

"Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder" began shooting on November 22, 2021 and wrapped December 11, 2021. Candace shared the picture below on social media with all of her followers with the captioning: "Just wrapped another Aurora Teagarden Mystery. #18 !!!! I can’t believe we started these movies 7 years ago 🤯. I love bringing you family friendly entertainment and can’t wait for you to see this new one! Coming in February on @hallmarkmovie . Follow @aurorateagardenmysteries for more 🔎"

Look for the new "Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder" premiere on February 20, 2022 on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.


Also, I want to be sure to mention - there are new times for some of the "New Year New Movies" airing in January on the Hallmark Channel - *click here* for details!

Happy sleuthing! Net

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A Little Extra!

As many of you know, Candace Cameron Bure is a person who often expresses her faith in Jesus! She has such a wonderful line of products at DaySpring that is meant to uplift, encourage and inspire Christians in our walk with The Lord. I thought I would share some of these special items today. You can find them at DaySpring and some at Amazon.

Product details via DaySpring:

In this issue, you'll find inspiring stories, meaningful quotes, heartfelt prayers, practical resources, and tangible truths straight from God's Word that will allow you to pause and reflect on the reason for the season. See more details here.

Shop the Candace Cameron Bure DaySpring line 

at DaySpring and Amazon.

PLEASE NOTE: I am an affiliate with DaySpring and Amazon. When you click on links to these merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. This does not change the cost to you. Thank you for clicking on my links and supporting *It's a Wonderful Movie*.

See 8 NEW 🌟Christmas Movies🌟 this Weekend filled with Hope and Joy + 🎄A Charlie Brown Christmas🎄 and More!

It's the weekend before CHRISTMAS! Can YOU believe it? I know many of us are busy with holiday activities... wrapping, baking, and maybe, some last minute shopping, too! I'm wrapped up still in ALL three! How 'bout you? Just when I think all the shopping is done, I seem to remember one more thing. I just love giving. 'Tis the season!

I'm doing my best, though, to not get consumed with all the presents and superficial stuff, because the focus of Christmas should always be on Jesus! He's the best GIFT ever given, and I pray many receive Him in their hearts this Christmas.

Once again, there are lots of NEW rom-com style Christmas movies this weekend, but there are also some wonderful specials that share the true meaning of Christmas! I hope you enjoy the list below...



Friday, December 17, 2021:

Sugar Plum Twist

After failing to get the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year's production of The Nutcracker, Vivíana Serrano, an aspiring ballerina, joins forces with Natalia, a retiree from the New York Ballet, to create a surprise reprise of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy…with a Latin twist.

Sugar Plum Twist

Premieres Friday, December 17, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Friday, December 17, 2021:

Mistletoe in Montana

Welcome to Paradise Ranch, where city slickers get to be cowboys and cowgirls. Merry (Hart), who owns the ranch has been unlucky in love, but that's about to change when a single father, Mark (Henry), and his two kids book the ranch for Christmas week. Adventure is on the menu, the holiday spirit is everywhere, and love is in the air.

Mistletoe in Montana

Premieres Friday, December 17, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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Saturday, December 18, 2021:

When Hope Calls Christmas

Part 1 and Part 2

In this two-part season premiere, the residents of Brookfield come together to celebrate Christmas alongside some familiar visitors.

When Hope Calls Christmas

Part 1 and Part 2

Premieres Saturday, December 18, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on GAC Family

Note: After the premiere of "When Hope Calls Christmas" on Saturday night, December 18, 2021, GAC Family will air "The Chosen: The Wedding Gift." Depicting the life of Jesus, the faith-based series, "The Chosen," has become widely popular - with over 100 million views for Seasons 1 and 2.

"The Wedding Gift" is the fifth episode of the first season of "The Chosen." (It's original air date was: November 26, 2019.) In this episode, according to the-chosen.fandom.com: "Nicodemus interrogates John the Baptizer while Jesus and his students make their way to a wedding celebration in Cana. When the wine runs low, Mary asks her son to intervene on behalf of the bridegroom's family.



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Saturday, December 18, 2021:

Toying with the Holidays

Workaholic designer Danielle (Busby) returns to her hometown of Holly Pines for the holidays with her young son Paul with hopes to introduce him to some beloved holiday traditions, in particular the town's North Pole Express train. Once home, she discovers that the North Pole Express has been sidelined. Determined to help, Danielle reconnects with her former high school classmate Kevin (Murray), now a hobbyist and model train enthusiast himself. Together, Danielle and Kevin attempt to pull off a Christmas miracle that would get the old North Pole Express running--and quite possibly give Danielle many reasons, one of them romantic, to consider staying in Holly Pines for good...

Toying with the Holidays

Premieres Saturday, December 18, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime

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Saturday, December 18, 2021:

Christmas For Keeps

At Christmastime, a close-knit group of childhood friends return home after 10 years to take part in the celebration of life of their beloved high school teacher.

Christmas For Keeps

Premieres Saturday, December 18, 2021

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

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

Christmas with the Chosen - The Messengers

Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers is 2 hours long featuring musical performances from various artists and groups including Phil Wickham, for KING & COUNTRY, Cain, We The Kingdom, Matt Maher, Dawson Hollow and many more. Along with the musical performances there is a new episode of The Chosen which is 40-minutes long and follows the events surrounding the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Mary and Joseph.

Christmas with the Chosen - The Messengers

Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 3pm/2c. on BYUtv

*You can also stream Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers on BYUtv's web-site here:
https://www.byutv.org/player/8ff913da-ff8a-47ef-8551-d02e5f863a26/christmas-with-the-chosen-the-messengers-christmas-with-the-chosen-the-messengers



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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary

of The Waltons movie!

On Christmas Eve 1933, a rural Virginia clan, the Waltons, are preparing to celebrate the holiday. But patriarch John Walton (Andrew Duggan), who has gone off to the big city in search of work, still hasn't returned home, and a heavy snowstorm only adds more cause for worry. Teenage son John-Boy (Richard Thomas) tries to distract his siblings by explaining the real meaning of Christmas to them, before his mother (Patricia Neal) finally sends John-Boy out to find his father.

*This is the original movie from 1971 - airing on the exact same day it aired 50 years ago!

The Homecoming: A Christmas Story

airs Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 4pm/3c. on INSP

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

The Sound of Music

Okay, this is not a Christmas movie, but it has become a tradition for for me and my family to watch The Sound of Music at Christmastime. The story is beyond incredible and always moves me to tears. Our freedom is so precious; this movie is a great reminder of what took place as World War II approached and the von Trapp family, who lived in Salzburg, Germany, had to flee from the Nazis to America. I do believe The Sound of Music is one of the best movie musicals of all time.

In this true-life story, Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, a spirited young Austrian woman who leaves the convent to become a governess for Captain von Trapp's (Christopher Plummer) seven unruly children. Her charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children - and their father. But when Nazi Germany unites with Austria, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family.

The Sound of Music

airs Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 7pm/6c. on ABC

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown is discouraged by the rampant materialism during Christmas and to cure his angst, Lucy suggests he take charge of the annual Christmas pageant; with Linus's help, he attempts to teach everyone the true meaning of the holiday.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Sunday, December 19, 2021

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

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

Joy For Christmas

When her family firm’s annual Christmas toy drive is in jeopardy, Holly Silver (Busby) must convince pro athlete Jack Kane (Page) to be the public face of the campaign to help save it. As Noelle helps Jack rediscover the meaning of Christmas, Holly reconnects with her own family traditions. While Jack and Holly go through challenges of making Christmas dreams for others come true, they discover kindred spirits in each other and the potential for the gift of romance this holiday season.

Joy For Christmas

Premieres Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on GAC Family

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

Christmas Takes Flight

“Christmas Takes Flight” - tells the story of a handsome but frugal CEO who takes over a family-owned regional airline and plans to cut their annual Christmas charity event, while the original owner’s daughter, who is a pilot for the airline, rallies the community to save the event, and finds unexpected love in the process.

Christmas Takes Flight

Premieres Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on CBS

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Sunday, December 19, 2021:

'Tis the Season to Be Merry

Looking for a fresh angle to her book on relationships, Merry heads to snow covered Vermont. She finds a new perspective and Christmas cheer with charismatic aid worker Chris.

'Tis the Season to Be Merry

Premieres Sunday, December 19, 2021

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Is there something special you are looking forward to this weekend?

The NEW Christmas movies that most pique my interest are: Joy For Christmas, Toying with the Holidays, and the new Christmas episodes of When Hope Calls!

I'm also going to be sure to watch the one and only airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas (my absolute favorite!), Christmas with the Chosen - The Messengers, The Homecoming: A Christmas Story which celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Waltons movie, and of course, as I mentioned above, I simply must see... The Sound of Music!

*Please note- I have NOT pre-screened the 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 review. I know everyone here would be grateful to know any information you are willing to share.

Be sure to check out the 2021 Christmas Movie Review Page - if you'd like to see which movies are family-friendly this year.

You can also check out the Christmas TV Movie Schedule, which includes NEW Christmas movie premieres and Christmas classics.

Have a fun and festive weekend, everyone! I still can't believe - it's the last one before Christmas! So much to do... so little time! Gotta get busy! I found some last minute gifts last night with my Amazon Prime. Their Holiday Gift Guides are such a huge help for picking out something special when you don't have anything particular in mind.

Hope you are able to get done whatever you need to do this weekend before Christmas comes!

Joy to the world The Lord has come!

Blessings & Merry Christmas, Everyone! Net

“For God so loved the world

that He gave His one and only Son,

that whoever believes in Him

shall not perish but have eternal life.”

– John 3:16