Hallmark Christmas Movies (2013)

Love Hallmark Movies? On this page, rediscover the Christmas-themed Hallmark movies that were released in 2013.

The Hallmark Channel is the place to go for family-friendly holiday programming and lots of it. In 2013, the Hallmark Movie Channel delivered thirteen new Hallmark Christmas movies and a host of other holiday films, both old and new with the best time slots reserved for the brand new Hallmark movies.

The movies included Pete's Christmas, Merry Mix-Up, Let it Snow, Window Wonderland, Fir Crazy, Christmas Share, Christmas Star, The Christmas Ornament, Snow Bride, The Santa Switch, The Thanksgiving House, The Christmas Spirit and finally, Christmas in Conway, which appeared on ABC and not the Hallmark Channel, a decided bonus for those who do not receive the Hallmark Channel.

On this page, read a brief summary of each of the 2013 Hallmark Christmas movies and find out which ones are available on DVD.

A List of New Hallmark Christmas Movies (2013)

• A Very Merry Mix-Up
• The Christmas Spirit
• Window Wonderland
• Let it Snow
• The Santa Switch
• Pete's Christmas
• Christmas Share
• Snow Bride
• The Thanksgiving House
• Fir Crazy
• The Christmas Ornament
• Christmas Star
• Christmas in Conway

A Very Merry Mix-Up

What happens when an antique shop owner sets off to meet her fiancée's family? Of course, there's a mix up. Starring Alicia Witt, Mark Wiebe, Scott Gibson, Susan Hogan, Richard Fitzpatrick and Lawrence Dane. This movie is available on DVD from Amazon by clicking here.

The Christmas Spirit

This story is like that seen of It's A Wonderful Life set in modern times. In this film, the main character tries to save a small New England town from a real estate development. Starring Nicollette Sheridan of Desperate Housewives fame. It does not appear to be available on DVD.

Window Wonderland

What happens when New York City department store employees try to win a job dressing windows? That's the premise of this movie, which stars Naomi Judd, Chyler Leigh, Paul Campbell and Cameron Mathison. It is not available on DVD.

Let It Snow

Can a wonderful lodge in Maine become a trendy hot spot? Let It snow stars Candace Cameron Bure, Alan Thicke and Jesse Hutch. Let It Snow can be found on Amazon here.

The Santa Switch

What happens when a dad who needs help gifting his family with a great holiday is handed Santa's reigns? Starring Sean Astin, Ethan Erickson, Anne Dudek, Annie Thurman and Griffin Cleveland. This movie does not appear to be available on DVD.

Pete's Christmas

What happens when a middle child is allowed to repeat things over and over again until he is able to gift his family with the holiday he thinks that they deserve? Starring Bruce Dern, Bailee Madison and Zachary Gordon. Find Pete's Christmas on Amazon by clicking here.

Christmas Share

What happens when when a couple that includes a musician from a small town and an advertising executive, switch houses at Christmas? Starring Tricia Helfer, J.T. Hodges, Mark Lutz and Cristina Rosato. This movie does not appear to be available on DVD.

Snow Bride

Find out what happens when a tabloid reporter discovers the political family she's been hounding is not what she thought they were. Starring Patricia Richardson, Katrina Law and Jordan Belfi. Snow Bride is available on Amazon by clicking here.

The Thanksgiving House 

What happens when a lawyer from Boston inherits a house that sits on the site of the first Thanksgiving celebration? Starring Lindsay Wagner, Emily Rose, Justin Bruening, Adam Kaufman and Bruce Boxleitner. Unfortunately, this movie does not appear to be available on DVD.

Fir Crazy

What happens when a holiday humbug winds up selling Christmas trees on the family Christmas tree lot? Starring Sarah Lancaster, Eric Johnson and Colin Mochrie. This movie does not appear to be available on DVD.

The Christmas Ornament

How does a widow get through her first Christmas without her spouse? Starring: Kellie Martin and Cameron Mathison. Find the Christmas Ornament on Amazon here.

Christmas Star 

What happens when a widow meets up with his sweetheart from high school who is a huge pop star? Starring Shannon Elizabeth, Steve Byers, Julia Lalonde and Kyle Breitkopf. This movie does not appear to be available on DVD.

Christmas in Conway

Christmas in Conway stars Andy Garcia, Mandy Moore and Mary-Louise Parker.

Hallmark calls Christmas in Conway a testament to love, filled with scenes of hilarity. Imagine if your neighbours wanted to set up a real Ferris wheel in their backyard. How would you greet that news? With joy or disapproval? What if you knew the reason the Ferris wheel was being put there was to allow a seriously ill woman a romantic memory? That is the story behind Christmas in Conway.

For those who do not receive the Hallmark Channel, it is good to know that Hallmark reserves the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies for other channels. In this case, Christmas in Conway aired on December 1, 2013, on ABC. I know that news was greeted with a cheer by fans who miss all of the holiday programming that is not available to them on the Hallmark Channel. You can find Christmas in Conway on Amazon here.

Well that's it. The Hallmark Christmas movie list from 2013.  Which ones did you see? Which ones did you miss? Which one is the most intriguing to you? Be sure to take a moment to say hello in the comments box shown below.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Hallmark Christmas-themed movies on Amazon.
Hallmark movies on Pinterest.

Author's Note: This page was originally created on another site in 2010.

Hallmark Christmas Movies (2012)

Love Hallmark Movies? On this page, rediscover the twelve Christmas-themed Hallmark movies that were released in 2012 and find out where you can buy them. 

(Find the Hallmark Holiday Collection DVD here on Amazon)

HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES 2012 LIST

Christmas with Holly

Christmas Song

Hitched for the Holidays

Come Dance With Me

Help for the Holidays

Baby's First Christmas

The Wishing Tree

It's Christmas, Carol!

Naughty or Nice

CHRISTMAS SONG

Christmas Song originally aired on November 3, 2012. It starred Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan star in a story about two schools that have been merged into one. The rivalry of the former two schools dies hard, especially for the choir groups and the music teachers from the two schools who are forced to compete for the single teaching position with the competition taking the form of a Christmas song competition.

A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS

A Bride for Christmas originally aired on December 1, 2012. It shares the story of a young woman who cancels her third engagement as she stands at the altar and is determined not to have another serious relationship until she meets the right man. She meets a young man who unknown to her is trying to win a bet that he can convince a woman to marry him by this Christmas.

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

Baby's First Christmas originally aired on December 15, 2012. It features two lawyers - one male and one female - who are so different that they simply cannot get along. Finally, one of them moves on to another location but the pair still finds themselves thrown together when their sister and brother fall in love and have a baby. However, the baby's parents are in a difficult situation and the lawyers are forced to step in and help out.

Christmas Song, A Bride for Christmas and Baby's First Christmas are available on DVD as part of a four-movie set, as shown above. Movie collections like this are almost always more economical to buy than single DVD releases plus, in this case, you get four great Hallmark movies to watch. 

CHRISTMAS WITH HOLLY

Originally appearing on December 9, 2012, Christmas with Holly is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie presentation, which means that it aired on ABC instead of the Hallmark Channel. That is particularly important for those many Hallmark movie fans who do not have access to the Hallmark Channel. Buy the DVD from Amazon by clicking here.

MATCHMAKER SANTA

Matchmaker Santa originally aired on November 17, 2012, and stars Lacey Chabert, Florence Henderson, John Ratzenberger, Adam Mayfield and Donovan Scott. It tells the story of a woman in love with a workaholic named Justin who winds up stranded with his assistant, Dean, in a small romantic town at Christmas time. Matchmaker Santa is not available on DVD.

HITCHED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Hitched for the Holidays originally aired on November 25, 2012, and tells the story of two young people who look for a temporary partner in an effort to please their families during the holidays. They do find each other but things become complicated when the Catholic and Jewish families get involved. It stars Joey Lawrence, Emily Hampshire and Marilu Henner.

Buy Hitched for the Holidays on DVD from Amazon.

THE CHRISTMAS HEART

The Christmas Heart originally aired on December 2, 2012. It sees traditions change on Arthur Avenue when a teenager from the neighborhood is hospitalized because he needs a heart transplant. A heart is located but must make it to the teenager on Christmas Eve through a snowstorm. The neighborhood puts out luminaires to honor the young man and his family and those very lights help save Matt's life. The Christmas Heart is not available on DVD.

COME DANCE WITH ME  

Originally airing on December 8, 2012, Come Dance With Me shares the story of a financial executive trying to make a good impression on the head of the firm because he wants a promotion. However, at the same time, he is dating the daughter of the man he is trying to impress and the young lady's mother doesn't approve of the match. In an effort to create the perfect proposal, the young man signs up for dance lessons but once he starts dance lessons he discovers feelings for the dance instructor.

Click here to buy Come Dance with Me from Amazon.

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Help For The Holidays premièred December 9, 2012, and tells the story of one of Santa's female elves who wonders if life offers more than just making toys for Santa. When Santa receives a special wish from a youngster in L.A., he sends Christine to visit the family. The family, it turns out, needs an intervention because mom and dad are too busy working and the children often left alone. Christine takes on the roll of nanny, hoping to help bring the family back together. Help for the Holidays is not available on DVD.

IT'S CHRISTMAS, CAROL!

It's Christmas, Carol originally aired on November 18, 2012. It  captured my interest immediately because it is a twist on the traditional story, A Christmas Carol. In this version of this movie, a successful and ruthless book publisher is visited by the ghost of a previous boss who visits the past, present and future  revealing how her ways have been bad. Of course, she will wake up ready to repair her nasty past. It's Christmas, Carol stars Carrie Fisher, Emmanuelle Vaugier and Carson Kressley.

NAUGHTY OR NICE

Naughty or Nice originally aired on November 24, 2012. It tells the story of Krissy Kringle who doesn't feel like dealing with the Santa mail she receives because she lives on Candy Cane Lane. However, she receives a parcel that she can't ignore that contains Santa's Naughty or Nice book. Naughty or Nice stars Hilarie Burton, Matt Dallas, Meredith Baster and Michael Gross.

THE WISHING TREE

The Wishing Tree premiered on November 10, 2012.  It stars Jason Gedrick, Emmalyn Estrada, Richard Harmon and Amital Marmorstein, The Wishing Tree shares the story of a professor who struggles to put the past behind him. He winds up helping a troubled teen turn her life around through a Christmas tree that is decorated with handwritten wishes and of course, the tree helps us all believe that wishes really do come true.

It's Christmas Carol, Naughty or Nice and The Wishing Tree are available on DVD as part of a four-movie set, as shown above. You can find it on Amazon by clicking right here.

IN CLOSING

Well that's it. The Hallmark Christmas movie list from 2012. Which ones did you see? Which ones did you miss? Which one is the most intriguing to you? Be sure to take a moment to say hello in the comments box shown below.

See you at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links

Check out all of the Hallmark Christmas-themed movies on Amazon.

Four Hallmark Christmas Movies (2009-2010)

Have you seen these Hallmark Christmas movies from 2010 and 2009?

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (2010)

The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas is the story of one family trying to save Santa and the delivery of presents on Christmas Eve. December 23rd arrives and they find that they do not have a Christmas tree, any presents or any Christmas spirit. They have simply been too busy with their lives and their busy schedules, even during the holiday season. Of course this will change when Santa crashes on the roof of their home on Christmas Eve. Santa's sleigh is broken down and his gift bag missing and he is suffering from amnesia. One of the children who still believes in Christmas magic is determined to save Christmas by getting his family into the holiday spirit. They have to work as a team in order to help Santa get back to work and, at the same time, they save their own family.

The Night Before, the Night Before Christmas was filmed in Toronto, Canada, and aired on Saturday, November 20th, 2010.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

Call Me Mrs. Miracle (2010)

Those who loved Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle will no doubt love the 2010 Christmas movie, Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle 2. The movie is called Call Me Mrs. Miracle and is set at Christmastime in New York City. An opinionated saleswoman in a department store decides that it could use a bit of magic at holiday time and works to create a hot toy for her boss. She also takes control of things at the store and helps a romance between the assistant of a fashion designer and her nephew, working hard to ensure a great Christmas happens for everyone.

Mrs. Miracle (2009)

The original movie, Mrs. Miracle, aired on the Hallmark Channel on December 5, 2009 and is said to be Hallmark's highest rated film of 2009. It features a single dad who cannot locate a housekeeper for his twin sons. A magical housekeeper arrives and helps him move forward from his wife's death and find new love. He needed a miracle and Mrs. Merkle, referred to as Mrs. Miracle by the children, was the one who provided one.

This movie is available now from Amazon and was released November 16, 2010.

Click here to buy it on Amazon.

November Christmas (2010)

Aired on November 28, 2010.

In the new Hallmark Hall of Fame production, November Christmas, the Rhode Island family of a little girl who has cancer works to celebrate Christmas in the summer so that their daughter might enjoy it. Aided by an older couple and eventually the entire town, they manage to do so, creating both a Halloween and a Christmas that are special.The cast includes John Corbett, Sam Elliott, Karen Allen, Sarah Paulson and Emily Alyn Lind and the film was filmed in Wolfville, Canada. Click here to buy it on Amazon.


Do you love Hallmark Christmas movies?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Check out all of Hallmark's Christmas movies on Amazon.

Author's Note: This page was originally written elsewhere in 2010.

Star Wars Christmas In The Stars Record

Star Wars Christmas Album

The Star Wars Christmas In The Stars Christmas album was issued in 1980 and includes nine tracks as follows:

• Christmas In The Stars
• Bells, Bells, Bells
• The Odds Against Christmas
• What Can You Get A Wookiee For Christmas
• R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas
• Sleigh Ride
• Merry, Merry Christmas
• A Christmas Sighting ('Twas The Night Before...) and,
• The Meaning Of Christmas.

Take a listen to "Christmas in the Stars." It is bound to make you smile; it did me.

   

I think that this Christmas album is bound to be of interest to Star Wars fans though I do not believe that it has joined the ranks of classic Christmas music. The recording is available on vinyl record, tape cassette or compact disc from Amazon by clicking right here. You might also check to see what sellers on eBay have Christmas in the Stars available by clicking here. This album would make a totally unexpected Christmas gift for a fan of the Star Wars franchise, don't you think?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Christmas in the Stars on Amazon.

Author's Note: This page was originally written in 2008 on another site.

Hallmark Christmas Movies (2011)

Believe it or not, the Hallmark Christmas Movies for 2011 have been announced and yes, the list is an interesting one.  It actually consists of seven new movies and one animated television special.

In true Hallmark style, it incorporates two big names you are going to recognize, those of Sir Roger Moore in  A Princess For Christmas (which was originally called Christmas at Castlebury Hall) and Melissa Gilbert in Christmas Pageant.

It will be the first time that Hallmark has taken a successful franchise from its card division and used it in its movie division.  Since they have chosen their husky pup Jingle, I believe that Jingle All The Way could be a popular Christmas special.

A complete list of new Hallmark Christmas movies for 2011 includes:

Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas
Christmas Returns to Canaan (The sequel to Christmas in Canaan.)
Lucky Christmas
Annie Claus' Year Off
A Princess For Christmas
Christmas Pageant
Cancel Christmas
Jingle All The Way

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Christmas in Canaan from Amazon.

Christmas of Many Colors (2016) Movie Review

I think that Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors Circle of Love is an excellent movie. It comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me if you are in search of a family friendly movie with a heartwarming story of hard work and sacrifice.

Set in 1955 in Tennessee's Great Smokey Mountains where Dolly Parton was raised, it continues Parton's story and follows on another successful made-for-television movie that I have not seen yet called A Coat of Many Colors.

In this film, we meet a struggling family with eight children and some members of the rest of their community, including my favorite, a very supportive and well established 26-year old 'old maid' school teacher and the preacher grandfather.

The family lives in a small rudimentary cabin and the school teacher in a cute little 1950s home with all the luxuries of middle class including indoor plumbing and the electronics of the time. All are fascinating for Dolly and quite a contrast with her family's home.

The family and members of the community work together in various ways in order to allow the father to gift the mother with the only thing that she wants.

The real Dolly Parton makes cameo appearances as a woman of possibly questionable morals. Since our moments with her are very brief, her profession is never truly established.

Watch this brief YouTube video to get a better understanding and feel for this movie:

Alyvia Alyn Lind takes on the role of  Dolly. You might recognize this young actress for her recurring role in the program Young and the Restless. Other actors I recognized include Ricky Schroder, Jennifer Nettles (actually a country music singer) and Gerald McRaney.

The New York Post calls the movie cliche and "contrived, especially as it leads to a series of near-disasters that can only be erased by another series of convenient miracles." I will agree with that statement but add that I do not think that it matters. 

USA Today says, "enjoy this movie for the message, the music and Parton's benevolent spirit." . 

A Christmas of Many Colors is a beautiful faith-based film that is full of hope and joy and peril and yes, humor, too. It is perfect for Christmas viewing by all, and it is an emotional roller coaster that will have you laughing and crying. It is predictable at points but it is perfectly enjoyable and very entertaining. As I said earlier, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. It is the best Christmas movie I have seen in awhile.

At the real Dolly Parton says at the end of the movie, "Hold your families close at Christmas. Love and accept each other. And always be kind." Thanks, Dolly.

Have you seen A Christmas of Many Colors? Will you be adding it to your holiday viewing list?

Merry Christmas!

Brenda

Quick Links:

Learn more about A Christmas of Many Colors on Amazon.

More Christmas movies.

The Christmas Box Hallmark Movie

Richard Paul Evans wrote a hugely successful Christmas story called The Christmas Box and Hallmark followed with a sweet Christmas movie.

The story is that of a cash-strapped family who are caregivers in an apartment complex. They are given the opportunity to move to a local mansion and be the caregivers of the home as well as assume the responsibilities of looking after the owner, a lady named Mary, who lives alone in the house. Mother and daughter quickly become close to Mary but the husband, who works long hours, struggles to get along with her. Eventually, however, Mary teaches him some important secrets about the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Box is a 1995 Hallmark movie with an all-star cast which includes starred Richard Thomas, Maureen O'Hara and Annette O'Toole.

For the longest time available only on VHS videotape, this movie is now available as a part of a 2-DVD set that includes both The Christmas Box and Timepiece. Timepiece is a prequel to The Christmas Box. You can find either the VHS tape or the DVD on Amazon by clicking right here. Buying the set may save you a few dollars but, more important, is the fact that the set is on DVD rather than VHS videotape.

If you enjoy Hallmark movies, I think you will enjoy The Christmas Box. I have yet to see Timepiece though I have read that it is a darker story. If you have seen it, be sure to let us all know what you thought of it.

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

Christmas With Tucker, The Sequel To A Dog Named Christmas

Christmas with Tucker is a brand-new book by Greg Kincaid. It is the prequel to the story A Dog Named Christmas and promises to be just as good. The story is that of a 12-year old boy being given a dog after his father has died and his mother has abandoned him at his Grandparents.  Not welcome at first, the dog soon becomes a best friend to the boy and helps him navigate the growing up years.

"This simple but strong story celebrates the beauty of everyday things, the power of love and humility, the singular grace that is a good dog, and the mysterious ability of that grace to transform the human heart. A perfect Christmas read." – Dean Koontz

Amazon customer reviews are equally enthusiastic with comments like this one from Rebekah Sue Harris, "For Christmas with Tucker to be truly heartwarming, everything had to fall into place, and it did. Author Greg Kincaid did a wonderful job keeping the flow going without writing a story that was trite or clichéd. This is a wonderful book for a day when you're wrapped in a quilt, sipping hot cocoa, and wanting to be warm and cozy. This lovely Christmas story is recommended for teenagers and adults alike."

The combination of this new book by Gregory Kincaid with the old book and/or a copy of the Hallmark movie, A Dog Named Christmas would make a lovely gift idea.  Christmas With Tucker is available as a hardcover book, as a CD audiobook and for your Kindle.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Link:

Order your copy of Christmas With Tucker.

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2010

If you have the Hallmark Channel, you are no doubt patiently awaiting the arrival of the Christmas movie season. I personally don't have that channel but I do have advance information about a bunch of the new Hallmark Christmas movies being released this year.

Hallmark movie fans will recognize the picture opposite as that of one of last year's Hallmark Christmas movies, Mrs. Miracle, which was Hallmark's highest rated film from 2009 and which was released this Tuesday on DVD.  Following the success of that movie, a second has been made and is entitled Call Me Mrs. Miracle. It is just one of several new Christmas movies that Hallmark plans to air this year.

Also set to air this holiday season are at least five more Christmas movies including:

The Night Before, The Night Before Christmas
The Town Christmas Forgot
November Christmas
Farewell, Mr. Kringle
An Old-Fashioned Christmas

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Click here to order your copy of Mrs. Miracle from Amazon.
 

A Brief History Of Star Wars Holiday Merchandise

If you live in North America, you know Star Wars. The first Star Wars movie was produced by George Lucas in the 1970s and the popularity of the franchise has grown ever since.

Seven live-action movies later, Star Wars is a huge pop culture phenomenon around the world and, of course, the incredible popularity of these movies has helped spawn some great items for Star Wars collectors.

Until 1996, Star Wars Christmas-themed items were simply not available. The two main holiday items that had been produced were "The Star Wars Holiday Special" a television show that aired in November of 1978 and "Christmas in the Stars" a record album that was released in 1980. Neither of those productions was successful so Star Wars fans would have to wait awhile before having the opportunity to collect holiday-themed items.

A lot changed after 1995. Star Wars holiday-themed items appeared. Star Wars fans now have their pick of decorations with which to adorn their Christmas trees and homes. Manufacturers like Hallmark, Christopher Radko, Rawcliffe, Hasbro and Kurt S. Adler all have produced some very interesting Star Wars Christmas-themed memorabilia.

For some, one item will do as an indication of their love of Star Wars. Others, however, are working at building a complete collection. The wonderful assortment available today allows you to celebrate the holiday season in true Star Wars style.

The purchase by Disney of the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas rocked the worlds of Star Wars fans. However, in terms of Star Wars Christmas décor, maybe we will have even more to look forward to in the future since Disney is the master of some pretty amazing movie merchandise.

If you are interested, you can buy the Christmas stockings show above from Amazon by clicking right here. Anyone who wants to celebrate Christmas in Star Wars style should start with a basic item like a Christmas stocking.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

More Star Wars Christmas Reading:

A fun Star Wars Christmas ornament set.
Star Wars Christmas R2-D2 and C-3PO action figures.

W Network Airs Hallmark Christmas Movies (2011)

A kindly reader pointed out that some of the Hallmark Christmas movies are available in Canada between now and Christmas on the W Network. Thank you, thank you, thank you to that friend. I would have totally missed this opportunity if she had not pointed it out.

I am particularly looking forward to two of The Good Witch movies - The Good Witch's Gift and The Good Witch's Family - as I have not had a chance to see any of this movie series.  Both of them air on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

When Love is Not Enough - The Lois Wilson Story is the story of the couple who started AA. I have seen it and can recommend it though I really don't think of it as a Christmas movie. When Love is Not Enough airs on Wednesday, December 7, 2011.

Lucky Christmas, a new 2011 Hallmark Christmas movie, airs on Monday December 12. It tells the story of a single mom whose car is stolen, complete with her winning lottery ticket. It is one of the few new 2011 Hallmark movies in the W Network movie line-up.

Finally, I see Christmas in Canaan, the 2009 movie starring Billy Ray Cyrus, which is being followed this year by Return to Canaan and I see that Night Before the Night Before Christmas airs on Wednesday December 14, 2011.

This short post is just my attempt to let you know that you can tune into some great Hallmark Christmas movies on the W Network. (It is not a complete list.) If you are interested, check your tv guide every day in order to determine what Christmas Hallmark films are on the W Channel schedule.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas Collection DVD (2011)

Hallmark Hall of Fame movies are, in my opinion, the best of the Hallmark movies so it is very interesting and definitely very well timed that Hallmark is offering for a limited time two Triple Feature Collections.

This set is the Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas Collection.  It includes thee fantastic Christmas-themed movies: A Dog Named Christmas, November Christmas and A Season For Miracles. The first two I have seen and loved. The last I have yet to see but A Season For Miracles has  only perfect five-star reviews from the customers on Amazon.

You can order your copy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas Collection from Amazon by clicking here. It would definitely be a gift any Hallmark movie lover would like to find under the Christmas tree.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

A Dog Named Christmas Movie Review.
November Christmas Movie Review.

New Blu-ray Christmas Movies 2010

Always curious, I set about discovering what Christmas movies would be released on Blu-ray in 2010.  The result, was this list. All of these movies are available on Blu-ray disc and, of course, on DVD.  I hope you find it helpful.

Disney's A Christmas Carol
George C. Scott's A Christmas Carol
White Christmas
Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage Movie Trailer
The Christmas Hope
Santa Claus: The Movie
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Year Without A Santa Claus
The Peanuts Ultimate Holiday Collection

Click here to see all of the Christmas movies on Blu-ray available from Amazon.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Hallmark's Trading Christmas (2011) Movie

In Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas book four strangers discover the magic of Christmas. I read and enjoyed the book recently, it is a light, funny Christmas story in which four strangers trade houses, towns and christmas, and and I am thrilled to say that the trailer for Hallmark's new 2011 movie Trading Christmas looks like it could live up to the novel.

Here's a peek at the video:



What do you think? Looks like fun, I would say. Trading Christmas airs on the Hallmark Channel on Sunday, November 26, 2011, so, if you receive the Hallmark Channel, you will want to mark your calendar with that date. If, like me, you do not receive the Hallmark Channel, you will have to wait and see if this is one of the few new Hallmark movies that will be released on DVD this year. If I figure it out, I will be sure to come back and tell you here.

Meanwhile, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND the book, to anyone who enjoys Hallmark movies. I think it would make a great Christmas gift item, too bad we cannot at this point pair it with a copy of the movie.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Debbie Macomber's Trading Christmas Book from Amazon.

Hallmark Hall of Fame's Christmas in Conway

Christmas in Conway is the 250th Hallmark Hall of Fame movie presentation as well as this year's Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas movie. As you might or might not know, Hallmark reserves the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies for a channel other than the Hallmark Channel, which is reason for celebration amongst those of us who do not receive the Hallmark Channel.

This year's movie is the story of a husband who is determined to provide his seriously ill wife with a special Christmas treat in the form of a Ferris wheel in the backyard. That news is greeted with mixed feelings by the neighbours and negatively by one in particular who wants to win the Christmas house decorating contest.

You can check out the movie for yourself in this short Youtube video:

 

What would you think if your neighbour wanted to erect a Ferris wheel in his or her back yard? Would you be happy or dismayed? And, more importantly, will you be tuning in on December 1st to watch Hallmark Hall of Fame's Christmas movie presentation, Christmas in Conway? Find your copy on Amazon by clicking right here.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy Hallmark's Christmas in Conway from Amazon.

Harry Potter Christmas Stocking

Every true Harry Potter geek should own one of these Christmas stockings to hang on the mantle at Christmas time.

This Christmas stocking is a velvet one that was originally sold by Warner Brothers. It is a classic red stocking with braided gold trim. It features a moon and stars, a purple wizarding hat, a hanging loop and tassels.

It seems that this stocking is fairly limited in supply. As I write this, you cannot find it on Amazon but you can look to see if it is available today by clicking here to Amazon but not on eBay though I could find this velvet Harry Potter Christmas stockings on eBay here. If you want a Harry Potter Christmas stocking but not necessarily this one, try eBay here.

Would you like to own a Harry Potter themed Christmas stocking?

Merry Christmas!
Brenda

Quick Links:

The Best Harry Potter Gift Ideas.

The Cheaters (1945) Christmas Movie

THE CHEATERS TAGLINE 

"Delightful derelict! He's a Rogue...A King...Devil...Pauper...A Millionaire...WHO?" 

For the longest while, The Cheaters was a hard movie to find even on VHS videotape. To the relief of many, it was eventually released on DVD. However, I was not paying attention and it appears that even the DVD is hard to find now. I missed my opportunity. Did you?

The Cheaters is a 1945 movie directed by Joseph Kane that stars Joseph Schildkraut, Billie Burke and Eugene Pallette.

The story line is that of a rich family getting ready for Christmas and their decision to help a starving actor by feeding and sheltering him for the holidays. Wikipedia calls it a screwball comedy and the story line would indicate that it could be exactly that.

Leonard Maltin once said that this film features an "Excellent cast in an enjoyable tale of a wealthy family of snobs humanized by the downtrodden actor they invite for Christmas dinner."

Some consider it  a beloved Christmas film. Apparently, before A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and a Christmas Story, this film was one that was shown regularly during the holidays.

The reading I have done indicates that it is probably a dark Christmas movie.  One of the lucky to snatch up a DVD copy and watch it in the last decade called it one of the "finest holiday films he's ever seen." That's a pretty strong recommendation, which makes me want to see this film even more.

If you are searching for a copy of this movie on DVD or VHS, you can try the Amazon listings here and you can try eBay here. Good luck with your search and be sure to report back and let us know if and when this movie becomes widely available.

Have you seen The Cheaters? Is it a movie you have been wanting to see or is this the first time you have heard of it?

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Orson Welles' Ghost Story (1951)
The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)

The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold, A Rankin and Rass Production

Yesterday I watched and was very impressed by the 1981 Bankin and Rass production of The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold.

The storyline follows a young boy sent from a passing ship to find a Christmas tree. The young lad named Dinty Doyl finds himself on an unknown Irish island and manages to set free a banshee from her prison.  Fortunately, Leprechaun Blarney Kilakilarney realizes that the Banshee will soon be after his gold and, aided by Lord Patrick king of the wee folk, both he and Dinty try to fool the Banshee.

Voiced by Art Carney and Peggy Cass and featuring one of my favorite Irish songs, Christmas in Killarney, this television show was really lovely. Technically more of a Christmas story but perfectly suitable for St. Patrick's Day viewing, too.

Amazon customer reviews are enthusiastic although a bit focused on achieving the release of this movie on DVD so I was amazed to discover that you can buy The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold as part of a boxed set on DVD. For the price of not much more than a single disc, you get nine timeless Classic Christmas Favorites including The Leprechauns' Christmas Gold.

See you
at the movies!
Brenda

Hallmark Hall of Fame's A Dog Named Christmas Movie DVD

If you missed A Dog Named Christmas you missed a good movie which is likened to Yeller with a happy ending.

A Dog Named Christmas is based on the book written by Greg Kincaid. It is a thoroughly enjoyable family movie which will make you laugh, cry and smile.

It tells the story of a young man who is developmentally challenged and who displays a wonderful affinity for animals. He learns of a special program that runs at Christmastime and sees people fostering dogs from the local shelter. He convinces his father that they should have one of those dogs for Christmas and his father finally agrees, on the stern agreement that the dog MUST go back on December 26th, when Christmas is over.

A Hallmark Hall of Fame television production, I really enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, I even enjoyed the commercials. The movie is available for purchase from Amazon by clicking right here. If you are looking for a well-done, family friendly, Christmas story, you cannot go wrong with this one.

See you

at the movies!

Brenda

Quick Links:

Buy A Dog Named Christmas (the book) from Amazon.

Toy Story That Time Forgot Christmas Show Review

This holiday season Toy Story fans will not want to miss a new Disney Pixar television special called Toy Story That Time Forgot.

It's a half-hour family program that features our favourite Toy Story characters including Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jesse, The toys go on a play date after Christmas and discover a whole new set of very scary action figures.

You will find an all-star cast that includes Tom Hanks playing Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Kristen Schaal as Trixie, Kevin McKidd as Reptillus Maximus, Wallace Shawn as Rex, Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Joan Cusack as Jessie.


My only disappointment without having seen the show is that this film is only loosely a Christmas story. I would have preferred a full holiday theme. Cinema Blend says that this film has lots of "humor, charm and heart" and "added prehistoric playtime."

There are a couple of new characters, including the dinosaur Reptillus Maximus who understandably connects with, Trixie and Angel Kitty, a Christmas tree ornament who randomly shares bits of lightweight wisdom.

Cinema Blend  also says that Toy Story That Time Forgot is great for kids, calling it "a must-watch, colorful, fun, funny and familiar." For adults, they say Toy Story has once again done a good job of "reminding us of the bonds we once formed with our own toys."

I am not terribly apprehensive about how good Toy Story That Time Forgot will be because I know that Disney delivered a wonderful film when they released Toy Story of Terror in October, 2013 and I have faith in Disney Pixar. I plan on tuning in on Tuesday, December 2 (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET) when Toy Story That Time Forgot airs on ABC for the first time ever.

How about you?

Happy Christmas!
Brenda

Quick Links:

Check out the Toy Story That Time Forgot toys on Amazon.