Lessons from Hallmark

Most people have probably heard of the phenomenon of Hallmark Christmas movies. It used to occur just after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, but now has been extended throughout the calendar the year. Most of the films are love stories where girl meets boy or vice versa, and they find romance after some kind of misunderstanding or extenuating circumstance during the holiday season. The films aren’t limited to just Christmas. Hallmark assures you that you can find romance any time of the year with its seasonally themed stories. I enjoy Hallmark movies, so don’t think that this post is about bashing them. It’s more of an admonition to be cautious with your choices.

This past Christmas season, I just wanted to chill out and 24 hours of Christmas movies is a really easy way to check out. Simple plots, likable characters, pretty decorations, and a guaranteed happy ending make disengaging really effortless. So I cozied up on my couch with snacks and the remote and the idea that for the entire month of December, I could escape the 50 million thoughts in my head. That’s a pretty ambitious goal and truly one that is not possible at all, but I like to try anyway. What ended up happening was that the movies created additional thoughts. This wasn’t unexpected, but what I began to think about was the similarities I had with many of the characters in the movies.

Like me, some wanted to escape their current life circumstances. Others wanted a change of scenery. Some characters needed to let go of the past, so they could experience the future; while others needed to be satisfied with what they already had. There were lots of little lessons I picked up during my holiday movie marathon when I was really just trying not to think. But I am grateful for the lessons. I didn’t seek them out, they just kind of happened. The main thing I got out of it was to be active and attentive in my own life. Stuff happens and it is up to me to respond to that stuff. If I don’t like it, I can hide on my couch or I can make the decision to seek out a different choice.

Life doesn’t always work out like a Hallmark movie. Nevertheless, you get a say in the choices you make. Whether that’s vegging on the couch in front of the television or moving across the country, be proactive in your life today. You never know what might teach you a lesson.