That Warm Fuzzy Feeling (AKA Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas)

     Each year, come November, I indulge in a guilty pleasure; one that my husband despises, and my eldest daughter does not understand. It is a pleasure that begins to excite me months before it airs. A pleasure that never ceases to make me cry, laugh, and smile from ear to ear. Indulging in this pleasure, creates a warm fuzzy feeling deep in my gut, which ultimately grows and spreads, resulting in a radiating warmth that negates the dark chill of winter. It is Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas.
     Hallmark Christmas Movies are completely formulaic. The characters often lack depth and personality. The acting is less than stellar. The men are very often far better looking than the women they fall in love with (yes, periodically the women are far better looking than the men). The conflicts created are simplistic and could be easily solved by a simple conversation amongst its characters. However, pride and fear keep communication from occurring immediately, creating the perfect formula for a two hour special. Despite these factors, Hallmark Christmas Movies never cease to move me. To surround me in the magic of  Christmas. Whether it is the guarantee of a happy ending, one that embraces the magical spirit of Christmas, or a human desire to believe in hope and love, I am unsure, but Hallmark Christmas specials caress me like the warm summer sun.
     For all of these reasons, and I am sure some unspoken reasons, my husband dreads the Countdown to Christmas. He not only considers Hallmark movies unwatchable tripe, but refuses to occupy a room in which a Hallmark movie is airing. My daughter looks at me like I have four heads for not believing that Disney Junior not only has the best shows on TV, but also the most fun and hilarious characters in existence.
     Thus each November and December I find myself in the most rare and unfortunate of circumstances, alone and undisturbed in a room watching a show that only I want to watch.