REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw

A Merry Christmas Match 8-Question Quiz!

Starring:  Ashley Newbrough and Kyle Dean Massey                                                                

Released:  2019

Summary:  When a young man who was recently named as a "Christmas Catch" comes into a woman's local antique shop, sparks fly, and she starts to wonder what could be.

Hallmark Christmas movies aren't just cheesy and predictable romances.  They are a treasure chest brimming with relatable take-aways the viewer can apply to their own lives.

A Merry Christmas Match is no exception.

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Are You Seeking a Sign?

While admiring the night sky, Corey points out "her" star just as Ryder's shooting star crosses hers.  

When Ryder declines a getaway with Victoria, not knowing Corey would unexpectedly show up in L.A. for his parents' soiree, he explains, "Something told me I should stay."  

Ryder's mom offers to help Corey snag a job in an L.A. theatre.  Corey shares the exciting news with her mom who declares the timing of the opportunity a "sign."

In the above scenarios, the "signs" are positive, but the opposite can also occur.

How many times has something negative happened to create obstacles in your path?  We consider roadblocks "signs" that we might be headed in the wrong direction.  These signs serve as warnings to change course before something bad happens.

Do you have a big decision to make?  Are you looking for a sign to help you know which route to take in the situation?  You aren't the first one!

At Christmas, we are especially reminded of the angels who spoke to the shepherds who were tending their flock by night.  The angel announced the birth of Jesus and said, "And this will be the sign to you:  You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."

The best news is we don't have to look for or rely on a "sign" when we have decisions to make.  We can look to God, and He will direct our paths.  Signs are useful, encouraging, and concrete, but we often don't receive them.  Faith is what steadies our course.

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Are You Generous?

Ryder's parents host their annual soiree where wealthy friends donate money which will be allocated to a variety of charities, like a soup kitchen and a children's hospital, among others.

What are you doing to help someone else?

Life is busy for most of us, and finding the time to reach out to others may seem daunting when we are juggling so many things in our own schedules.  Some may lack the financial resources to make a significant impact.

Generosity is a chief component of the spirit of Christmas, and there are so many opportunities to lend a hand to others.  No act of generosity is too small.  Every individual and unique contribution of time or money combines with the collective to bring others hope.


Here are some ideas to get you started:
  • Samaritan's Purse is a wonderful organization operated by Franklin Graham.  The link will take you to a Christmas catalog where you can select a need to meet in many areas of the world.  You can join with others to fund clean water and livestock projects, build classrooms and churches, provide blankets and food for families, and so much more.  
  • Angel Tree provides gifts, Bibles, and mentoring to kids whose fathers are incarcerated.
  • Drop a few dollars in the Salvation Army pot when you hear the bell ringer!
  • Donate food to your local food pantry.
  • Volunteer in a soup kitchen, Christmas services at your church, or bring holiday cheer to the elderly in nursing homes.
  • Pay the tab for the car behind you in the drive-thru.
  • Volunteer at a children's hospital.
  • Babysit for a frenzied mom who is trying to wrap gifts from Santa!

When our daughter was six, she had a severe allergic reaction to an antibiotic. At first, we didn't know what was wrong.  Her body swelled up all over, and she looked bruised.  Her feet were too swollen to even walk.  We were terrified!  We whisked her to the Children's Hospital on Christmas Eve, fearing a bad report.  We learned her reaction went beyond hives into a spectrum called serum sickness.  It was traumatizing to her, but some generous woman had donated a ton of Build-a-Bears to the hospital to give to any child who came there around Christmas.  Our daughter received one, and it even came with an outfit!  She was thrilled, and that targeted act of generosity brought a little magic and delight to our daughter's otherwise nightmarish Christmas Eve experience.

Most of us don't have that kind of dough to spare, but when you are deliberate about showing generosity to others with your time, talent, or financial support, you make the world a little brighter for someone else. 

In the movie, Ryder shares this wonderful thought:
If you possess something that is perfect and unique, you don't just leave it on a shelf to collect dust.  You put it out there and share it for the world to see.
Maybe you possess a beautiful singing voice, or a musical or sewing talent.  You might be a crafting genius or a spectacular cook or baker.  Sharing your talent, big or small, is one way to express generosity this Christmas and throughout the year as well!

Do You Overreact?

Ryder wants to be transparent with Corey regarding why he toyed with the idea of joining Victoria in wine country for the weekend in lieu of attending the soiree.  Just as he starts to explain, a miffed Victoria appears and spills the beans in a suggestive manner that upsets Corey.

Corey jumps to conclusions about Ryder's character and storms off before he has the chance to explain.

How often do you overreact?

Self-preservation is human nature.  When we feel threatened, physically or emotionally, we engage in fight or flight.  How many times, though, have we complicated situations because we made assumptions before hearing all the facts?

Overreacting can be especially dangerous in our era of social media.  Plastering our upset online, only to discover the truth later, causes damage that can't be easily undone.

If you're a mellow person, you might not be able to relate.  As for the rest of us, let's strive to get the facts straight from the horse's mouth before we jump to conclusions.  It will save us a lot of time on damage control!

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