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

Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa

Released: 2018 
Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Starring: Jill Wagner and Mark Deklin 

Summary: When a woman makes a holiday trip to her hometown, she finds the historic general store has closed, so she uses her experience to attempt to restore it.

Lisa Palmer is a budding retail designer who visits Evergreen, Vermont over Christmas--the town she lived in as a young girl.

She is disappointed to find Daisy's Country Store has closed but rallies many of the business owners from the town to help her restore it, particularly Kevin Miller, a contractor from Evergreen who is visiting his father for the holidays.

The towns people are worried if they don't find the right buyer soon, someone may snap up Daisy's store and turn it into a parking lot, fast-food chain, or other establishment that doesn't fit with the charming town's atmosphere.

Santa's Mailbox

When the Letters to Santa mailbox is moved from the country store during the restoration, a 25-year-old letter is found that didn't make it to the North Pole.  

The letter reflects the writer's yearning for Evergreen to return to the way it used to be at Christmas, with candles, carols, and bells.

This letter inspires everyone to work even harder to answer the letter from so long ago.

Eventually, the mailbox is moved to the center of the town to re-establish the tradition of sending letters to Santa.

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

The Key

When Lisa and Kevin visit the hardware shop, they find a strange key.  They assume it unlocks something in the town, and they bequeath the key to a young boy and encourage him to hunt for its purpose.

The Candles, Carols, and Bells

Michelle discovers all the candles the town needs in Daisy's Country Store to revive the town's candle procession.

Hannah directs the choir to prepare them for caroling around the town.

Kevin's dad tries to repair the church bells, but the mechanism stumps him, and he finally gives up when he can't get them to work.

Selling the Store

With it being so close to Christmas, one potential buyer decides against viewing the property.  Another interested buyer views it, but it doesn't fit her needs.  

Finally, Lisa arranges for a client to visit the store who has plans to expand.  Lisa's client is awestruck by the property, but declines to make the purchase.

Can you guess who ends up with the store in the end?  


Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

The Conflict

Kevin jumps to conclusions about Lisa's relationship status and accepts a new job in Maine.  

Lisa must decide whether to return to Boston or stay in Evergreen.

How will these love birds make it work?  According to the Hallmark formula, we know a happy ending is guaranteed.

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

The Town Santa 

The town's Christmas Festival is complete with a Santa, who just happens to be named Nick.  Nick produces a key that fits into a toy car to make the gears go, and it is what the young boy with the mysterious key needs to give him the answer he's been seeking.

The mysterious key is what the church bells need  to ring!

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Rate the Movie

How many stars would you give this movie?  Let us know in the comment section.  I'm giving it three out of five stars.  The story is sweet and charming, but the main characters aren't the best pairing.  The chemistry is lacking, and the 12-year age gap of the actors is apparent.

Mark Decklin over-acts in some scenes, like when he first reads the 25-year-old letter to Santa, and his enormous smile is often forced.  

It doesn't matter!  It's still a Hallmark Christmas movie, and we love them! 

Own the DVD!

Not all Hallmark Christmas movies are available on DVD, but this one is!  Get your copy now.

 (Paid link)

Take the Quiz!

As usual, many elements of the story are left out of the above post so you can test how much you remember.  If you love trivia, give the quiz a try!



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