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
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Reunited at Christmas Recap & QUIZ!

Released:  2018



Starring:  Nikki Deloach and Mike Faiola

 Summary:  When a woman accepts her boyfriend's proposal, a revelation leads to her new fiance being forced to play out a charade during the holiday.

Image:  Crown Media

Unusual Plot Twist

We all know Hallmark Christmas movies follow a specific formula, but this movie shakes things up a bit.  Instead of bumping into a stranger and falling in love, this couple is already together from the beginning.

The fear of getting hurt prevents Samantha Murphy from fully committing to the relationship until she almost loses the love of her life--Simon Baker.


A Sweet Story Centered on Nana

Grandma "Nana" Murphy has died, and the family honors her by coming together in her home to celebrate Christmas like they always have in the past.  

At her pre-arranged request, Nana's attorney mails invitations to the family summoning them to her home in Cedar Ridge one last time.  

Everyone agrees to come:  Samantha, her sister Annie and her husband, and both parents--Bill and Claire, even though they are now divorced. Simon is even a good sport about nixing his Colorado getaway with Samantha to spend time with her family.

If you are divorced, can you imagine spending Christmas with your ex?  Somehow, Hallmark makes the unimaginable possible.

After they all gather at Nana's house, a package arrives from Nana's attorney.  It contains a loving letter from Nana along with the annual list of holiday traditions to complete as a family.

*Do you remember the 7 family traditions Nana listed for everyone to complete?*

THE ANSWERS ARE AT THE END OF THIS POST!

Image:  Crown Media

The Coincidence

At Christmastime, cheesy coincidences are chalked up to holiday magic.  Simon is trying to advance his career and is thrilled by an opportunity to cover a heart-warming story right in Cedar Ridge.  

The news story is about an older couple who met 40 years ago and fell in love.  They parted ways but found each other again and married right away.  They are now celebrating their one-year anniversary.


The Conflict

Samantha is shocked when Simon proposes.  The two love each other, but she assumes they are too focused on accomplishing their career goals to consider marriage.

After accepting his proposal, the family pressures them for wedding details, and Samantha privately drops the bomb on Simon that she's not ready.  He is hurt and wants to leave, but agrees to stay, and the couple pretends to be happily engaged until Simon finally has enough and ends the charade.

Fear paralyzes Samantha.  She was deeply hurt by an ex-boyfriend who cancelled their wedding just days in advance, plus her own once-happy parents couldn't make their marriage work.  How will this time be any different?

Image:  Crown Media

Happily Ever After

Sometimes, you don't appreciate what you have until you lose it.  When Simon tells Samantha he's leaving Cedar Ridge, it galvanizes her with the courage to overcome her fears.

Simon proposes again, and the two set the wedding date for Christmas the following year.

After conquering her fears, Samantha is suddenly free from writer's block and begins making rapid progress on her Christmas romance novel.


Nana's Final Gifts

Even though she's gone, Nana's influence reunites Samantha's parents, inspires Samantha to write, sways Bill into keeping her house, and holds the family together.

Do you remember what gifts Nana leaves for each member?
  • Claire--a framed photo of Nana and Claire
  • Bill--a sign that says "Welcome to the Murphy's"
  • Annie--Nana's recipe book
  • Samantha--(this answer is included in the quiz below!)
Image:  Crown Media

Comments Welcome!

Nana always said, 
Traditions are the stories that families write together.

What are you favorite family Christmas traditions?  I would love to hear from you!  Share one or more of your holiday traditions in the comment section below.

Nana's List of 7 Family Traditions Answers:

  1. Put up all the Christmas decorations.
  2. Pick a tree from Finch's Farm and decorate it.
  3. Make gingerbread cookies.
  4. Drink Nana's hot apple cider.
  5. Go ice skating.
  6. Get our family picture with Santa at Benjamin's Diner.
  7. Go to the Cedar Ridge Christmas Dance.

Comments

  1. Vivian CoblentzOctober 3, 2019 at 9:54 AM

    When I was a little (spoiled) girl, I told my family it was sad when I opened my last present. We started a new tradition where we saved one gift for Christmas night, so we all had one last dose of magic before the day was done. Yes, I know Christmas is about Jesus, but when you are small, the gifts are so exciting!

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