The Christmas Cure

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Released:  2017

Starring:  Brooke Nevin and Steve Byers

Summary:  After a doctor returns home for Christmas, a reunion with a high school sweetheart and holiday emotions cause her to contemplate taking over her dad's practice.

Are You In A Family Business?

Even though Dr. Vanessa Turner looks like she's in her 20's (she was in her early 30's when the movie was filmed), we aren't to question that she made it through college and medical school, completed her residencies, and then worked hard enough and long enough in her career to open her up for a big promotion.

That aside, Vanessa is following in her father's footsteps.  She hasn't become a doctor because it's expected of her.  She is passionate about her profession.

Vanessa and her father, Dr. Bruce Turner, love their patients and focus on treating the person, not just the illness.

Have you ever felt pressured to pursue an occupation because it's the family business, and you're next in line? 

Many have.  If you've ever shopped in Amish country, you'll notice the dull look in the eyes of the Amish employees whose families survive from a business their children are expected to support, regardless of their own ambitions and dreams.

From family law firms to funeral homes and everything in between, many companies tout their legacy of operating successfully for generations within the same family.

In the movie, Vanessa's mom makes a powerful statement:

Sometimes you get so caught up in what you're supposed to do, you miss what you're meant to do.

You are unique, and you've been created with your own set of ideas, talents, and destiny.  Always follow your heart and chase your dreams.  What are you meant to do?

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Being the "New Kid" Is Tough

Have you ever been the "new kid" at school?  Finding your place can be challenging.  Many kids have grown up together since kindergarten and don't always welcome newcomers to their established groups.

If you've ever had to move your family to a new city or town, you worry your kids will be alone and feel like outcasts.  You don't want them to gravitate to the wrong crowd, but you don't want them left out either.

When Mitch was the new kid in town, Vanessa helped him fit in.  Both participated in the annual Christmas play, with Mitch as one of the wise men and Vanessa as the guiding star--a role that defined their relationship.

If only life were really like a Hallmark movie!  Just remember to teach your kids to reach out to new kids who are added to their classrooms--it makes all the difference!

One character in the movie, old Mrs. Willis, wisely stated,

There is nothing more valuable than kindness.  A little bit can change a day, a year, a life!

Handling Christmas Without Your Spouse

The movie reminds us that Christmas can be a sad time for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

Mrs. Willis lost her husband, Charlie, but she honors him every Christmas by baking a very difficult and time-consuming, 12-layer German cake that he loved and placing it by his picture.  This might seem silly and a waste of time to some people, but it helps her feel close to him even though he's gone.

Pamela Hyatt plays Mrs. Willis    Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Mitch's mom died too when he was young, and when Vanessa saw how much hope her father had given to the dying woman as he helped her through the ordeal, she was inspired.  She became a doctor to bring people hope too.

Have you lost someone close to you?  How do you cope?  Some people stop celebrating altogether to relieve the intense and painful reminder that they must spend another holiday without the one they love.  Others honor the loved ones who have passed by making things as festive as always in their memory.

Handling grief is different for everyone.  Hallmark reminds us that visiting the widowed and including them in our festivities is one way to help the hurting.

Who do you know who will be spending Christmas alone?  What can you do to bring them hope?

Passing the Torch

When Vanessa's dad retires, he gifts her his stethoscope.  It's his way of passing the torch, and it's a symbolic gesture.

What "torch" gets passed down in your family?  Secret recipes?  Jewelry?  Ornaments?

In the comment section at the bottom, share a tradition or object in your family that is passed from one generation to the next.  

Own It!

Not all Hallmark Christmas movies are conveniently available yet on DVD, but this one is!  Snag it for your library so you don't have to wait for it to air again on Hallmark Channel.

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