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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Are You Too Busy? A Lesson From Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses

Starring:  Jill Wagner and Matthew Davis

 Released:  2019

 Summary:  A few weeks before Christmas, a woman decides to pursue her passion for interior design and gets hired to decorate the estate of a local businessman.
Image: Crown Media, United States LLC

Are You Too Busy?

The older we get, the faster life seems to move.  Americans are hard-working people, but sometimes, we bite off more than we can chew.  We spread ourselves too thin with over-commitment. 

If you spend more time juggling activities than savoring life's best moments, it might be time to give your schedule a maintenance check or tune-up.    

In Hallmark's Christmas Wishes & Mistletoe Kisses, Nick Sinclair almost misses a chance at love because he is too deeply engrossed in his work--building upon his father's business legacy.  

Is your job devouring you?  For some, growing a career takes preeminence over dating.  For others, focusing on the office to create financial security for the family means missing too many school plays and ball games.  

As they say, you either have money and no time, or time and no money.  It's a slippery slope.

Even active retirees can find themselves too exhausted from a tight schedule to enjoy their golden years.  Empty nesters who have waited for their children to grow up before tackling their bucket list might find their schedules too jam-packed with little time to rest.  They adore their grand kids, but that doesn't mean they want the responsibility of raising them, as many are doing.    

A new year is coming, and with it, an opportunity to make changes to our schedules to guarantee the most important things receive top priority.  Learn to say "no" to people who try to obligate you to things that don't really interest you.  Cut back on commitments that aren't vital.

In the movie, Kate Newhall asks Nick for a promotion.  Working around the clock isn't a burden to her because she thrives on the challenge.  Some people are like that.  By giving her the much-deserved promotion, Nick frees up his time to pursue Abby.

We have to admit we can't do everything ourselves.  Many of us try to carry the load alone, either because no one else is stepping up to help, or because our expectations are too high for anyone to meet. Delegation is the key--use it!  

What are you missing out on because you are too busy?  It's time to bring balance into your life!

Image: Crown Media, United States LLC

Are You in the Right Career?

In the movie, Abby Fuller takes a leap of faith to pursue her dream of being an interior designer, and it pays off.  Her artistic and restorative transformation of Sinclair Estate is noticed by all who attend the charity gala.  Everyone asks for her card, and with the anticipated boom, she makes plans to start her own business.

What is your dream job?  Are you working in the field your heart desires?  Most of us like a sure thing, especially when our livelihood depends on it.  Sailing into uncharted waters is scary.  God created you with talents, skills, and gifts uniquely your own.  Are you using them?  If not, it's never too late to design a game plan to get back on track.  It might take a lot of grunt work and sacrifice initially, but there is nothing more satisfying than doing what you are hot-wired to do.

As the saying goes, when you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.

It also helps when you have the right people in your life to encourage you.  Not only does Abby's dad help with her son, Max, but he also pushes her to follow her dreams.  Plus, Caroline Sinclair's confidence in Abby is a huge catalyst in motivating her to pursue her goals.  Are you surrounding yourself with the right people who pull the best out of you?  It makes all the difference.

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