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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Holiday for Heroes--How Did Hallmark Do Honoring Our Veterans?

Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC
Starring:  Melissa Claire Egan and Marc Blucas

 Released:  2019

 Summary:  After a year's worth of letters exchanged between a woman and a soldier, their worlds collide, and the spirit of the season brings their love beyond the letters.

Pen Pals

There are so many things to love about this movie, and the pen pal relationship between Audrey Brown and First Sergeant Matt Evans is one of them.

Too often, couples hook up and become so infatuated or consumed by physical attraction that they neglect nurturing the most important aspect--getting to know each other.  Building a strong and deep foundation is accomplished through heart-to-heart conversation, along shared interests, mutual trust and respect, and other key elements.

Although it feels a bit surreal and awkward when Audrey and Matt finally connect in person, their romance blossoms because they already know so much about each other.  

We find out Audrey's letters kept Matt going.  He shares that when sending a soldier care packages with notes, always let them know everything is okay.  Soldiers do their jobs better when they are secure knowing everyone back home is holding down the fort successfully.


You Can Send Letters to U.S. Troops

Did you know organizations make it possible for you to support our military by writing letters and adopting a solider and his or her family?

Through Soldiers' Angels, you can adopt a family to help them celebrate the holidays or join one of the teams devoted to letter writing, sewing, crafting, or baking.

Operation Gratitude is another organization accepting letters for troops year-round.  They have a special need for letter writers to specifically address new recruits, veterans, and first responders.  

Christmas is a time of year when we are especially mindful of spreading goodwill to others, but we too often allow the charitable spirit to wane after the holidays.  Adopting a military family, or at least writing letters of encouragement to our troops, is an honorable and patriotic way to shower our brave men and women with love and appreciation.  Doesn't supporting a soldier sound like a great New Year's resolution?


Hallmark Gives Glimpse of Military Reality

To their credit, Hallmark includes a combat scene in Holiday for Heroes.  Sure, the scene is a softly padded version of harsh reality, but they at least remind viewers that deployed troops aren't tucked safely away in the barracks.  They are boots on the ground, and they are put in harm's way regularly.

Hallmark also gives us a glimpse of military families state-side.  Wives, children, siblings, and parents long for their loved ones, and they miss out on so many special family moments.  The soldier's safety is an ever-present worry that weighs heavily on the heart.  

These are the heroes who defend our freedom.  

It's no wonder Audrey and Jade are so willing to sacrifice their savings to finance the "Holiday for Heroes" party when it's cancelled by the town--our heroes deserve to be honored!  

Just like the iconic line from Field of Dreams--If you build it, they will come--we witness a Christmas miracle when Audrey's brother makes it home in time to celebrate along with the entire Branford battalion. Good thing Audrey saves the annual party!

Thank you, Hallmark, for remembering and valuing our troops in this positive and patriotic portrayal.  

Fun Facts

  • Marc Blucas plays a former state champ hockey player, but in real life, he played basketball at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.  
  • Holiday for Heroes WAS actually filmed in Connecticut rather than Canada.
  • Melissa Claire Egan has served as a celebrity spokesperson for Proactiv Solution and once starred in The Young and the Restless.
  • The Red Barn featured in the movie is located on the campus of Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut.
#CountdownToChristmas #HolidayForHeroes #HallmarkChannel 

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