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

How Does An Actual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Compare to Hallmark's?

I talked my family into joining me for our city's annual Christmas tree lighting.  Although we've
called our city home for nearly 14 years, we've never attended the event.


When we first arrived, I felt like I was on the set of a Hallmark movie.  I was giddy!

There were carriage rides, a scavenger hunt, cookies, hot chocolate, and a children's choir singing carols.  A costumed character meandered through the crowd, pausing for pictures with kids brave enough to stand with him and hold a sign.


A local radio celebrity helped lead the event until passing the microphone off to the mayor, who commended the city council and event organizers for their efforts before calling all the children to gather in front of the tree and lead the countdown.

Seeing not only the tree, but the entire street and city commons area surge to life was spectacular!  If you joined all the light strands together, they would stretch for seven miles!  No wonder there was such a loud cheer from the crowd.

Doesn't this all sound like a Hallmark scene?

It's not.

The Realities Hallmark Ignores

Not All Kids Are Overjoyed

Kids at Hallmark tree lightings are all smiles, excitedly running from one seasonal activity to another, completely caught up in the holiday magic.

Then there's my tweener, who's an early bloomer, nearly 11.  She loves Christmas, but to publicly show her enthusiasm is apparently not cool.  Instead of running or skipping like a Hallmark child actress, she saunters disinterestedly and asks to play on my phone while we wait for the tree.  I refuse and encourage her to listen to the children's choir to pass the time.  I try to take family selfies, but she only smirks while I beam happily.  It's like the scene from Christmas Vacation where Audrey can barely contain an eye roll as the Griswolds head to the middle of nowhere to find the family tree.

Spouses Attend Under Coercion

This time of year, it's dark by 5:30 pm.  For my spouse, that means being showered and in pajamas by 6:00 pm.  

Unlike the male love interest in a Hallmark movie who is thrilled to attend a town tree lighting to spend more time with the woman who jingles his bells, guilt trips and cajoling are required for others.

But, it's dark, so we'll be safer if you go with us.

I need you to drive in case we have to parallel park.

It's a festive, family activity, and it's FREE!

When I told my daughter to straighten up and have a better attitude or I would be leaving her with the grandparents next time, my husband asked if he could stay with grandma and grandpa too.

Sigh. 



Long Lines 

I looked longingly at the three carriages whisking families away for a ride through the lane of sparkly lights.  Each carriage was equipped with a blanket, just like in Hallmark movies.  

Hallmark fails to offer a panoramic view of the scene to show you the 10-mile line of people waiting to catch a ride.  Our movie couple always manages to hop right on and go.

Judging from some of the event attendees, sharing the same carriage blanket might mean heading home with bed bugs.

Hot chocolate and cookies are free for everyone in the park, if you want to shuffle slowly through yet another unending line and hope with all the waiting, no one in your family needs to find a restroom any time soon.   

When you see a Hallmark couple strolling with hot chocolate and sweet treats which they acquired in two seconds, you realize how fictional the scene is.  We left and snagged ours at a McDonald's drive-thru. 


Parking 

The early bird truly does catch the proverbial worm.  We arrived 30 minutes ahead of time and parked close to the ceremony.  Others didn't fare as well.  Parking lots quickly filled, and vehicles lined the streets.  

Hallmark couples land right into the middle of the action with no inconvenience of any kind.  No leading man ever says, I'll drop you at the door and  join in you in 45 minutes after I park and walk three miles. 

No Front Row View

A big circle forms around the tree, just like in the movies, but unlike Hallmark where everyone seems to have a front row view, most are several rows back trying to see over a towering crowd.

Crowds

Hallmark tree lighting ceremonies host big crowds, but everyone enjoys ample personal space.  This is a fairly accurate view of reality, unless you live somewhere like New York City where you are rubbing shoulders with the people next to you.

It is impossible, however, to photo or video the sparkling landscape without photo bombs ruining every shot.

Not Everyone Ice Skates

Not every Hallmark movie includes an ice skating scene, but many do.  

At our city ceremony, families could participate in a scavenger hunt.  Lanterns were lit throughout the park, and each one had a letter and a number on it.  Once you found all ten lanterns and all ten letters, you unscrambled them to find the city's wish for you--"Find the Joy."  Your prize?  Tickets for a free skate at the city ice rink.  

Our family's response was like Cousin Eddie's from Christmas Vacation when Clark Griswold informs the family he's using his bonus to put in a swimming pool:  I can't swim, Clark.  

I know that, Eddie, Clark replied.

We still appreciated the gesture and goodwill.

No Snow

A city tree lighting ceremony is the ideal time for gently falling snow, but only Hallmark can control the weather.  The rest of us have to take what we get.  For us, temps hovered just under 40 degrees.  There was no snow, but at least we didn't freeze.

Why Do Cities Have Tree Lightings?

In his address to our city, the mayor said (I'm paraphrasing), "This is one of my favorite events of the year because it's something that helps our big city feel like a small town."

As much as I hate crowds, I do love seeing everyone come together like a big family.  We put our differences aside and focus on what unites us.  Even though an actual city tree lighting ceremony isn't as convenient or cozy as Hallmark makes them appear, Hallmark does capture the most important element both of them share--community Christmas spirit. 


Want More Hallmark Christmas Cheer?

If you love Christmas, especially Hallmark Christmas movies, join our Facebook Group so you can keep the spirit of the season alive all year!  

#HallmarkChannel  #TreeLighting

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