My mom is almost 96 years old and life is a challenge. She has lost almost all her friends and many family members including her two brothers She ended up in the hospital for 10 days and rehab for 16 days and has returned to her assisted living struggling. I love my mom unconditionally, so I try to call her every day when I am not with her; as phone calls and visits are the only thing she looks forward to. It is difficult to have someone you love so miserable. My mom has been wonderful, caring person and to see her change into someone I don’t recognize is heart-breaking.
I need to have a way to recharge, so I have more love to give her. I needed to find some Christmas cheer. As difficult as it is; I refuse to allow complaining people take my peace away. So, I prayed, and the answer for this month is to watch Hallmark Christmas Movies.
My friends have been telling me for years about how much they enjoy Hallmark movies, especially the Christmas ones. I would watch one or two but not really understand their obsession. Then, my daughter got hooked and even got the app to keep track of the ones she’s seen and know which ones to record. It is tv programming that four generations can watch together. I became hooked and even my husband asks if I want to watch one together, though he won’t admit in public. Some days I’m fine, some days I need one movie, and some days I may need to watch two movies until my inner peace returns. After I watch a Hallmark Christmas movie or two, I am always in a better place than I was before I watched them. I believe they have become so addictive to many because they are an antidote to the hate and anger that permeates the world.
The movies aren’t always realistic, only in the movies will a car have no caked ice and very little snow on it, even when there was a storm that raged for more than a day. They show a world where people have civilized conversations, even when they are being dumped by the person they may or may not love. Anger and aggression are not displayed. Conversations are used to fix problems or to fix misinterpretations of actions. But come to think about It, they are as realistic as Facebook or Instagram accounts that only show the happy faces around the Christmas tree. A slice of life that is heartwarming.
These movies are always predictable. You need 5 to 10 minutes to know the conflict, plot and the conclusion. The Magic of Christmas or sometimes it is referred to as the Miracle of Christmas permeates every movie. The magic or miracle of Christmas is the source of more meaningful lives for those portrayed in the movie. The heroine’s life projection is changed because of Christmas. The characters’ lives change because they just needed Christmas Love to realize what has always been in their heart. The characters learn that when you can surround yourself with happy people, you can bring the love in your heart, into your own life.
After I watch a movie, I feel the peace, hope and joy of Christmas fill my heart. It is my way of remembering the sweetness of Christmas but, in reality, it is the joy of Jesus Christ. Hallmark Christmas Movies have become a way for the weary world to rejoice. Christmas is wonderful time to have Jesus fill your heart with hope, peace and love to find your one Christmas miracle. Thank you, Hallmark, for helping me rejoice this Christmas; your movies have become my anti-depressant, my respite.
Now, I need to call my mom and see if she remembers the Christmas I wanted an Ironing board and iron. What was I thinking?
Staying in Touch: Barbara Hirsh can be reached at info@LiveKinder.com I love hearing your kindness stories. Please sign-up for almost weekly kindness message at www.LiveKinder.com or follow LiveKinder on Facebook!
