Are you a Hallmark movie watcher? Or a “Hallmark type” movie watcher…as there are numerous others now making the same type of movies. I suppose that is because they are incredibly popular. I will confess to watching more than my share over the past three, four (um, maybe more?) years. And I say confess because every year, about midway through the holiday, I adamantly declare that I am not watching another one. But then, I do. Which brings me to early November of another year and, yes, we have already started another sappy, low-budget but somehow cozy and feel-good movie season. Sigh. (Could they be any more repetitive??)
And, honestly, my point is not to bash sweet holiday movies. I know so many love them. However, the other night I was watching one. With my husband – who by the way, enjoys them. Way more than I do. Go figure. He simply enjoys them for what they are intended. To make you feel-good, encouraged and/or uplifted. To bring on the holiday cheer. He doesn’t care (or at all notice) that the main character has worn the same sweater for nine out of ten scenes. That would be me.
I definitely notice. Just like I notice when the actors are drinking hot cocoa from completely empty cups. (There is always a hot cocoa scene!) Or when someone’s hairstyle changes. In the middle of a scene! My husband? Never notices. I guess I just notice little things. Or the small details. It can be annoying when trying to enjoy a Hallmark movie but it can also be a blessing. Being observant is much like being alert and, well, being alert can be helpful. Noticing small things has many times helped me anticipate what might happen or what might be needed in the future. It has helped me be prepared – especially mentally or emotionally. I also tend to be pretty good at reading other’s cues. This has also been very helpful many times. So, yes, I try to be observant.
However, some of the antonyms for observant (according to Merriam Webster) are distracted, preoccupied or even oblivious. Oh my, how often are we distracted and preoccupied throughout our days? It is so easy to literally become oblivious to much that is taking place around us. As we hurry through our agendas, press on with mindless chores, or become quickly lost in the cyber world, we miss much. First, we miss “the little things” meant to delight and refresh our souls. And isn’t that a shame? But, perhaps more of shame, is that we often miss the subtle clues from those around us. The little windows into their heart that let us know hurts, disappointments, or burdens are buried there. Goodness but I don’t want to miss these opportunities. Any more than I want to miss the little joys throughout the day. I want to be alert and watchful for the small things. And I don’t want to live distracted or preoccupied.
This is just a note to self and life lesson learned from watching Hallmark movies!:) This is not to nay-say Hallmark or any other Christmas movies. Goodness no. Just something that was on my mind. Thanks for stopping by, friends. And let’s still be friends…lol!!
Jennifer, I feel like I’m a noticer too. Sometimes it’s discernment; especially with my kids. But, as for the movies…I can hardly stomach them anymore and when they pretend to drink out of an empty cup…uggg! It’s so obvious! Also something I’ve noticed is all the female actresses tend to cut bangs at the same time or dye their hair a fake reddish color, all at the same time. Do they really think we’re not going to notice? We were watching a cheesy British show recently when the main character had a short ponytail for the entire show, except this one scene where her ponytail suddenly hung down her back! I noticed it right away. 🙂 I don’t know if that makes watching tv fun or super annoying 🙂 Maybe both.
I agree…do they really think we don’t notice? Or they just don’t care. Hmm. I did think it made watching said shows/movies annoying…but, you are right, maybe it just makes it fun!!:) Good attitude!
I never watch movies any more and I blame my very short attention span! I do OK when I go to the actual theater, though. This time of year, the lovey dovey Hallmark movies make me cry, so I won’t be watching any…
Certainy do not need to spend time watching movies (or shows) that make us cry!! For sure –
Great post as ever, filled with wisdom and some fairly witty observations. I, too, notice the absurdities in many of the Hallmark type movies. Alyssa and I went through a phase of watching them and then we started laughing at them and then we stopped watching them!! Your *serious* paragraph is really true and good. I will be thinking about that today… and of course about drinking out of empty cups, lol.
Thanks Maria!! So glad you stopped by. And no drinking from an empty cup today!!:)
My daughter tells me I am the least observant person she knows. She is talking about my surroundings. I apparently never look around to see danger. I will admit to being distracted and also loving “Hallmark” type movies. I now have a subscription to Pure Flix which is associated with Great American Family. The movies are definitely more Christian based and I admit to loving the lift of mood they bring especially this time of year. I am sure I overlook lots of the things you mention. My husband would be the one to notice all of that and he doesn’t like that type of movie at all.
Have a good weekend.
I suppose if they lift your mood…and/or bring on some holiday cheer, then the movie has been worth it. And achieved its goal! I hope you are having a great weekend as well, Sandy!
Ha, yes, of course, I notice whatever is going on in a Hallmark movie etc…and most of the movies are made in summer, btw. But you know what, sometimes, one just has to “”lose”” their selves in a silly movie. Where, I work, one has to remain vigilant and notice everything…wishing you a beautiful day my friend. Thank you for the lovely post.
Yes I am sure you have to be very vigilant! And I did hear the movies were made in the summer. Kind of explains that unrealistic looking snow!!:)
Hallmark Christmas films are my guilty pleasure at this time of year! I know they are predictable, I know there is usually a sad story line finishing with a happy ending and I know that I may possibly have seen them at least once before but I enjoy that feel good factor. I usually set up my ironing board, get all the unironed laundry down, turn on the tv and escape for an hour or two. Ironing is my least favourite chore so I have to have something to take my mind off how much I still have to do! I’m not too good at noticing little things other than the fact that the snow always looks artificial and surely not everyone in America has a perfectly styled house at Christmas! They have just started to come onto our screens for this year and I can’t wait to watch the first new one 😉
Deb, ironing is definitely at the bottom of my chore list. Having something to do while you iron is brilliant!! The snow is for sure fake….and, no, I don’t anyone who decorates/styles their home like a Hallmark movie!! A bit over the top:) Glad you are enjoying the movies! And so glad you stopped by today, my friend!
It is always a joy to visit you , Jennifer . I have missed reading your wise words, thoughts and encouragement.
From your last post I have to say that I feel so blessed with all the wonderful places we have visited in September and October and for safety along the way. Also all our luggage arrived in the right country at the right time. 😊
I have started my Christmas shopping and hope to have everything ready by the start of December.
I love your little pilgrim characters by the way.
Have a great week ahead.
Drinking out of an empty cup? Oh no! I don’t watch Hallmark movies but I do hear what you’re saying. How important to be discerning about what we’re hearing and watching and listening to. Yes, please.
Happy Saturday evening to you, friend.
Ok. Here is something you may not believe. I don’t watch any Hallmark movies. Ever. I know, right? Everyone says I am the person who would love them! I just never got into them. I do, however, enjoy the Lifetime movies! They are also almost all the same: A family in a neighborhood, a stalker/coworker/ neighbor who attacks and harasses them, and finally an ending scene involving a detective. The thing we always notice is that someone is always making the most elaborate, delicious breakfast, and no one has time to eat it. They grab coffee and leave!
Great post, my friend. Very insightful.
Have a cozy evening!
Hello Jennifer,
I enjoyed this post. I do not watch Hallmark movies. I watched one with my mom, but oh it was painful for me to do. Hee Hee.
I appreciated your post, I notice things.
Jennifer, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences here. It’s giving me much to reflect on. As for Hallmark movies..
I can take them or leave them because they all basically have the same plot. There was a discussion after service at church not long ago about this. But the thing that I will take away from your post is that I need to be much more observant where others are concerned. Thank you, my friend.
I’m a very detailed person and notice EVERYTHING! I love Hallmark Christmas movies! They make me happy. I know so many of them are the same, but that’s what I like about them. I’m also enjoying Great American Family’s Christmas movies, as they are more faith-based. But yes, I love a good rom-com!
Julia
threecottage. blogspot.com
I’m glad the Christmas movies make you happy…that is exactly the point, I believe! Not getting too bogged down in the details. Silly me:)