Best of the Best Hallmark Christmas Films *Spoiler Alerts*

 The most common tradition for the holiday season has become the Hallmark Christmas movies. For those of us that look forward to this event every year, know that no matter how cheesy or common the storyline, we live it. Each film is heartwarming, family friendly, not without its obstacles or romantic happy endings. The holidays may be over but I refuse to let it go without my first post in a long time and my first post of the new year. These are my top 4 Hallmark Christmas films; sit back and enjoy!

1. Five Star Christmas
Starring Bethany Joy Lenz, Victor Webster, Robert Wisden, and Laura Soltis

Bethany Joy Lenz (One Tree Hill) stars as Lucy Ralston, who returns home for the holiday to find her father has turned their family home into an Inn. Just as the family is settling in for the holidays, two unexpected guests arrive hoping for accommodations; one Beth Thompson (Soltis) whom they assume is a very important reviewer and a familiar stranger Lucy met on the way home, Jake Finlay (Webster). In order to pass their father's inn in the best light, Lucy and her family agree to keep their identity secret. The entire family is in on the charade but good intentions are afoot and it even helps the family to recognize things about themselves they didn't realize were there. For instance, the younger sister Amber poses as the Inn chef Francesca though finds that she has a strong passion for cooking which also helps her feel connected to her late mother. Jake is hiding his own identity that could ruin his chances with Lucy and even change the future for Lucy's family. This, I feel, is a classic Christmas film because it has all the elements of a true Christmas film: a little comedy here and there, a misunderstanding, an obstacle, a flip secret (a good intentional secret in exchange for another secret which proves potentially damaging), love, and most importantly all the family, holiday warmth one could ask for. Pull out your hot chocolate, snuggle by the fire or on the couch with your loved ones, and enjoy the story!

2. Entertaining Christmas

Starring Jodie Sweetin and Brendan Fehr

This is a delightful story with a moral lesson hidden within. Fuller House's Jodie Sweetin stars as Candace Livingstone, the daughter of Martha Stewart do-alike Liz Livingstone. In the beginning of the movie, Liz announces her retirement from the company and expresses wishes to place her daughter, Candace in charge. Unfortunately being in her mother's shadow all this time places pressure for her to be more like her mother or so she thinks. 

A little girl named Harper sends in a video in hopes of Liz and Candace appearing at her father's welcome home party since he's been away on duty in the military. Candace agrees to go to grant the young girl's wish. During this journey, she learns to appreciate her strengths and relying on them to become the best representative she can be for her family's company. I am a sucker for morals in a movie but this really hit close to home. John (Fehr) got to know Candace and realized that she wasn't who he expected her to be. In fact, he says it best in the movie when he states that he has more in common with her than he thought. Both trying to escape the "picturesque" landscape Candace's mother and John's brother set for them. They found their way to stand on their own merit and for Candace, she gained the confidence she needed to continue the Livingstone name her way while incorporating the talents of those around her. Another pivotal point in the story is when Candace overhears her mother stating she wishes she could be more like her. It turns out her mother values her daughter's talents and doesn't expect her to be like her in anyway. This is further confirmation that her mother saw her for her even more than she assumed. I encourage anyone having trouble identifying with themselves to watch this. It is relatable and different from other Hallmark Christmas movies. 

3. The Christmas Bow

Starring Lucia Micarelli and Michael Rady

The Christmas Bow is a charming movie about dreams unfinished and dreams realized. Kate Malone (Micarelli) is a gifted violinist who just finished her audition for the Philharmonic Orchestra. Just as she was about to achieve her greatest dream, there is a minor accident which results in two of her key playing fingers being injured. 

Patrick is a doctor and childhood friend of Kate. He takes care of his mother and is very close to his young cousin which he watches on occasion. As Kate works on regaining use of her fingers, she is reunited with Patrick when he becomes her physical therapist. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and the consideration they have for each other is amazing. At one point, both declare to each other that they don't want to get in the way of the other's dream however Patrick soon realizes that his dreams lie with Kate in their hometown. 

Another charming aspect about this movie is the warmness of the focus on family. It's clear that Grandpa Joe has a difficult time enjoying traditions once treasured by the family after the passing of his wife however Kate talks him into taking up those loves again. Of course he gets approval from his late wife (in other words, he knows she would approve). They bring back the annual Christmas party and Grandpa Joe wears his Santa outfit once again. He also encourages Kate not to give up in her recovery and of course, in most if not all Hallmark movies, everything is grand in the end. It's original and a smooth flowing story that captures your heart every step of the way. 

4. If I Only Had Christmas

Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Warren Christie

Darcy Gale (Bure) strives to prove herself and to land her dream job, a new position in her PR firm at their New York location. She decides to do some pro bono work by working for a distinguished charity that helps to fund schools and teachers with supplies and support they need to give children the education they deserve. Through her adventure she infects everyone she meets, including the mysterious VP Glenn Goodman, who is watching her every move. She befriends the small team who work directly with the children every year during Christmas. Glenn, though skeptical at first, learns to embrace and appreciate Darcy's work ethic, hope, and caring, loving spirit. At the movie's climax, we learn that Glenn Goodman is actually William Austin, the CEO of his father's company and head of the charity. Feeling betrayed, Darcy turns down his job offer and escapes back to Christmas with her family. William, with some encouragement, whisks himself to Kansas City to get Darcy and profess his feelings for her. Again this is a "realizing yourself and what's important" story. I'm not surprised that I chose a movie with Candace Cameron Bure. After all, I'm a long time fan, and I'm happy to have both "Tanner" sisters on my list. 
What are your favorite Hallmark Christmas films? Share your picks in the comments below!