Chasing Happy Endings During the Holiday Season
Leaning in to the joy when life is all pain.
I planned on writing something longwinded about why I wanted to create this newsletter, but the fact of the matter is that I like the Holiday season (from October through NYE), I believe we need more micro newsletters with an actual end date (January 2ish), and it gives me joy to love, celebrate, and snark on the weirdness and goodness of this time of year.
So, thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll stick around for the ride.
Countdown to Christmas
Happy endings are underrated.
In a world where reality is inescapable, there's something comforting about things always working out in the end. I think that's why I was so drawn to Hallmark Christmas movies in the months of recovery after my first lung collapse.
I was hospitalized in mid-October, and by the time I was released and recovering in the suburbs at my parents’ home a few days later, Hallmark had inexplicably launched their “Countdown to Christmas” programming.
I had never really given Hallmark movies a chance before this moment. A lifelong Lifetime fan, I thought the Hallmark slate of films were a tad too cheesy for my liking. And really, I was never quite as obsessed with romance movies, in general, like my peers.
But there was something especially potent and comforting about the idyllic settings, the formulaic dialogue, and the promise that these two people - often from two different walks of life - would somehow make it. In the midst of my questions and confusion about my own future and course of healing, it was the ease of Hallmark movies that helped me find joy, at least temporarily.
They also make me think of my grandfather's VA nurse, Diana. Papa has advanced dementia and cannot take care of himself on his own. Most days are spent in his bedroom where he moves between an oversized brown recliner, a small table to eat, and his bed.
Diana has been a part of our in-home care team for more than two years, and ever since she arrived, she has kept the television in his room on the Hallmark channel. It’s a reliable form of background noise, mixed with easygoing dialogue, crisp sets, and a satisfying ending. Like a procedural, you can kind of jump in at any time and know what’s going on. So, I understand the appeal compared to panel talk shows or soap operas. We've added other nurses to the weekly schedule, but my family keeps the television on that channel for most hours of the day (except during a football or basketball game, of course).
That familiarity and reliability makes a difference.
A few months after my first lung collapse, in March of 2021, I would be back in the hospital with another lung collapse. This time, the hospitalization was longer than the first time and eventually resulted in reconstructive surgery. It wasn't the right season for these movies that spring. Yet, by the time October rolled around, I found myself firmly entrenched in the lore, the community, and the surprising cultural drama surrounding this genre of films. Before the end of the Christmas season, I wrote an investigative feature on Hallmark’s pivot towards inclusivity and how that inspired a rival conservative network to launch. It is, to this day, one of the pieces I am most proud to have written.
And so, as we are firmly entrenched in the changing leaves and dropping temperatures of the fall, I am preparing myself for the warm, familiar blanket that is the Hallmark Christmas movie season. After a particularly rough year, and another late summer hospitalization, I am grateful.
See
Snowed Inn Christmas: There’s a weird sub-trope in Christmas romcoms which involve “a touch of magic.” If the film has a religious bent, this usually means “secret angels.” But if it’s not, this often means “secret Santa.” Meaning, a Santa who hides his identity. (Sometimes it’s the A-plot to the movie. It works best when it’s the C-plot.) And Snowed Inn Christmas, a 2017 Lifetime film, is no exception.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Christmas films that revolve around journalists, and so the actual plot of this movie is two East Coast journalists stuck in small-town Indiana after an emergency plane landing competing for the best Christmas-themed story to not get laid off from the magazine where they work. Prescient and relatable. What’s not to love? Plus, there’s just something riveting about actor Andrew Walker, an Actually Great Actor and off-brand Glenn Powell who’s stuck in Hallmark Purgatory. Free to stream on Tubi, Prime video, and Disney+.
After a colossal 2024, Sabrina Carpenter is releasing a Netflix Christmas special, A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter, on December 6. Expect selections from her 2023 EP, fruitcake, plus guest performances. I’ve always felt like the true sign of a pop superstar is a holiday special.
Some actual nonsense: There’s a Travis Kelce-Taylor Swift-inspired Kansas City Chiefs Christmas romcom. Why? But it makes me wonder what other pop culture romcoms could be in the works. They’ve got two months to write, film, and release a Love Island-esque movie, IMO.
And don’t forget about Thanksgiving.
Advent of the Week
A bunch of little oversized trinkets should not elicit so much joy, and yet I’ve become fully advent calendar-pilled. Beauty ones hold a special place in my heart. I convince myself that purchasing one is an investment and a learning experience as I find new things to add to my beauty routine. Anyway, the best of the bunch come from the UK, who’ve perfected the practice. My personal favorite is by Liberty, the luxury department story that actually ships to America. They turned me on to Augustinus Bader and Vilhelm Parfumerie last year. I save up all year to make the big splurge. (Note: I never promised quality advice in this newsletter.) $345, at Liberty.
Everything Else
The Original Mindful Advent Candle Set: It’s called an advent candle set, but I think it can be used (or given) during anytime of the year when you’re interested in creating a daily mindful meditative practice. The candles burn within 20 minutes—the perfect amount of time for newbies who may struggle with extended moments of meditation. $20.59, on Etsy.
Terrain market tote: Out of everything I received as a gift last year, this functional tote bag is my most used. With seven large pockets, a sturdy leather body to keep its upright shape, and large handles to fit over your arms (even during puffer coat season), the market tote is a perfect companion for weekly grocery store or farmer’s market hauls. $68, at Terrain.
Until next time!