What is it about sappy Christmas romance movies that make us want to light up the Christmas tree, slip into our flannel pj’s, curl up under a comfy throw, fix a cup of hot cocoa and commence, our reservation for one, cry fest? No doubt about it, Christmas romance movies are meant to be enjoyed alone. Why? Because we end up sobbing like babies, and in front of others, it would just look weird, that’s why.
Sappy Christmas romance movies transport us around the world. Through a 32’ screen, I’ve experienced the beauty of Rome, the ambiance of Graceland, the music of Dollywood, the fascination of Royalty, and of course, I’ve even believed in Santa once again. These movies help us remember our own Christmas’s past, envision our Christmas present a little differently, and in a world where there is so much uncertainty, for a couple of hours we have hope once again. After-all, miracles happen at Christmas time.
There’s just something about the wonderment of the season, the magic of Christmas snow, a horse drawn carriage ride, an impromptu slow dance, or the subtleness of love’s first kiss. If you look closely, you’ll discover the story is always told through the sparkle, amazement, and contentment within the eyes. Christmas romance movies offer so much more than entertainment. They penetrate the soul with scripted words that are carefully and deliberately crafted and delivered, all aiming to tug at our heart strings. Through Christmas romance movies our minds travel back to a time where laughter was plentiful, worries were minimal and spending Christmas together was top of the list.
Through the characters, we imagine ourselves as participants, not viewers. We stroll along the plot and try desperately to catch a glimpse of a falling star, join in the antics of spontaneously running outside to make a snow angel or picture ourselves enjoying roasting marsh mellows over an open firepit with friends.
Christmas romance movies catapult us into another dimension. How ironic and odd that tears are part of the package, but they are. I’ve dubbed them Holiday Tears. Holiday Tears are a mix of sad and happy, hence the word sappy. Holiday Tears are cleansing. I can’t explain it, but when a Christmas romance movie is over, you just feel better.
Yes, it’s all fiction, but then again, is it? This season, kick the negative to the curb, bask in each moment and enjoy. Remember, miracles really do happen at Christmas.
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Tammie, I love your use of vivid imagery in this article. In my mind, I was on that horse-drawn sleigh (complete with a plaid blanket and cocoa) on a cold starry skied night singing campy Christmas songs.
Sometimes they take you to Christmas's of the past that we miss as we get older and life moves on.