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Every fall, right about the time the air starts to shift and stores begin rolling out the twinkle lights, I start counting down — not to Thanksgiving, but to Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas. And last night, it finally began! I look forward to this every single year, and the fact that it usually kicks off on my birthday weekend just makes it feel like the universe knows exactly what kind of gift I want.
Why It Means So Much to Me
I know some folks roll their eyes at Hallmark Christmas movies, but I genuinely love them. They’re simple, familiar, and full of that feel-good charm that makes everything seem a little brighter. Sure, I can predict how they’ll end nine times out of ten, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s comfort in the predictability — in knowing everything will turn out okay, that people can still choose kindness, and that love always wins in the end.
For me, the Countdown to Christmas isn’t just about watching a lineup of festive movies. It’s a mindset. The moment those first snowflakes hit the screen, it feels like I’ve been given permission to slow down and enjoy the little things. It’s cozy blankets, fuzzy socks, and the first spark of that holiday magic that makes even an ordinary evening feel special.
Nostalgia Wrapped in Lights and Snowflakes
Part of why I love this time of year is because it takes me right back to childhood Christmases — back to the excitement of hanging stockings, the smell of a fresh tree, and staying up too late hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa. Watching these movies taps into that same nostalgia. They remind me of a time when Christmas felt bigger than life and the world seemed softer somehow.
Even though I live in Texas, where snow is more dream than reality, Hallmark’s perfect little winter towns give me that snowy holiday fix. There’s something about those streets lined with garland and glowing storefronts that makes me want to bake cookies, light my favorite candle, and get completely lost in the moment.
Courtesy of Hallmark
My Seasonal Tradition
As soon as Countdown to Christmas starts, it’s officially the beginning of my holiday season. The decorations might still be tucked away for now, but in my mind, the switch has been flipped. My favorite way to kick it off is simple: a cozy blanket, a mug of something warm, and one of those comforting movies on the TV. It doesn’t matter which one — they all carry the same promise of joy, love, and a little Christmas magic.
The hubby usually laughs at me when I get this excited about it, but even he knows how much this tradition means to me. Life can get hectic and messy, but for a couple of hours, everything feels calm again. And that’s worth holding onto.
More Than Just a Movie Marathon
I think what makes Countdown to Christmas so special is how it manages to bring people together — even in small ways. It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just a quiet night at home, a soft glow from the Christmas lights, and a story that ends with hope.
In a world that’s constantly rushing, there’s something deeply refreshing about a season that encourages us to pause and appreciate the good. It’s not about pretending life is perfect — it’s about celebrating the moments that are.
So yes, I’m thrilled that Countdown to Christmas is back. It’s my favorite way to welcome the season, a gentle reminder that no matter what’s going on, there’s still magic to be found. The movies might all blur together after a while, but the feeling they bring? That never gets old.
Now, if you need me, I’ll be under a blanket with the AC cranked down to 65 degrees, a candle burning, watching small-town love stories unfold — and grinning the whole way through.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.