Project Christmas Wish

Lucy, who is like a "Secret Santa" runs a program called “Project Christmas Wish,” a community program that makes holiday wishes come true for those in need. 

When she meets Lucas, a recently widowed father, and his adorable daughter Max, Lucy finds herself helping them rediscover the joy and hope that the season brings, and in the process, she finds some much needed healing of her own.

Set in a charming town where twinkling lights line the street and hot cocoa flows as freely as kindness, this movie captures the spirit of giving that defines Christmas.  It’s not just about presents or decorations; it’s about community, connection and second chances. 

The chemistry between Lucy (Amanda Schull) and Lucas (Travis Van Winkle) is evident, and they both make this heartwarming movie an especially touching one. 

This movie has a special message, that the greatest gifts aren’t wrapped under the tree but found in the people who enter our lives when we least expect them. It’s a gentle reminder that no matter what the circumstance, there’s still room for miracles… especially at Christmastime.

Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

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A Christmas Prayer

A young girl, Caroline (Madeleine Cox), who is being raised by her widowed, Dad, Wes (Christopher Russell), has unshakable faith.  After losing her mom a few years ago, she trusts in Jesus, and by the request of her teacher, creates a list of Christmas prayers for others.  She prays for her mailman, who needs the funds to travel to see his daughter, a widow whose husband always brought her poinsettias and a schoolmate who is in need of a new coat and boots.  This unselfish child also prayed that her father would be happy, as he's lost his spirit when his wife passed.  

Natalie (Shae Robins) is an illustrator, who has been looking for some new Christmas inspiration.  She stumbles upon Caroline and her dad, literally, as she walked by them with her over-sized purse and accidentally knocked over their cups.  Natalie immediately begins to help clean up and apologized.  She noticed a paper that had dropped during the cleanup, which contained Caroline's prayer list.  Without knowing this list would become the inspiration Natalie decided to help make this little girl's prayers come true.  

Natalie, collected the funds needed for the mailman's plane ticket, secretly dropped off poinsettia plants to the window and bought new clothing for her schoolmate, wrapped it up and dropped it off at school to be given to the girl anonymously.  With these actions, she began writing and created a child's book about an angel who helps answer prayers.

Throughout the movie, happenstance brings Natalie, Caroline and her father together.  Natalie invites Caroline and Wes to her home to bake cookies; while there, Wes comes across Caroline's list.  Wes is upset as he feels Natalie may have been using his daughter for her own self-serving promotion and immediately leaves with his daughter.

Caroline, being the faith-filled child she is, tells her dad that she had known all along that Natalie was responsible for all of her prayers being answered, but that she knows that Jesus uses others to answer prayers.  

This faith-filled story will keep you inspired throughout the movie.  

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

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"The Man Who Saved Christmas"

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Based on the true story of A.C. Gilbert, a toy maker, during WWI.    

A.C. Gilbert (Jason Alexander), a toy maker, who is determined to continue making toys during WWI after the Government summoned him to use his factory for the war effort.  He lobbies the Government to allow toys to continue to be made.  His appeal to them was that children need to have hope and to play with things that will enhance their learning abilities.  BTW, A.C. Gilbert is the inventor of the Erector Set.

From what I understand,a number of the details in the movie are not accurate, but the gist of the story is what makes this movie more than just another Christmas flick.  It's about hope.  

The hope referred to in this movie emerges from the period of WWI; however, hope embraces all generations, especially at Christmastime. Hope brings us happiness.  

Just as back in WWI in 1918, we, as parents and grandparents, have an obligation to encourage our children and grandchildren to thrive and learn with hope, which is expectation, and with faith, which is trust.  

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see"

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Erector Set

Chemistry Set

The Auto Biography of A.C. Gilbert

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"The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year"

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Jennifer (Brooke Burns), a driven business woman, educated and overly organized, is getting ready for the Christmas Holidays.  She is looking forward to meeting her jeweler and materialistic boyfriend's family for the first time this year.  

Her over-protective, retired NYC Cop, Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) is flying into Chicago from NYC, as he always does, to be with Jennifer, her son, Brian (Connor Christopher) and his sister, Jennifer's mom who was going to cook the Christmas turkey!

In a matter of a day, everything changes!  Jennifer's assistant, Denise, (Ruklya Bernard) tells her that her mom left a message that she is not coming. because she is taking an unexpected cruise and also that the one present her son, Brian, is asking for is the go-to toy of the year, a "Rocket Wheel" bike.  This late in the season, they are almost impossible to get.  Jennifer panics, as she never cooked a turkey before and how was she going to impress her boyfriend's family?!  How would she ever find a "Rocket Wheel" for Brian?!

Uncle Ralph, who is not a seasoned airport traveler, meets Morgan Derby (Warren Christie) who is a chef and who is traveling to meet his girlfriend.  They are looking into opening up their own restaurant, but with no solid plan in place.  Morgan sees how confused Ralph is at the airport and offers to help him.  They become rapid friends; Ralph likes the character he sees in Morgan.  

Upon arriving at the airport, Morgan's connecting flight is cancelled.  Ralph feels badly for Morgan and asks Jennifer if he could stay with them for just one night.  She immediately said no; that is, until she found out he was a chef and Turkey is his specialty.  One night turns into a few nights with Uncle Ralph's help.  Uncle Ralph does not like Jennifer's boyfriend, so he keeps making excuses why Morgan needs to stay.  Jennifer and Morgan do begin to have "something" between them, just as the boyfriend surprises Jennifer with an engagement ring; once she reluctantly accepts. 

Morgan then leaves and placed a thank you note on Jennifer's kitchen counter.  Unfortunately, the boyfriend sees the note and puts it in his pocket.  When Jennifer realizes that Morgan left without even as much as a goodbye, she is furious.  That is until Christmas Day, when the boyfriend tells Brian to go into his coat pocket because there's a gift in there for him, and Brian pulls out the note instead.  

Once Jennifer realizes the deception, she breaks off the engagement.  She also realizes that Morgan had taught her much about the holidays and living a good life.  Uncle Ralph encourages her to go to the airport and tell Morgan how she feels.  Unlike her, she does!  When she arrives, it looks like she missed him, but by accident she hits the intercom button with her large purse, her story is being heard by the whole airport.  Morgan realizes it's him she's talking about and races to find her.  They both return to Jennifer's home where Uncle Ralph declares, "Now! This is Christmas!"

Luke 12:15 (NIV)

"Then he said to them, "Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a person's life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions."

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The Best Turkey Roasting Pans

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IT HAPPENED ON 5TH AVENUE - 1947

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A drifter named Aloysius "Mac" McKeever (Victor Moore) skillfully has watched the comings and goings of a very rich business man named Mike O'Connor (Charles Ruggles).  Mac knows when Mr. O'Connor is living in his Northern residence and when he "snow birds" down South.  So Mac makes himself comfortable by staying in Mr. O'Connor's empty residences during the times of the year he is away.  

While Mac is staying at Mr. O'Connor's luxurious home in New York City, he meets a Veteran, Jim Bullock (Don DeFore), who has recently been evicted from a building owned by Mr. O'Conner.  Mac invites  him to stay with him, unbeknownst to Jim that Mac is staying there under false pretenses.  

One evening, someone enters the home and proceeds upstairs to a bedroom.  The unknown visitor happens to be the daughter of Mr. O'Connor, Trudy O'Connor, (Gail Storm), who has left school against her father's wishes.  She is startled when she realizes two men are in the house and are trying to stop her from what they think is stealing a fur coat.  

Mac and Jim question her, however she catches on very quickly that Mac is a drifter taking advantage of her family's home being empty for the winter.  She decides to keep her identity a secret and play along and tells them that she was desperate for something to wear because she was going on an interview.  Mac takes pity on her and asks her to stay.  She does, and it doesn't hurt that she also has an attraction for the veteran, Jim.  

This pretense starts snowballing, as Mr. O'Connor returns to NYC to find his daughter.  When he arrives home, she greets him immediately and somehow convinces him to play along.  She is upset with her father because he does not agree with her action of leaving school, as she wants to follow her own passion.  To add more "fuel to the fire", she contacts her mother, Mary O'Connor (Ann Harding) who is the estranged wife of Mike O'Connor.  Trudy knows her mother will take her side.  

At this point in the story, we have Mac, Jim, Trudy, Mike O'Connor and his estranged wife, Mary, all living and pretending in the same house.  The plot thickens as more people are invited to live in the house due to no available housing.  

This is an amusing, warm and heartfelt movie, as everyone begins to realize that Mac, the drifter, is full of wisdom and true kindness.  As time goes on each person learns a valuable life lesson that no amount of money that Mike O'Connor has could possibly have had the same wonderful impact on their lives.  

Proverbs 3:13 NIV

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for they are more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 

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CROWN FOR CHRISTMAS

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Allie Evans (Danika McKellar) lives with her two siblings, Lisa (Rose Neville) and Aaron (Rollo Skinner) in a small apartment.  Since losing their parents, they have been on their own and sometimes money gets tight.

Allie and Lisa work as maids at a big New York City Hotel.  On one particular day, Lisa was messaged that she has gotten an audition, one that she had been hoping for.  However, she needed to be at the audition in an hour; the middle of her work day.  Allie knowing how important this was to Lisa, tells her to go, and she would cover the rooms herself.  

Allie's didn't anticipate that one particular room looked like it had three parties in it the night before and knew this was going to be a challenge.  She begins working quickly; however, her superior, who is waiting for the room to be finished, sees that Allie is by herself, so she fires Allie and her sister.....and it's right before Christmas.   As Allie leaves upset and frustrated, she hands her superior a watch that was left in the room.  There's a man standing outside of the door who overhears their conversation and is impressed by Allie's actions.

The man, Fergus (Pavel Douglas) happens to work for a King.  King Maximillian (Rupert Penry-Jones) is a widowed father of a rebellious 10-year old girl.  He has been having difficulty keeping a Governess, because of his daughter's challenging behavior.  Fergus decides to pursue finding Allie and after checking her background, offers her the job.  It pays so well, it will help Allie's family, so she accepts the offer.

Allie is flown to Europe and is introduced to some unwelcoming servants in the castle, but finds others who are genuinely kind.  She has no problem speaking her mind which sometimes gets her in trouble, but the King secretly is finding it most refreshing.  

As the weeks go on, Allie is put to the challenge with Princess Theodora (Ellie Botterill), but manages to outsmart her every time.  After awhile Theodora becomes attached to Allie, and so does the King.   

I'll stop there, hoping you'll watch this entertaining flick that's a bit of a "Cinderella-type" tale; however, it's really about being true to yourself.  What kind of happy ending will there be? 

Proverbs 21:3 (NIV)

"To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice."

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THE CHRISTMAS BOX

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A very wealthy widow, Mrs. Parkin (the great Maureen O'Hara) lives alone and is looking for a live-in couple as caretakers.  The Evans family, Keri (Annette O'Toole), Richard (Richard Thomas) and their young daughter, Jenna (Kelsey Mulrooney) interview for the position.  Richard's work has really impacted his family life, so they have decided to make a change.

Mrs. Parkin is guarded, but hires the family.  Richard, the husband, also does not warm up to Mrs. Parkin as quickly as his wife does.  As time progresses, they learn a little more about each other, and Mrs. Parkin takes a special interest in little Jenna.  

There is a mystery though, one that Mrs Parkin holds close to her heart and keeps to herself.   

This is a story of compassion, learning and acceptance.  You'll see both Mrs. Parkin and Richard learn valuable lessons from one another. 

Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

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Holiday Affair - 1949

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Connie Ennis, (Janet Leigh) who is a widowed, single mom, works as a "Comparison Shopper".   During a busy shopping day during the holidays, she approaches sales clerk, Steve Mason (Robert Mitchum) asking for a specific train set with no other questions and has the exact amount of money needed to pay for it.  Steve already suspects she is a "Comparison Shopper", but writes up the order and gives Connie the Train.

Steve was sure he was correct and wanted to turn her in; however, after she told him she was a widow and had a son, he felt guilty to do that to a single mother.  However, his supervisor notices what has happened and Steve loses his job, but buys the train for Connie's son, Timmy.

This begins a relationship between, Steve, Connie and Timmy, but Connie has a steady boyfriend that she was never really sure she loved.  He has been asking her to marry him and she never seems to be enthusiastic about the subject.  Steve, of course, is handsome, exciting and Timmy likes him.  (Timmy isn't comfortable with Connie's steady).  This creates a bit of an uncomfortable situation when the two happen to be at Connie's apartment together.    You know who "will get the girl".

This is an unusual story line, as physical Comparison Shoppers are almost a lost art, as most of us use the tools off of the internet.   It's a great movie, true to the period of the 1940s, from the hand-written sales slips to the seamed stockings.  

I watch it every year, just like I make sure to see all of my favorite Christmas Movies; however, this one along with a few others are from the 1940s; i.e., Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life and It Happened on 5th Avenue.   I find the era intriguing.  

Isaiah 40:31

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint"

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THE CHRISTMAS CARD

The Christmas Card in 2006 is a fan-favorite for many years that aired before "Countdown To Christmas" began in 2009.  

A Christmas Card is given to a soldier, Cody (John Newton), while deployed in Afghanistan.  The card was written by a very caring young woman from Nevada City named Faith (Alice Evans).  She is the daughter and only child of Luke (Ed Asner) who owns and operates a lumber mill.  

Cody's tour of duty is coming to an end and is encouraged by a senior officer to take some time for himself to see what's next in life.  Because of the very heartfelt Christmas Card he received, something brings him to Nevada City.  

He meets Luke at Church who is immediately impressed with him (Luke served as well and feels a bond with Cody).  Cody is trustworthy and honest.  Luke strikes up conversation with him and as Cody leaves the building, Luke follows him out to continue the conversation.  As Luke is crossing the street he is almost struck by a speeding vehicle, but because Cody pushed him out of the way, Luke was okay.  From that point on, Luke called Cody his "hero buddy" and invites him for dinner and to stay the night.

Luke had much more up his sleeve.  From the moment he met Cody, he knew this is the man for his daughter and not the on and off relationship she was currently in.  Luke offers Cody a job at the mill for the holidays and encourages him to stick around.  Cody with no set plans, agrees.

Cody and Faith have an undeniable chemistry; however, she continues to be faithful to her boyfriend, Paul.  Paul (Ben Weber) himself sees the attraction the two have for each other, so he decides to propose to Faith, not because he was going to, but because he felt he was losing.  Initially, Faith accepts.  She tells Cody, and he is obviously disappointed and decides he should leave Nevada City.

After much soul-searching, on Christmas Eve, while in Church, Faith realizes she cannot marry Paul; she's in love with Cody.   Her father, Luke, just might know how to find him.  

Luke 16:10 (NIV)

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.

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"A Biltmore Christmas" ......Grandeur, Love & Hollywood All In One Movie!

There are many great Hallmark movies, but this one is one of the finest.

Set at the beautiful Biltmore during the holidays, Lucy Hardgrove, a screenwriter (played by Bethany Joy Lenz) is sent there to get some inspiration. There she finds an hourglass that when it’s turned upside down, sends her back to the 1940s when an original movie named “His Merry Wife” was produced.

She meets an actor that starred in the movie named Jack Houston (played by Kristopher Polaha) who was said to have passed away one year after the shooting of the movie. In typical Hallmark fashion, Lucy and Jack fall in love, but how does she tell him she’s from the future and wants to go back, but most of all how does she warn him about December 24, 1947, the day he supposedly died.

You’ll forget whatever else is on your mind while watching this one, because who isn’t intrigued by time travel? You’ll love the grandeur of A Biltmore Christmas, the clothes, the cars, the tinsel on the tree and the lingo of the 1940s. Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristopher Polaha do an outstanding job, just as they always do. We need a good fantasy every once in awhile.

Philippians 3:13 (NIV)

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead"

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"Miracle on 34th Street" ....faith from an old 1947 classic.

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Children imagine Christmas as a magical time, and everyone seems to be just that little bit happier and kinder. The Christmas Cards, the traditional foods, the lights and decorations   make everything cozier. Holiday movies were enjoyed long before there was the Hallmark Channel; I still watch them. One in particular had a life lesson that sometimes we all need to be reminded of:

“Faith Is Believing When Common Sense Tells You Not To”

This was said to little Suzie Walker, a girl who was losing faith, by her Mother, Doris in “Miracle on 34th Street” – 1947 with Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood.

We can’t always explain how things happen out of the blue, when we least expect it and after we resigned ourselves to giving up, but sometimes they do. Faith is believing when there is no tangible evidence; it’s what keeps you hoping. Logic doesn’t always have its way.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

"Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

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"Holiday Inn" ....a classic from 1942

An old Holiday Classic set in the coziest farmhouse covered in snow. In the distance you can hear sounds of jingle bells from the horse-drawn sleigh.

Jim, (Bing Crosby) a down-to-earth entertainer, turns an old farmhouse into an Inn that’s opened Holidays only.

Linda, (Margorie Reynolds), is a struggling entertainer just looking for a chance. She runs into a notable Agent at the florist shop she works in. She shrewdly convinces the Agent that it’s too late on Christmas Eve for his delivery, but she would be happy to make the delivery for a personal favor. The manager, to appease her, gives her Jim’s card telling her it’s a friend of his who is opening an Inn in Connecticut. The Agent also gives her a ticket to the show he’s having that evening.

That night when Linda arrives at the show she is seated at the band’s table where she meets Jim,. Jim was there to watch his friends’ performances before he leaves for Connecticut. There Linda and Jim both pretend to be more successful than they really are.

The following day, Linda who is thrilled at any chance of performing takes the train out to Connecticut on a snowy Christmas day When she arrives at “Holiday Inn, she runs into the owner, Jim. They both realize they were overstating their achievements when they met the night before at Ted’s, (Fred Astaire) and Lila’s, (Virginia Dale) show. They laugh together and Linda agrees that she doesn’t care if Jim pays her off in eggs, just give her a chance.

The Inn becomes a success, and Jim and Linda are very content and also are becoming very close. Until one New Year’s Eve when Ted gets a “Dear John” letter from Lila. Ted suddenly has no dancing partner, is feeling low and decides to go visit his old pal, Jim, in Connecticut. The competition then begins for the affections of Linda by Jim and Ted.

This is a movie of great dancing performances as it takes you through the year’s holidays as they are celebrated at the Holiday Inn. The best of course are the Christmas Holidays. The performances with Fred Astaire by both Virginia Dale and Marjorie Reynolds are outstanding! I especially love the Valentine’s Day performance.

Give this old flick another look. The farmhouse alone is enough to want to make you curl up with a nice warm cocoa, while watching twinkling lights and listening to Carrols.

Did you know that the Holiday Inn Hotel Chain is named from this 1942 classic?

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)

"But Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that"

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