Christmas truly is the greatest time of year. Celebrating the birth of Jesus isn't quite what it use to be and people often forget the true meaning of Christmas, but never less, the world seems to transform when the turkey dinners get put away and the twinkling lights go on display (rhyming intended). People are kinder, laughing gets louder and families get closer; so why not add an extra spirit filled week to the year?

Hallmark channel has begun it's Christmas Keepsake week this past weekend. A week in July where we can take a break from the summer heat, curl up with the ones we love and pretend (for just a moment) that Santa is on his way. Re-watch some old favorites as well as a new premier, "A Perfect Christmas", on July 16th. These movies remind us how important acts of kindness, love and the Christmas spirit really are.

Hallmark is also revealing this years keepsake ornaments. Every year since I was born, I would receive a new ornament on Christmas morning. This is a tradition my family, as well as many others, has had that marks important events and milestones from throughout the year. I look forward to these ornaments every year, wondering which I might receive.

Some may be against Christmas in July and say it should wait its turn, some listen to Christmas music all year long, and then theres people like me who think Christmas is best kept till after Thanksgiving, with one exception; Christmas Keepsake week. I love Christmas and don't want to spoil the childlike joy I get when December finally rolls around. I want the anticipation and excitement to stay alive, but to hold myself over, I spend this week forgetting what may be going on in the world by curling up on the couch and escaping into a winter wonderland.

So, will you please join me in watching Hallmark’s cheesy and predictable yet heartwarming and lovable Christmas movies, because 16 weeks is far too long to wait for the greatest morning of the year.

CHRISTMAS KEEPSAKE MOVIES SCHEDULE