We associate the Hallmark channel with always being on grandma's TV every time we go to her house and visit. I'm not a grandma, I'm a college student, and I love nothing more than turning on one of their movies when I can find the time. My DVR is loaded down with heart-warming Christmas movies right now. They make me just want to crank up my fireplace, pour myself a big mug of hot chocolate, and put on my fuzzy socks. I can't wait to go through that routine over and over again during Christmas break. Hallmark movies are so convenient and they never disappoint me.

Some may say that they are unrealistic and corny and they may have a point. Life may not always be perfect like they display it. It's always snowing powdered sugar in the movies while we are usually in an ice storm that causes cars to slide all down the hills. The women look so put together and pretty while we have blood shot eyes and smeared eyeliner after our Black Friday shopping saga. The families are always in a perfectly decorated cabins while we are sitting in our houses that need to be cleaned; oh, and our Christmas trees are still in storage. Maybe the Christmas spirit intertwined throughout the story will motivate you to start untangling your lights. We sometimes wish that our lives were perfect like theirs but we can create our own story each Christmas, one that's imperfect and genuine.

We point out all of the things that are wrong with the movies because they aren't real life, but they all have that underlying hopeful message that we can all relate to. I've noticed that a recurring message in a lot of their movies is, "Wake up and love the people that are around you!" We all need be reminded to do that, taking things or people for granted comes way too easily for us these days, especially around this time of year. We're too concerned about hunting down the perfect gift when, actually, quality time with your loved one is the time well spent. The innocence and the simplicity of the story lines make them so easy to sit down and watch, with anyone, your mom, your little sister, even Jesus would approve. We need to watch more movies like these, that don't keep our minds so busy and wondering about what is going to happen next. Sometimes it's OK to watch a movie that has a predictable ending, it can even be relaxing.

If you're not feeling in the holiday mood just yet, one of these movies will do the trick. So light up a cinnamon scented candle and flip on the Hallmark channel, no matter how old you are, it's bound to make you smile in some way.