2023 Christmas TV Calendar

 I have a confession ……… there’s too much Christmas … I mean honestly, everyone slow down. I can’t imagine as an actor how it feels to be all Christmasy in like February but then again they shoot Halloween Wars in January so BOOM take that Christmas! I’ve always wondered how they keep their pumpkins so fresh …. and how do they convince a farm to hold out that many pumpkins ?! Maybe they delay their planting and use greenhouses ….. wait … this one is about the big guy in the Red suit, the reindeer with the red nose, the snowman in a magic hat, the geeky mouse that broke the clock, and the poor 4 eyed kid in a pink bunny costume! In case you are living in a cave with no electricity it is already Christmas, or as my bestie calls it Crimmus. Not sure how that happened but calendars don’t lie ….. the clocks often do but calendars are always trustworthy. You could think it’s 3 but it’s actually 1 or worse it’s 7 … but even if you think it’s Tuesday and it’s actually Thursday well it will never NOT be Thursday it will always be the day it’s suppose to be. Every.Single.time. Trust me. It’s a thing! Wait … how did you get my calendar in your cave?!

I will admit that this one was easier than Halloween, but it usually is. It’s crammed tight with nostalgia, new offerings, and remixes of old fun family favorites told in what they hope is a new and “interesting” way…spoiler alert it’s usually not. By the way … THIS … is how holiday fun should be. Now I admit, Hallmark just went stupid, as they do every year, and started showing these things in like March. Truth is that I’m not even sure they have a time when they aren’t showing Christmas offerings. God love em they know their audience and they deliver the goods. I do admit hearing the Freddy Theme Song as you also hear Jingle Bells coming from the next room is a little discombobulating, yet…oddly comforting too. No bad Marcy …. This is about Crimmus not Halloween. Get it together!

To prove my point, I present you with this …. there’s Hallmark Channels 2023 “Countdown to Christmas” which I believe started a few days before Halloween ended and replaced their Christmas in July or some jazz like that …. there’s UPtv’s “Uplifting Christmas” with over 600 hours of holiday cheer (yet oddly didn’t really make my calendar cause I don’t get that channel anymore *sad face* … I think even Hallmark said sit down UPtv …. There’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” on well…Lifetime (come on guys some of these are easy) …. TBS is having a “Winter Break” …. you can find the “The Best Christmas Ever” on AMC, “Nickmas” is on Nickelodeon (Question…. how many Nicks are in the Nickelodeon theme song … asking for a friend… who is me – PS I say 7, if you say 8 we can’t be friends anymore, just kidding we totes can but you are wrong) and of course “25 Days of Christmas” on Freeform …the OG of Holiday fun. Not to mention all the streaming stuff cause well you have all heard my rant about that and I just don’t have the energy for that again.

So, my point is the calendar is full … it’s the fullest calendar I’ve done in years and frankly I really enjoyed it. You might need a magnifying glass to read it but that’s what ZOOM is for right?! Right?! I tried to include as many new offerings as I could and yes sometimes a beloved had to go. Sorry Clark! While Halloween was kind of a catastrophic failure on my part, I hope I have redeemed myself with this one. I know I have renewed my love for doing these so I am going to take that W.  

A few items of note because I don’t want you to miss these and that is the purpose after all…

·       TBS is airing the new A Christmas Story Christmas released on HBO/MAX last year!!!!!! Oh, Happy Day!!!!! Don’t worry tho the Christmas Day Marathon is still the original movie only, I checked! I mean they aren’t that insane. You don’t mess with tradition. But the fact that this one is now going to get to be watched by the masses makes me happy. They are showing equal love to the original but oddly the sequel from 2012 isn’t getting any love at all. If you have seen it you know why! Don’t yell at TED it’s not his fault. I have to warn you my mom finds A Christmas Story Christmas to be a bit depressing but what does mom know, well a lot but still it is a good movie. The gentle nod to the original, the returning original actors, a catch up of the characters and what they have been up to, a lot of love to the Old man and an original story all make up for the sadness. Give it a go let me know what you think cause I love it! Thanks Marvel for giving us back Ralphie! IYKYK

·       NEW Shows for the Win! As stated, there are several new items on the calendar, I haven’t watched them, but I am interested in many of them cause well at least they are new. I like new. I like original. I enjoy the old school seen it a thousand times, but will watch it again and again whenever it is on too but new … makes me giddy. Do some research before you put Sally in front of the TV with popcorn or plop little Bailey down in your lap for something that you deem inappropriate …that’s not my mess. Take it up with your facebook friends on how horrible it is so they can justify themselves as well by sharing in your fake outrage. Or just take it for what it is .. a lesson learned for both you and your offspring. You are welcome!

·       Speaking of Bailey …  God Love Hallmark for getting Scott Wolf and Lacy Chabert back together for a new Christmas movie called “A Merry Scottish Christmas” and no before you ask these two are not love interests, but are in fact playing siblings. I think they even realized how problematic that could be. I have seen it cause of course it premiered in November as part of their lead up to Christmas. I not only set my DVR but counted down the minutes until it started and I could wait 30 minutes or so in an effort to not have to watch commercials. I didn’t succeed. It’s good, predictable in a Hallmark movie kind of way but … good. I’d watch it again and I plan to. I am so excited about this movie, for many reasons that have little to do with the story line of said movie … so it’s getting a lot of love on this calendar and I’m not even going to apologize for it. Full disclosure … Don’t show up if you are expecting Bailey and Claudia (HEY Fox isn’t it time to find out what the Salinger clan has been up to all these years?). Bonus points if you catch the nod to their FOX show Party of Five. However, do show up if you still love Scott Wolf’s dimples, which I do, or like seeing Lacey’s doe eyed look every time those dimples are on display. If you haven’t seen Party of Five and are like what is this crazy lady talking about … I have all the episodes on VHS and DVD and can hook you up. I’m just gonna need you to put down a deposit and leave a note saying you promise to take care of it and promptly return it or I’ll send over the law. It’s that good. For me it’s right up there with Sports Night, another excellent show that you should totally check out … you know in January after all this holiday madness ends.

·       AMC is the marathon machine…. Like for reals. At various points of the month, they have dedicated theme nights. Dec. 9^th is “Merry 80’s Marathon” …. Dec. 10^th “So Many Santas Marathon” …. Dec. 16^th “Best Elf Marathon” …. Dec. 17^th “Holiday Hijinks Marathon” ….. and my favorite Dec 26^th as the “Holiday Hangover” I think there’s even one for Reece Witherspoon. If you are stuck and can’t figure out what to watch check out AMC and see what they are offering.  

·       CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute will air on Dec. 10^th at 7. It’s always a great reminder that in the doom and gloom of the world there are people attempting to make things better and good for them, better for us.  

·       Kennedy Center Honors  will air on CBS Dec. 27^th at 8 it’s another good program to remind you that there are very good humans in this world but this one leans more to the celebrity side while CNN’s version is for the everyday man. This year’s honorees include Billy Crystal, Reneee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Dionne Warwick and my Queen …. Dana Owens.

·       As always if you are looking for something to throw the littles in front of while you wrap gifts, bake, shop online, drink a glass or three of wine, scroll on your phone, or just need a minute … Freeform is the place for you. Their love for Claymation is admirable and while not all the offerings are eyeball worthy they do have a very impressive lineup again this year. May we all bow to the awesome that is Freeform this time of year.

Now for …the rules. If you are an OG user of this calendar, feel free to skip ahead. If you are new to the party …. Well, you want to read on or face my wrath.

·       NO E-MAILS about taking Christ out of Christmas, it’s just a really long word and using X-Mas allows for more shows on the already full calendar.

§  Thanks for your understanding.

§  For those that don’t understand I’ll be glad to remove you from the list, just let me know.

·       I live in the central time zone, the times on this calendar reflect that, adjust accordingly.

§  That said unless otherwise stated the times are PM

·       Late Hour Focus, but hour round fun. For you work from home people, stay at home mom’s, or employers who have access to good wifi ….  they run these specials all day long, and while my calendar focuses mainly on the after-work hour times since that is when I can watch (especially during the week), fire it up as background noise for that meeting that you are totes paying attention to, or while you edit that really long annoying document.

Much like the Halloween one ….. I have been doing this one for at least 15 years …. The goal is to set aside some time for the holiday cheer to enter your soul …. for those shows and stories we all grew up with to fill your heart with happiness … and most importantly to stop…breathe…take a minute … then jump back out there into the madness that is the holiday season.

Merry Christmas to you all …. and I hope you each have a wonderful and safe New Years. Here’s to a fantastic 2024 for us all !

Marcy

Blog with a purpose – Giving Tuesday

What I’m doing two blog posts this week!? It must be a holiday that … or I’m avoiding cleaning. I’m not really sure why holiday’s make me remember that this thing exists, but they do and here I am.

One of my all-time favorite shows, Sports Night, did a show called “The Quality of Mercy at 29K.” It’s truly a fantastic episode (then they all were really) that was about these guys climbing to the top of Mt. Everest which the sports network CSC, that hosts “Sports Night,” is covering. However, it’s the side stories that stay with me. One of the main characters “Dan” had some “extra money” that he needed to use or be taxed on and walked around the office all day asking people what do they like to give their money too. The show, which I really suggest you find and watch, highlighted a lot of charities and organizations that are worthy of your time and your money. Some said homelessness, some said cancer research, some said the arts (shoutout to Montgomery, AL), a few jokingly said food and rent, and some just gave money to the guy down on their luck as they walked to and from the office which is based in New York. Then one of the characters, Natalie turns to Dan at some point and says, “The Key is to get in the game.” Meaning it didn’t matter where he decided to put his money to but he just needed to give. Every little bit makes a difference, and you just need to find a group you are passionate about and give to that. You can’t give to everything, but you can give something. That always stuck with me. . . . I mean to this day I had forgotten all about the Mt. Everest business until I looked it up for this blog. So Nat…. I’m getting back into the game.

As I have mentioned before I decided that this blog needed more of a purpose than a place for me to list journal entries which is what this thing has pretty much become. Interesting enough but I could be doing more with this space. At least every once in a while. In between some computer issues and life, I ended up with 2 ….. 2 of these “Blog with a Purpose” postings … and well that’s just sad. There are 265 days, 12 months, and roughly 30 days each month and I only came up with 2 of these … well I can’t have that. So here’s the next one … oh 3 … :D go me! Heck by the end of the year I might make it 4 … but no promises.

Incase you are wondering the postings so far have included: 

Triumph over Tragedy 

DEBRA 

As many of you know Thanksgiving was last Thursday, then we had the holy grail that is Black Friday, a wonderful day of knocking your fellow man down for a TV or the hottest toy of the season etc., and of course we will then have Cyber Monday and in the last ten years or so that’s all followed by #GivingTuesday. The theory being that you have now spent enough on yourself and others that if there is any left it would be good to give it back. Giving Tuesday has taken on many forms …. Online donations … volunteering at local food banks and shelters…whatever you decide to do is fine as long as you do….. something. Much like Dan you just have to get into the game. Not saying a blog posting by me here would boost anything, but at least I can say I gave it some spotlight if only for a small moment in time and with the tiniest bulb out there. What they do with it after that … well that’s on them!

So here are a few organizations that I feel are worthy of your time and dollars if you are, like Dan, looking for something to give those extra dollars to this time of year.

Triumph over Tragedy

The Brother’s Trust

Make-A-Wish     this link is to the account that a friend of mine runs to raise funds for Make-A-Wish (for full disclosure)  

Kids Need To Read

Cause we are a duo … I asked Golden what she’d add to this list and these are her suggestion for charities/organizations worth your time and possibly your dollars …

Trevor Project

True Colors United

Doctors Without Boarders/Medicins Sans Frontiers

NAMI

Reading is Fundamental

Dolly’s Imagination Library

Many of these organizations are having matching funds to really maximize your donation. 

If you are looking for something closer to home .... You can go to your local elementary or high schools and see what support they need or pay of a student's fees so they can start off the new year without that hanging over their head. Don’t get me wrong I know that this time of year it’s hard to scrape together a few extra bucks for anything but just know that your money is not the only thing that these organizations need. Donate time to animal shelters or drop off food, toys, treats, clothing, puppy pads. You can also drop off newspapers or gently used blankets/comforters/towels and donate those items as well. Find and support your local little libraries found in your town (locate one near you by going here …. ) by dropping off books or reaching out to the person who stocks them to see what they need. Food banks, blood banks, nursing homes, there are various ways to get involved that only cost time you just have to look for them. Time is very valuable, but the reward is also very high. Again, it’s all about getting involved in any way that you can. 

Then there are Angel Trees, Sock Drives, Hat & Glove Ministries, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army buckets at every major store this time of year... once you fall down the rabbit hole you end up like Dan and paralyzed to do anything. So just leap cause it really is true ... any amount no matter how small or how large makes a difference. That's really the point after all ... making a difference. 

Who are you reaching out to this year that’s not in the list above but should be ?

Marcy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!

It’s Turkey day !!!! I hope by now the Turkey has been consumed, the dressing is safely in your belly, the pie and cakes have been sliced and the drunksgiving antics are fully underway wherever you are as you read this. We had over 10 at our table this year and all the food was delicious. We had turkey (cooked by my nephew on his new big green egg), dressing (made by me using this recipe), green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, creamed corn (all made by mom), lima beans, deviled eggs (made by my niece), and broccoli salad (made by my SIL). It was Andrew's first time manning the turkey and he did a great job with it. 

                                                     

I am very thankful for my family, even if I did fall asleep on the couch after lunch and missed the hanging out and catching up time with them today. I don’t snore! Ok I might. Look I live alone a little snoring has never bothered me. I am lucky to be surrounded by my parents who are still together (53 years strong), my older by 4 years brother and his wife live nearby, their boys still want to come over and spend time with the family. My oldest nephew who just turned 24 got married this past year and his wife (my new niece), also 24 is a fantastic addition to our family. They are still learning to navigate the pitfalls of married life but they are a great duo and are finding their way. They are so far navigating the my family or your family aspect of life and holidays. My other nephew is a sophomore in college and has the most adorable girlfriend who joined us today for the holiday. She and he will be having Thanksgiving dinner with her family tonight. 

As I waited on my family to arrive today I thought about the athletes, coaches, support staff and their own families sacrificing time to play the sport they love from the collegiate level to the pro level to play the sport they love. It must be a pretty lonely thing when you are the one who can't fill that chair at your families table. I bet their families miss them very much. 

I remember holidays spent in cars driving from one hose to another and spending a few hours at each and eating and playing and wishing it were time to go back home. I slept in this morning, helped prepare our house for the onslaught of people, ate dinner and never left the house once. It’s a nice way to spend the holiday.

I haven’t been very active this year on this blog but I’ve been having some computer issues. I have just gotten it back from the shop so hopefully I can be more active as we start up another year ahead. Golden is getting ready to have another set of eye surgeries …… she’s going to be fine … but she’s going to have some downtime over the next few weeks. Maybe I can talk her into another blog, you know once her eyesight returns. She has decorated her the holiday in anticipation of not wanting to do it after her surgery. She spent the morning watching the Parade and her family will be getting together tomorrow for their celebration. 

I have once again been neglecting my PTO and will either lose some or take some over the next month …… which is nuts cause I have taken more time off this year more than others but I guess I’m still ahead from 2020 the year that no one did anything and taking time off seemed silly if I were just going to be at the house anyway. I passed a pretty big milestone recently of 20 years at my job it's been quite a ride. 

My Christmas TV calendar should be out any day now so be on the look out for that.

 Have a wonderful thanksgiving holiday, be safe during your black Friday shopping and WAR EAGLE!

Marcy