It is November 1st and that means it’s time to get laser focused on Christmas! The holiday movies started to roll out this past weekend on Hallmark on Oct 29. Hallmark wins with first holiday movie of the season! This inspired me to pull together a list of 2016 holiday movies. Not everything is on this list. I am not interested in every movie that connects to Christmas. So this is curated for family friendly, things I love and things my kids love and some grown-up gal alone time watching chick flicks while sipping a hot tottie!
Santa Claus (1959)
In this trippy Mexican film, Santa wrestles with poofy-pants Pitch for the soul of an impoverished poor little waif who’s tempted to steal a new dolly for Christmas. Dig Santa’s sweatshop in the clouds, manned by child labor from around the world, and the surreal surveillance equipment he uses to determine who’s been naughty and who’s been nice!
Watch on You Tube
Bill Murray worries no one will show up to his TV show due to a terrible snowstorm in New York City. Netflix | with Bill Murry
The House Without a Christmas Tree 1972
A young girl named Addie, living in Nebraska in 1946, wants nothing more for the holidays than a Christmas tree, but her widowed father is bitter and refuses due to events from the family’s past. Stars: Jason Robards, Mildred Natwick, Lisa Lucas
Watch full movie on YouTube
Or you can buy the holiday combo pack: Holiday Family Classics: The Thanksgiving Treasure / The House Without A Christmas Tree – on Amazon
It’s time to clean out those summer olympics episodes you know your not going to actually watch; Â to make room for the holiday flicks! First up is Hallmark because they win in 2016 for first new holiday film of the season this past weekend.
NOTE: This list is a line up all new for 2016 Hallmark movies, they will also play Christmas movies from past season check their website or your TV guide for movies from previous year.
A Wish For Christmas Saturday, October 29, 8/7c
Starring Lacey Chabert & Paul Greene
The Mistletoe Promise Saturday, November 5, 8/7c
Starring Jaime King and Luke Macfarlane
A Perfect Christmas Sunday, November 6, 8/7c
Starring Susie Abromeit, Dillon Casey, & Erin Gray
Every Christmas Has a Story Saturday, November 12, 8/7c
Starring Lori Loughlin, Colin Ferguson, & Willie Aames
Christmas Cookies Sunday, November 13, 8/7c
Stars Jill Wagner and Wes Brown
Home & Family Holiday Special Thursday, November 17, 8/7c
Hosted by Mark Steines and Debbie Matenopoulos
My Christmas Dream Saturday, November 19, 8/7c
Starring Danica McKellar, Deidre Hall, & David Haydn-Jones
A December Bride Sunday, November 20, 8/7c
Stars Daniel Lissing and Jessica Lowndes
Broadcasting Christmas Wednesday, November 23, 8/7c
Starring Melissa Joan Hart, Dean Cain, Cynthia Gibb, Jackée Harry, & Richard Kline
Christmas in Homestead Thursday, November 24, 8/7c
Stars Taylor Cole and Michael Rady
Christmas List Friday, November 25, 8/7c
Stars Alicia Witt and Gabriel Hogan
A Heavenly Christmas From the Hallmark Hall of Fame Saturday, November 26, 8/7c
Starring Kristin Davis, Eric McCormack, & Shirley MacLaine
Journey Back to Christmas Sunday, November 27, 8/7c
Starring Candace Cameron Bure, Oliver Hudson, & Tom Skerritt
A Dream of Christmas Saturday, December 3, 8/7c
Starring Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker
Looks Like Christmas Sunday, December 4, 8/7c Starring Anne Heche and Dylan Neal
National Christmas Tree Lighting Monday, December 5, 8/7c
A Nutcracker Christmas Saturday, December 10, 8/7c
Starring Amy Acker, Sascha Radetsky, & Sophia Lucia
Love You Like Christmas Sunday, December 11, 8/7c
Starring Brennan Elliott
My Christmas Love  Saturday, December 17, 8/7c
Starring Meredith Hagner, Bobby Campo & Gregory Harrison
Sleigh Bells Ring Sunday, December 18, 8/7c
When Calls the Heart Christmas Sunday, December 25, 8/7c
Starring Erin Krakow, Daniel Lissing, Lori Loughlin & Jack Wagner
A Rose for Christmas Sunday, January 1, 8/7c
Starring Rachel Boston
One Repeat worth noting  on Hallmark Movie Channel
5:00am – Holiday Inn (1942, Bing Crosby)
NOTE: This list is a line up all new for 2016 Hallmark M & M, they will also play Christmas movies from past season check their website or your TV guide for movies from previous year.
Love Always, Santa Sunday, November 6, 9/8c
Starring Marguerite Moreau and Mike Faiola
Finding Father Christmas Sunday, November 13, 9/8c
Starring Erin Krakow, Wendie Malick, and Niall Matter
Operation Christmas Sunday, November 20, 9/8c
Starring Tricia Helfer and Marc Blucas
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Sunday, November 27, 9/8c
Stars James Brolin, Mena Suvari, & Giselle Eisenberg
Hearts of Christmas Sunday, December 4, 9/8c
Starring Emillie Ullerup
The Sound of Christmas Sunday, December 11, 9/8c
A Christmas to Remember Sunday, December 18, 9/8c
Starring Mira Sorvino and Cameron Mathison
NOTE: This list is a mix of old and new 2016 Christmas movies on UP Â
My One Christmas Wish 11/05/16 – 07:00pm Based on the true story of Jackie Turner
Christmas Angel 11/05/16 – 09:00pm Stars: Della Reese, Teri Polo, Tamera Mowry and Kevin Sorbo.
Stealing Christmas 11/06/16 – 09:00am Stars: Tony Danza, Lea Thompson and Betty White.
Beverly Hills Christmas 11/06/16 – 11:00am
Naughty & Nice 11/06/16 – 01:00pm.
All I Want for Christmas 11/06/16 – 03:00pm
A Christmas Wedding Date 11/06/16 – 05:00pm
Guess Who’s Coming to Christmas 11/06/16 – 11:00pm with Drew Lachey
NOTE: This list is a line up all new for 2016 ION holiday movies. ION will also play Christmas movies from past season check their website or your TV guide for movies from previous year.
 A Vermont Christmas Vacation – Sunday, Nov. 27, at 9/8c PM
Cast: Abigail Hawk, Chevy Chase, David O’Donnell, Howard Hesseman, Morgan Fairchild, Zack Ward
“A Firehouse Christmas” – Saturday, Dec. 3, at 9/8c PM
Cast: Anna Hutchison, Marcus Rosner, Anita Brown, Bruce Dawson
“A Cinderella Christmas” – Sunday, Dec. 4, at 9/8c PM
Cast: Emma Rigby, Peter Porte, Sarah Stouffer, Leland B. Martin, Lesley-Anne Down, Mindy Cohn, Lucy DeVito
“Christmas with the Andersons” – Saturday, Dec. 10, at 9/8c PM
Cast: George Stults, Christy Carlson Romano, Ion Overman, Dale Godboldo, Julie Brown, Caia Coley, Barry Livingston.
“A Husband for Christmas” – Sunday, Dec. 11, at 9/8c PM
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Ricco Ross, Dominique Swain, Michael Bergin
NOTE: This list is a line up of classic holiday movies.Â
 Prime time only version:
Thursday, Dec. 1 – The Santa Clause, 9:15 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2 – The Polar Express, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 – Arthur Christmas, 6:45 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 – Elf, 6:40 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 5 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 – The Polar Express, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 – The Santa Clause, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8 – Elf, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9 – Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 – Pixar Toy Story Marathon
Sunday, Dec. 11 – Pixar Toy Story Marathon
Monday, Dec. 12 – The Polar Express, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Arthur Christmas, u p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15 – The Santa Clause, 7 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 7:35 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 – Disney Frozen, 9 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 18 – The Santa Clause, 5:10 p.m. and Disney Frozen, 7:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 19 – Elf, 6:50 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 20 – Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 – The Santa Clause, 6:50 p.m. and Elf, 8:55 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 22 – Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, 5:10 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 23 – Disney’s A Christmas Carol, 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 24 – Elf, 7:40 p.m. & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 25 – Holiday favorites air all day long
Extended Version removing the repeats:Â I didn’t list everything and attempted to eliminate repeats to see their full schedule visit their website.
December 1
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 3:30PM/2:30C
The Year Without a Santa Claus 6PM/5C
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 7:05PM/6:05C
The Santa Clause 9:15PM/8:15C
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 11:20PM/10:20C
December 2
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year 12:55AM/11:55C
Jack Frost (1979) 11AM/10C
The Polar Express (2004) 9:20PM/8:20C
December 3
Elf 8:50PM/7:50C
The Holiday 10:55PM/9:55C
December 4
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 7AM/6C
Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey 7:30AM/6:30C
Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July 10:05AM/9:05C
I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998) 12:10PM/11:10C
Arthur Christmas (2011) 2:20PM/1:20C
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town 10:55PM/9:55C
December 5
Scrooged (1998) 9PM/8C
December 6
Snowglobe 12AM/11C
December 8
12 Dates of Christmas 12AM/11C
Holiday Joy 3PM/2C
Deck The Halls 5PM/4C
December 9
Holiday in Handcuffs 12AM/11C
Dec 10
Frosty’s Winter Wonderland 11AM/10C
Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws 3:35PM/2:35C
The Search for Santa Paws 5:40PM/4:40C
Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups 7:45PM/6:45C
Snow Buddies 9:50PM/8:50C
Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July 11:55PM/10:55C
December 11
The Little Drummer Boy (1968) 7AM/6C
December 13
Christmas Cupid 12AM/11C
December 14
Three Days (2001) 12AM/11C
December 15
Santa Baby 12AM/11C
December 16
Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe 12AM/11C
December 17
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year 7AM/6C
Disney Frozen 9PM/8C
December 20
Just Friends 12AM/11C
December 21
Holidaze 12AM/11C
December 22
The Mistle-Tones 12AM/11C
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The Family Stone Sun Nov 6 3:00am ET
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Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Sat Nov 12 10:00am
The Muppet Christmas Carol Nov 2 10:15pm and Nov 7 4:00am
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Samantha an American Girl Holiday Monday, December 22nd 12 ET
Unlikely Angel Wednesday, December 24th 12 ET
The Preacher’s Wife 11:30 pm C
Holiday baking championships all day on Nov 5th
Don’t forget about all the Cooking and Food Channels – many are doing holiday bake offs!
Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special  FOX | 8:30pm Nov 29
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town  ABC | 8:00pm Nov 27
It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown ABC | 8:00pm Nov 30
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas  ABC | 9:00pm Dec 1
The Christmas Shoes  ABC | 7:00am Dec 2
Jack Frost  ABC | 1:30pm Dec 2
Prancer ABC  | 12:00pm Dec 4
Love Actually  ABC | 1:00pm Dec 7
Mr. St. Nick  ABC | 7:00am Dec 14
Shrek the Halls  ABC | 8:30pm Dec 15
Yes, Virginia  ABC | 8:30pm Dec 18
I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown  ABC | 8:00pm Dec. 19
A Charlie Brown Christmas  ABC | 9:00pm Dec 24
Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special  CW | 9:00pm Nov 27
Merry Madagascar  CW | 9:30pm Nov 27
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol CW | 8:00pm Dec 24
Frosty the Snowman  CBS | 8:00pm Nov 28
Frosty Returns CBS | 8:30pm Nov 28
The Story of Santa Claus  CBS | 9:00pm Nov 28
A Home for the Holidays  CBS | 9:00pm Dec 18
Christmas in Rockefeller Center  NBC | 8:00pm Dec 2
How the Grinch Stole Christmas  NBC | 9:00pm Dec 2
It’s a Wonderful Life NBC 8:00pm Dec 10
Coat of Many Colors  NBC | 9:00pm ET Dec 10
Meet Me in St. Louis Thursday November, 24 2016 at 08:00 AM
Holiday Affair Wednesday November, 30 2016 at 06:00 AM
Christmas in Connecticut Wednesday November, 30 2016 at 03:00 PM
The Shop Around The Corner     November, 30 2016 at 06:00 PM and
Thursday December, 15 2016 at 08:00 PM
Tenth Avenue Angel Saturday December, 24 2016 at 06:45 AM
Miracle on 34th Street  (Visit their website to see when date and air time are as they have yet to be announced)
Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show  CBS | 10:00pm ET Monday Dec 5th – I will do a post soon on hosting a V.S. Fashion Show viewing party. I have done this every year since this has been on the air – it’s a lot of fun!
The time listings are mostly eastern and you’ll have to do the math in your area. Also, check your local TV, cable and dish providers schedules as different options will show at different times. So what I am saying is use this list for inspiration and if some days and times are wrong or different in your area – make note for yourself so you don’t miss anything you love! If it’s too much to print from this site I made a simple PDF for you to download:Â 2016-holiday-movies
See you in the New Year – I am on TV lock down!
xoxo Lovely Lula
This week I am kicking off a summer long series inspired by our love of STEAM and nature. I will focus on all kinds of ways to get kids out of the house and off of their tech this summer. It can be hard for working parents to take kids out so I am going to give examples of quick walks, small container planting, and ‘gulp’ . . . unsupervised play.
Want to get started with planning to keep you kids from getting Nature-Deficit Disorder this summer? Start here and read Richard Louv‘s book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
From the book:
“I like to play indoors better ’cause that’s where all the electrical outlets are,” reports a fourth-grader. Never before in history have children been so plugged in-and so out of touch with the natural world. In this groundbreaking new work, child advocacy expert Richard Louv directly links the lack of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation-he calls it nature deficit-to some of the most disturbing childhood trends, such as rises in obesity, Attention Deficit Disorder (Add), and depression. Some startling facts: By the 1990s the radius around the home where children were allowed to roam on their own had shrunk to a ninth of what it had been in 1970. Today, average eight-year-olds are better able to identify cartoon characters than native species, such as beetles and oak trees, in their own community. The rate at which doctors prescribe antidepressants to children has doubled in the last five years, and recent studies show that too much computer use spells trouble for the developing mind. Nature-deficit disorder is not a medical condition; it is a description of the human costs of alienation from nature. This alienation damages children and shapes adults, families, and communities. There are solutions, though, and they’re right in our own backyards. Last child in the Woods is the first book to bring together cutting-edge research showing that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development-physical, emotional, and spiritual. What’s more, nature is a potent therapy for depression, obesity, and Add. Environment-based education dramatically improves standardized test scores and grade point averages and develops skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making. Even creativity is stimulated by childhood experiences in nature.
Outdoor Dance Party!
Let’s make this the summer of outdoor play and exploration. We need more scientists and engineers and artists who are inspired by nature. The Children and Nature Movement is forming – Want to know more about how you can get involved? Click HERE
It’s finally Fall in the Sonoran Desert, well at least the thermometer is offering more Fall like temperatures. As a Midwesterner I miss Fall and this longing inspires me to get out the Fall decor. Twig and pine cones found in nature place in a vintage metal ash bucket. The burlap pumpkin was made by my friend Sarah of 26-Letters and the glass vitrine is filled with nature found acorns.
I love this vintage Skeleton Medical Chart that I cam across on a recent trip to Uncommon Objects in Austin, Texas. These can be fun to use as home decor year round but it is especially spooky to put up in your home at this time of year. Happy Halloween!
Recently I found this dirty and dingy IKEA Greenhouse at a thrift store for a couple of bucks. I could see it had a lot of potential it just needs some TLC.
So I took it home, washed it up and covered most of it with solid gold and pale pink and gold striped Washi Tape. I covered the handles at the top with Sisal Rope.
Here are the results – I am beyond thrilled!