Hallmark produced 24 new films for its 2025 holiday lineup, and streaming platforms also released similar titles. Researchers at a university studied why viewers keep choosing these feel-good holiday movies.
One expert says predictability is a major reason. A 2022 study found three main reasons people enjoy these films: to celebrate the season, to escape daily troubles and busy lives, and to enjoy wholesome stories with happy endings. The stories are comforting, like a warm cup of cocoa, and the short, tidy plots help people relax and feel a little more positive during the holidays.
Difficult words
- lineup — group of films planned for a season
- predictability — how likely something is to be the same
- researcher — person who studies topics at a universityResearchers
- wholesome — healthy and good in a moral way
- comforting — giving a feeling of warmth and safety
- plot — series of events in a film or storyplots
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which reason from the study do you like most: celebrating, escaping, or wholesome stories? Why?
- Do you watch feel-good holiday movies to relax? Why or why not?
- Do you prefer predictable movies or surprising movies? Explain briefly.
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