People give me crap about watching Hallmark movies ALL THE TIME. They tell me they’re stupid. They tell me they’re unrealistic. They tell me they’re the same thing over and over again.

And honestly, sometimes I have to agree...to an extent.

I mean, of course, they’re predictable–girl meets boy, falls in love, drama drama drama, happy ever after. Or more accurately: girl & guy hate each other, girl & guy are forced to work together, girl & guy build a bond & fall in love, girl has an icky no-good jerk of a boyfriend who comes back to “rescue” her causing conflict between girl & guy, girl splits with guy & jerk, girl & guy miraculously realize they love each other & voila–happy ending!

So, yes. We all know what’s coming when watching these movies. I can’t deny it. But the hopeless romantic in me refuses to give them up. And there are more than a few reasons why...

1. They’re a tradition.

I’ve grown up with them year-round & you can thank my mother for that one.

2. They’re the holidays.

Nothing like a cozy night in with a hot chocolate, blanket & fluffy pet (in my case, a cat).

3. They’re home.

After being away at college, I associate these movies with being home. They’re my comfort when I return from the chaotic real “adult” life.

4. They’re moments to share & show care & love.

I love watching love, even if it’s scripted, forced, and between actors I’ve seen in 20 other movies.

5. They make me believe in love.

Ok, so you may throw up at the very mention of “love at first sight,” but doesn’t the thought at least make you have some hope for a fairytale romance someday?

6. They bring me closer to mom.

It’s our mommy & me time. We sit on the couch just watching & crying and idealizing romance. True bonding.

7. They are hilarious.

It’s like watching a bad reality show that you can’t not follow and get super invested in and laugh a little harder than you should and pity the characters a smidge and then feel just a little bit better about your own life...or something, idk.

8. They are actually wholesome, y’know?

Because the only place you find PG content without sex and violence is on the kids' channels...and even then, superhero fights ensue. (Never mind that there’s always a conniving ex that tries to sabotage the budding romance…)

9. They’re not just for Christmas.

There are actually a ton of Hallmark movies for New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and even no particular occasion at all. Plus they do a “Christmas in July” type of thing, so it’s festive & lovey-dovey year-round :)

TL;DR: Mom.

And that’s all you really got to know.