Ornament Review: Cookie Cutter Christmas #15 - Making Stockings - 2026 Hallmark Release

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Another cute scene in a fun frame

Cons: Scenes isn’t obvious at first

The Bottom Line:

Getting stockings set

Creates charming Christmas scene

Does need second look

The Stocking Were Made by the Chimney with Care

It’s fun to see what Hallmark’s artists come up with each year for the series I track.  While I don’t always buy them, I do enjoy seeing the creativity.  One of the most creative is the Cookie Cutter Christmas series, and this year’s entry is another fun one.

Each ornament in the series features a Christmas scene starring a mouse inside a cookie cutter shape.  This year, the shape is a Christmas tree.  The mouse inside?  He’s working on a stocking.  We can already see the red stocking hung by the fireplace, and he’s now working on a green stocking.  It looks like he’s putting the white bow on top.  We can see the fire in the background, and gingerbread walls.  And the mouse has a blue blanket on his lap.  The arms of his chair?  Candy canes, of course.

I’ll admit, I had to look closely at this one to figure out what was going on.  The candy canes looked a bit like the posts on a bed, and the blanket made me think this was a bed scene at first.  But that’s my only complaint.  Once you look closely, you can see the cute scene unfolding.  We’ve only ever seen this mouse by himself, so the idea that he has someone else makes me smile.

While the Christmas tree shape does have a bit sticking out at the bottom, the base is still nice a sturdy.  You can set this out to be displayed if you want.

The loop for hanging the ornament is at the top of the star.  No surprise that it hangs straight.

As always, the back of the ornament features the series marker.  And, in a detail I love, it also includes a handle for the cookie cutter part of the design.

While the scene took a second look, overall, this addition to the Cookie Cutter Christmas series is fun.

Enjoy more of the Cookie Cutter Christmas ornaments.

Ornament Review: Sandal the Sandman #5 - A Christmas Trees of Shells - 2026 Hallmark Release

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Classy looking and creative final entry

Cons: A bit monochromatic; noticeable tilt

The Bottom Line:

Building a shell tree

As series comes to an end

Have warm memories

Sandal Sadly Says Goodbye with Another Tree

I wasn’t surprised when Hallmark announced that this year would be the last for the Sandal the Sandman ornament series.  While I have really enjoyed the series, it’s beach theme was going to be a hard sell for a lot of people.  But I do love the symmetry since it goes out with Sandal creating another tree.

As the name implies, the series has featured a beach twist on the classic Christmas character.  Instead of a snowman, we have a sandman.  Sandal wears a blue and white striped scarf (or is that a beach towel?) and a wide beach hat.  And he has beach friends.  In this case, Sandal is joined by a turtle.

The first year, Sandal was decorating a palm tree to get in the Christmas spirit.  This year, he’s creating a tree, but it’s out of beach shells.  It’s white and gold and in a traditional Christmas tree shape.  And he’s putting a star fish on the top.

The animals in this series have always been a bit cartoony, and that holds true of the turtle in this ornament.  It’s also one of the few splashes of color.  The ornament is very white between the sand and the majority of the shells being a silver color.

But I do like it.  It is very classy looking and such a fun twist on the traditional Christmas images.  As a Southern California resident, it’s these little touches that I’ve been enjoying for the entire series.  Again, I get that not everyone would like it, but I love it.

As always, the ornament features a nice flat base, so the ornament can be put out for display on any flat surface if you want to add it to a scene.  You’ll also find the 5 in a Christmas tree on the bottom.

The ornament does tip a little to the right, which isn’t a surprise given where the loop is.  I wonder why it wasn’t shifted a bit to the right to help balance things.  Maybe the hat brim isn’t as strong as I’m thinking it is.

I do wish this series had gotten to go on longer, but I’m glad that Hallmark tried something different with it.  Sandal’s fans will be happy with this last entry in the series.

Warm up with the rest of the Sandal the Sandman ornaments.

Ornament Review: The Perfect Gift - Spotlight on Snoopy #29 - 2026 Hallmark Release

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Cute scene with good friends

Cons: Could be part of regular line

The Bottom Line:

Friend giving a gift

Makes for a cute ornament

But a series piece?

Not a Perfect Addition to the Series

As I’ve long stated, I’ve been collecting the Spotlight on Snoopy series long before I started collecting Hallmark ornaments in general.  It’s why the newest addition to the series is always the first one I review each year.  But not every ornament grabs me, and The Perfect Gift, the 2026 entry in the series, is one of those.

As always, the ornament features Snoopy and Woodstock.  They are both wearing red hats, and Snoopy has a red and white striped scarf on as well.  Woodstock is holding a present wrapped in green paper with a tiny red bow on it.

Now, it isn’t that the ornament is bad.  It’s a cute scene.  But it is a bit simple, and that’s definitely one thing that doesn’t make it stand out.  Granted, the ornaments don’t always include something big to help tell the story, but I do enjoy the ones that do.

But I think my biggest issue is that this feels like it would be a regular line ornament and not part of the series.  Yes, we have had ornaments with a Christmas theme over the years, like the very first ornament.  But most of them have other themes, and that’s what makes the series so fun for me.

Again, it’s not that the ornament is bad, but it isn’t a top ornament in the series.

Snoopy and Woodstock are standing out in the snow, so the ornament has a nice flat base.  You could set this out to be displayed without any worries about it falling over.  And you’ll find the 29 in a Christmas tree series marker on the back.

Looking at the picture, I thought the ornament would tilt.  I was basing this on where the hook for hanging the ornament is.  But I am happy to report that it hangs straight.

The Perfect Gift is cute.  But it’s not going to be an ornament I regularly pull out from this series.

Shine the light on the rest of the Spotlight on Snoopy series.

Ornament Review: Christmas Is...a Warm Hug - Christmas Is #2 - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Cute Peanuts ornament

Cons: A bit simple for the price; size; tips

The Bottom Line:

Hug that brings a smile

Ornament does have issues

Still appeals to fans

Simple…but Still Warm

I caved.  I wasn’t going to get the second in Hallmark’s Christmas Is… ornament series.  In fact, I was ready to start reviewing 2026 ornaments this week (watch for that first 2026 ornament review to come next week).  But I decided to go ahead and get Christmas Is…a Warm Hug, the second ornament in the series.

This series features Peanuts characters enjoying heartwarming Christmas traditions.  Not all of them are the traditional traditions.  And that’s what we’ve got here.  Lucy is kneeling on the floor giving Snoopy a huge hug.  Her arms are around his neck, and both of them have smiles on their faces.

Considering how little use Lucy has for Snoopy, this is especially heartwarming.  It’s enough to make this Peanuts fan smile.

So, why didn’t I get it right away?  Part of that is price.  With the jump in prices last year, I cut back.  (I should stop since I was out of room years ago, but that’s another discussion).  The other reason is that this one is very simple.  It’s just the two of them.  And the ornaments in this series are a little larger than I would like.  Plus, outside the writing on the base, there is nothing to connect this to Christmas at all.

But that hug.  It’s just so cute.  It even warmed my heart.

Lucy and Snoopy are on a large circular base.  Around the front, we have “Christmas is…a Warm Hug” written.  And, on the bottom, we not only have the series marker, but a graphic celebrating the 75^th anniversary of Peanuts, which was in 2025, when the ornament came out.

Unfortunately, when you go to hang this ornament, it does tip quite a bit to the left.  Yes, you can use a tree branch to support it, but it’s a shame they couldn’t figure out a way to balance the ornament fully.

Christmas Is…a Warm Hug is a cute ornament.  Any Peanuts fan will find themselves warmed by getting it.

See more of the Christmas Is… series.

Ornament Review: Two Turtle Doves - Twelve Days of Christmas #2 - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Great looking ornament 

Cons: A bit bigger than I like

The Bottom Line:

Turtle doves couple

Basis for series second

Still large but looks good

Loving This Second Twelve Days Ornament

I’m laughing at myself. First, I said I wasn’t starting the new Twelve Days of Christmas series that Hallmark started in 2024. Then, I got the first ornament after Christmas and I told myself I would see how I felt the next year whether I continued it or not. At least I waited until after Christmas to buy Two Turtle Doves. 

This new take on the series is using papercraft elements. The shape of the ornament is a giant window shape. Right in the middle, we have the two birds. One is in front of the other, but they are positioned in their nest so that they are looking at each other. Surrounding them we have music and evergreen tree branches. And up at the top is a hole that lets some light into the ornament, depending on how you position it. 

I really do like the style of this series. I’m not sold on papercraft for everything, but as another stylized take on the familiar song, it works well. The birds are a pretty lavender color. 

My issue with the series continues to be the size. This is the larger size ornaments that Hallmark sometimes does. I can see why they went with it here, but still, it takes up a lot of area on my trees. 

In addition to the series marker, but back of the ornament contains the full verse of the song.

The ornament comes with a ribbon already in it. No surprise that it hangs straight. The base is wide enough that you could set this out to be displayed if you wanted.  A good bump could cause it to tip over, but it should be stable in most situations.

Yeah, I think I’m in for the next ten years to get the rest of this series. With the increases in price we got last year, that’s going to be expensive.

But that’s future me’s problem. For now, I’m glad I snagged Two Turtle Doves. 

Check out the rest of this Twelve Days of Christmas series. 

Ornament Review: Gardener Mickey - All About Mickey #4 - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Mickey representing gardeners

Cons: I can’t garden as well as Mickey

The Bottom Line:

Highlighting hobby

Mickey shows off his green thumb

Its appeal grows

I Hope Mickey Has a Greener Thumb Than I Do 

I was planning to only buy the ornaments in the All About Mickey series that I really connected with. Yet, somehow, I wound up with Gardener Mickey after Christmas. And I’m glad I got it. 

Each ornament in this series features Mickey enjoying a hobby or interest outside of his movie career. And this year, he’s showing off his gardening skills. He’s dressed in blue overalls with a hat on his head. In one hand, he has a trowel. In the other, he’s holding a potted plant. There aren’t any flowers on it, but it is green and looks healthy. 

And I’m sure all the gardening Disney fans were anxious to get it. Why did I hesitate? Because my attempts at gardening end in a dead plant. Usually, I forget to water, but sometimes I water too much. And the planters I had on my balcony were killed off by a squirrel and I couldn’t get him to leave my planters alone. I wish I could grow some flowers. But I just can’t get them to stay alive. 

But this is about Mickey and not me. 

As I was saying, gardeners will love this one. It’s a cute homage to an important skill and rewarding hobby. 

Mickey is standing for this ornament, but his feet are position such that he is balanced precariously if you set him out. He will likely fall over easily, but it’s best to plan to hang him from your tree.

When you do that, you’ll find he hangs a little to the right, but not enough to be a big issue.  Tree branches will easily hide it.

You’ll find the series marker on the bottom of his feet. 

Gardener Mickey really is a cute ornament. Which is why I am glad it wound up being added to my collection. 

You know it’s All About Mickey, so get more of the ornaments. 

Movie Review: Eye for an Eye - A True Justice Mystery

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Good mystery

Cons: Took a while to remember characters; what season is this?

The Bottom Line:

Sequel finally

Murder among parents’ group

Overall, I liked

“We Are Going Back to High School.”

I was a bit surprised when I saw that we were getting a second True Justice movie on Hallmark.  Then again, I was also surprised to find that it had been two and a half years since the first one aired.  Somehow, I was thinking it had been longer.  Anyway, we revisited these law student detectives in Eye for an Eye.

For them, it’s been a few months since the four friends cleared Casey’s (Katherine McNamara) brother of murder.  They’ve been filling their time with true crime shows and their school work when Liam (Alexander Nunez) finds them another case.  Seems that a parent association in a small town about half an hour away has erupted into murder.  The president was killed, and another mom has been convicted of the crime.  But as the friends start looking into things, they find evidence that makes them think justice hasn’t been served.  Can they figure out what really happened?

There was one thing that bothered me.  It was small.  But it kept driving me crazy.  The murder happened three months before our characters got involved.  The body was found in the snow.  During that time, the trial had already taken place.  Granted, right there, that is very fast.  But it was just as snowy in the present day as it was during the flashbacks.  Now, granted, I don’t live where in snows, but the characters (and production) acted like it was a few weeks at most instead of months.

I do wish we’d had a bit more of a reintroduction to the characters in this movie.  The assumption was made that we remember exactly who everyone was.  Now, I could have rewatched the first movie, but I didn’t, so it has been almost two and a half years since I met the characters.  I think I got everyone and their relationships figured out as the movie went along, however.

The mystery itself was good.  There were enough suspects to keep me engaged.  The characters’ attempts to gather evidence was fun without being too cartoonish.  Realistic?  No.  But I’m not watching these movies for realism.  The ending made sense, and I liked how the subplot wrapped up.

The acting was decent as well.  If you are familiar with Hallmark movies, you’ll know what to expect here, and you’ll be able to get lost in the story.  I should mention that Hallmark staples Benjamin Ayres and Nikki DeLoach reprise their supporting roles.  And Nikki DeLoach helped write the movie once again.

It was nice to revisit the True Justice characters with Eye for an Eye.  I hope if we get a third movie, it doesn’t take as long to get to us.

Movie Review: Best Served Cold - A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Creative mystery for Hannah to solve

Cons: A few low budget moments

The Bottom Line:

Missing attorney

And case of fraud at trial

In this fun movie

“Maybe It’s a Mannequin.”  “It’s Never a Mannequin”

We’ve gotten two Hannah Swensen mystery movies in fairly quick succession on Hallmark this year.  Two months after we last checked in with them, we get Best Served Cold.  And yes, this is another fun mystery in the franchise.

After a brief prologue from six weeks ago, we check in with the characters as Hannah’s boyfriend, district attorney Chad Norton (Victor Webster), has just been given a big case.  The pawn shop in town was selling fake gold coins, and he’s prosecuting the owners.  He’s taken on the case at the last minute since the attorney assigned to it, Lucas, has gone missing. 

Hannah (Alison Sweeney) thinks something fishy is going on, so she starts trying to find Lucas.  Instead, she finds a dead body.  How will it impact the case?

This book is theoretically based on Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Murder, one of the more recent entries in the novel series.  I say theoretically because I don’t remember any of these elements in the book.  Granted, it has been five years since I read it.  But the teasers for the book don’t sound like anything in this movie.  As an aside, I think Hannah’s opening monologue explains a lot of what went wrong the one time I tried to make the title dessert.

But that’s no criticism of the mystery we got here.  I found it very creative and different in a good way.  I was engaged the entire way through, and I loved how the movie ended.  Very creative and well done if implausible in real life.

Hannah works with her mother, Delores (Barbara Niven) several times, and she gets some scenes to shine.  The rest of the usuals get only a very supporting part here, and there are some we don’t see.  I feel like we are dealing with some budget issues with these movies at this point, but I could be wrong.  While I missed seeing more of the regulars, I did like the story we got.

Yes, this is a Hallmark movie, so we get more of the low budget issues, but they are kept to a minimum.  Most of the acting and writing are well done.  Alison Sweeney once again wrote this movie, as she’s done with the last several.  I’m sure that’s one reason the dialogue is so strong.

Best Served Cold is another hot movie in the Hannah Swensen franchise.  Fans will be delighted watching these characters back in action.

Ornament Review: Sandal the Sandman #4 - Eating a Sandwich - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Sandal is still cute

Cons: How is this Christmassy?

The Bottom Line:

Enjoying picnic

Doesn’t tie to holiday

Ornament is cute

Picnic at the Beach

I was planning on passing on the fourth Sandal the Sandman ornament from Hallmark until I saw the series was ending with the fifth this year. So, I went ahead and snagged the fourth at a discount so I can have the entire series. 

For this entry, Sandal is enjoying a sandwich. He’s split it with his seagull friend. He’s about to take a bite, and from the look on his face, and he’s very happy about it. The Seagull? He doesn’t look quite as convinced. 

Here’s my issue with this ornament - how is it Christmas? What I’ve enjoyed about the series is the beach twist on Christmas traditions. This feels more like a picnic that could happen any time of the year. Now, I did like the ornament that featured Sandal paddleboarding, but that was an extra ornament, not an official part of the series. 

I do like that Sandal is wearing a beach hat and has a beach towel as a scarf. Those touches are fun. 

Since Sandal and his friend are on the beach, this has a nice flat base, so you can set it out to be displayed year-round. And the series marker is on the bottom of the ornament. 

When you go to hang the ornament, you’ll find that it tips slightly forward, but this isn’t anything that can’t be hidden by a few branches. 

The ornament itself is cute, But I wish this entry in the Sandal the Sandman series had a better holiday activity. 

Warm up with the rest of the Sandal the Sandman ornaments.

Ornament Review: From Sketch to Screen - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Fun ornament of Mickey as an animator

Cons: Significant tip

The Bottom Line:

Mickey is drawing

In creative ornament

But really does lean

Mickey Tries His Hand at Animation

I really liked last year’s From Sketch to Screen ornament from Hallmark, but with the price increases, it was hard to justify getting it.  But I jumped on it when it went on sale after Christmas, and I’m glad I did.

This ornament features Mickey as an animator.  He’s wearing a cap and sitting at a large desk.  He’s holding a pad of paper in one hand, and you can tell he is concentrating at drawing Chip.

There are so many great details to this ornament, like the reference drawings or the cup of coffee.  I just love those details.

Since the biggest part of this ornament is a desk, it’s no surprise to me that it could easily be set out to be displayed.  In fact, since there is nothing truly Christmassy about it, you could enjoy it year-round.  I’ve had mine out for the last couple of weeks, and I’m really enjoying it.

However, when you go to hang it, you’ll find it tips significantly to the left.  Yes, you could use tree branches to disguise or support it, but it is rather surprising just how much it leans if you can’t do that.

But that’s the only flaw in this ornament for me.  Disney fans will love having From Sketch to Screen in their collection.

Ornament Review: A World Within #11 - Grandma in a Cupcake - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Sweet miniature ornament

Cons: None for me

The Bottom Line:

Visiting grandma

Is sweeter than usual

When house is cupcake

A Sweet Ornament

I did pretty well in 2025 cutting back on ornaments. And yes, that was cutting back. And yes, I should still do more. However, I couldn’t quite resist getting a few more ornaments after Christmas when they went on sale. The first of those was last year’s entry in the A World Within series. 

This ornament features a grandmother. She’s standing in her doorway waving at us. she’s dressed in green with a red and white apron. And what’s her house? Why, it’s a cupcake, of course. It’s got a red foil, white frosting, and green sprinkles. 

Just a reminder that this is a miniature series, so the ornament is only an inch and a half tall. As long as you remember that, you’ll be fine. 

Even though it wasn’t one of the ornaments I knew I had to get, I still thought it was cute. I’m glad it was left over after Christmas so I could get it added to my collection. 

Since this is essentially a miniature cupcake, it has a nice flat bottom. You can set it out to be displayed as long as it isn’t going to get lost from your display. 

And you’ll find the 11 in a Christmas tree series marker on the bottom. 

The ornament hangs straight, which is no surprise since it’s a cupcake. 

This entry in the World Within series is sweet. I’m glad I was able to track it down. 

Enjoy the rest of the A World Within series. 

Movie Review: All Manners of Murder - Nelly Knows Mysteries

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Solid mystery with fun lead characters

Cons: Nothing major

The Bottom Line:

A lavish dinner

Murder uninvited guest

Fun second movie

“I’ll Be Good Cop.  You Seem Like You’ve Already Chosen Bad Cop.”

I was surprised when I saw that we were getting a second Nelly Knows Mysteries from Hallmark.  It’s been a year and a half since we were first introduced to these characters, and I thought they were going to be yet another one and done mystery movie.  But I’m glad we got to see more of Nelly since I enjoyed All Manners of Murder.

In case you’ve forgotten, Nelly (Pascale Hutton) is an advice columnist in a small town.  Her latest column includes a letter from someone looking to reconnect with family to deliver bad news.  Somehow, that means Nelly is roped in when the letter writer hosts a lavish dinner party to reconnect with her estranged family and then deliver the bad news.  Suspecting trouble, Nelly invites Detective Mike Hogan (Kavan Smith) along.  That turns out to be wise since someone winds up murdered before dessert can be served.  Can Nelly and Mike team up again to solve the murder.

It’s been so long since I watched the first one, I mainly only remembered that it wasn’t my favorite.  Looking back at my review, I saw that one of my issues was Nelly’s official involvement in that case.  It happens again, although, somehow, it didn’t bother me as much this time.  I’m happy to say that my other complaint, the forced humor, wasn’t an issue here.  Overall, the characters seemed calmed down and more grounded, which I appreciated.

The mystery here was good.  One aspect was obvious to me early on, but the characters caught up with me not too much further into the film, and I didn’t figure out where things were going until Nelly and Mike did.  Along the way, the suspects kept me engaged.

If you are familiar with Hallmark movies, you know what to expect acting wise.  It was a little stronger than it can often be, which is always nice.

A new character was introduced that I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of as the series goes along, but I was a little confused as to why that happened in this movie since he had such a small part.  I’m assuming they are planning for future installments, but still.

On the other hand, we learned more about Mike, which I liked.  I really do like the chemistry between Mike and Nelly and hope we get to see their relationship develop further.

Yes, I’m definitely hoping for a third movie in this franchise, although nothing appears to be on the horizon yet.  If you are a Hallmark mystery movie fan, you’ll be glad you watched All Manners of Murder.

Movie Review: Sugar and Vice - A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Entertaining mystery

Cons: Usual dose of Hallmark cheese

The Bottom Line:

Party in a storm

Of course there’s a dead body

Entertaining film

“Never Been Here for This Part Before.”  “What Part?”  “The Part Where You Find the Dead Body.”

Hallmark has gotten a late start with new mystery movies in 2026.  But we finally got a new one, and it’s a new entry in their long running Hannah Swensen Mysteries.  Since I’ve been a fan of the books since the first and the movies turned me on to Hallmark’s mystery movies, I’m always anxious to watch the new one.  Sugar and Vice was entertaining as always.

At this point, the movies are pretty much their own thing.  We aren’t even trying to follow the books anymore.  This is true with the characters as well as the plots.  For example, this one claims to be based on Sugar Cookie Murder, but the victim is different.  And the people running the Lake Eden Inn and Spa aren’t the characters from the series.

And that’s about all the thought I give it.  I’ve accepted that, and I sit down to watch and enjoy this version of the characters I know and love.

As this movie opens, the Lake Eden Inn and Spa is about to have their grand reopening.  While all the work isn’t done, enough is that they can show off their remodeling.  They are planning a costume contest with cookies provided by Hannah (Allison Sweeney).  While she will be working, she will also be a guest, enjoying the evening with her new boyfriend, Chad (Victor Webster).  Naturally, her mother, Delores (Barbara Niven), will be there, too.

But, part way through the event, Hannah finds another dead body – this time a member of the staff.  With a storm brewing outside, the guests are trapped.  Can Hannah figure out what happened before the killer strikes again or the roads are cleared from the storm?

While we just know about the storm from characters talking about it, it does allow the movie a good opportunity to cut out some of the supporting characters without being too obvious.  Yes, we get some scenes that aren’t at the party, which made me happy.  But we can focus on the suspects and the mystery unfolding.

I’ve got to admit; I thought I had things figured out fairly early on.  I was right about part of it and wrong about part of it.  I was impressed with how the mystery unfolded.  And the climax was great.

As is often the case with these movies, we definitely have a low budget cheese factor.  It wasn’t as much the sets in this case, but in some of the performances.  Allison Sweeney not only starred but also wrote this movie, which is one reason why most of the dialogue seems to work.  Anyway, if you’ve been watching these movies, or Hallmark movies in general, you pretty much know what to expect when you sit down to watch this movie, and that’s what you get.

I’m happy to see that another Hannah Swensen movie is in the works.  I’ll be back to see what she bakes up next.  But, in the meantime, fans will delight in Sugar and Vice.

Ornament Review: Ride Around the Kingdom - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Fun piece for Disneyland’s carrousel

Cons: Doesn’t stand, tips slightly

The Bottom Line:

Trip on carrousel

Mickey enjoying magic

Fun for fans of ride

Mickey is Enjoying a Royal Trip

Being the DisNerd that I am, I really do enjoy this unofficial series of Mickey Mouse on various rides around the Disney theme parks.  For 2025, he took a ride on King Arthur Carrousel with Ride Around the Kingdom.

Yes, this ornament is pretty much what you’d expect.  Mickey is sitting on a highly decorated carrousel horse.  It’s a mostly white horse, but it’s got multiple colors painted on it to represent saddle, bridle, and various other ribbons and decorations.  It looks very nice and festive, which is always good.  Mickey is turned so he is waving and smiling at us.

I learned a couple of years ago that the carrousels in the two parks here in the US have different names.  Yes, I know that this ornament is for Disneyland’s King Arthur Carrousel because it is right there on the box.  Unless Hallmark printed different boxes for the Eastern part of the country, which I don’t think happened in this case.

I don’t tend to ride the carrousel when I’m in the park, so this isn’t quite the draw for me that some of the others have been.  But I do still like it.  It’s a fun reminder of Disney’s take on a classic theme park attraction.

Given the nature of the ornament, I’m sure it’s no surprise to say it doesn’t stand on its own.  The pole is actually sticking out at the bottom, and it’s too narrow to balance the ornament.  Even if it weren’t there, the horse’s hooves aren’t positioned in a way that would allow the ornament to stand.

Which means you have to hang the ornament.  The loop is at the top of the pole, and when you slip a hook through it, you’ll find that the ornament tips back slightly.  It is noticeable if you are looking for it, but it isn’t too bad.  The ornament still looks good, and you’ll never notice once you get some tree branches around it.

This may not be my favorite ride, but I know others who do enjoy it.  They will love Ride Around the Kingdom even more than I do.  And yes, I am still glad to have it in my collection.

Movie Review: Love in the Great Smoky Mountains

Stars: 2 out of 5

Pros: Beautiful scenery, did enjoy the romance

Cons: Awkwardness in the script; lectures

The Bottom Line:

A dig in the park

Creates chance for love to grow

But script needed work

“Of All the Digs in All the World, You Had to Show Up at Mine.”

Since I’ve started watching Hallmark’s movies set in various National Parks, I’ve been keeping an eye opened for new ones.  Fortunately, I spotted Love in the Great Smoky Mountains: A National Parks Romance on the channel recently so I could keep the streak of watching them all alive.  Unfortunately, the movie wasn’t nearly as good as it could have been.

As this movie opens, Haley (Arielle Kebbel) has just gotten her doctorate in archeology and is thrilled to be heading to a dig in the Great Smoky Mountains for a few weeks.  It will be a great step in her career.  However, she is less than thrilled when she discovers that her ex, Rob (Zach Roerig), is already at the dig.  They haven’t spoken since they broke up three years ago.  Will their both being on the dig cause tension?  Or will old sparks fly again?

I had seen a few previews before I watched the movie, and I was actually rather excited to see how the story unfolded.  I thought the archeology aspect would provide an interesting backdrop to the romance.  At times, it did.  It did drive a few plot points and Haley gets obsessed with an item she thinks might be in the park.

However, it also slowed things down.  I felt like we got lots of exposition at times, more so than the movie called for.  We also got some lectures about how wonderful life was for the Cherokee tribe before they were forced to leave and how awful the Trail of Tears was.  Now, please do not misunderstand me.  What happened to the tribe in the 1800’s was horrible.  It is indeed a part of American history we should be ashamed of.  However, it felt awkward here.  Part of that is how the movie was written.  And part of it is because I wasn’t sitting down to watch something on the topic.  I was sitting down for a light romance.

I mentioned the writing in the previous paragraph.  It left something to be desired.  There were some rough transitions between scenes and topics.  Plus, dialog sounded stiff.  The script needed a polish.

The acting wasn’t the best either.  Yes, I know some of it was the writing, but the actors seemed to be overly enthusiastic at times in an effort to make up for it.  This had a high dose of Hallmark cheese.

On the other hand, the scenery was beautiful.  I believe it was actually filmed in Great Smoky, and this made me want to go visit the park.  And so many waterfalls!  (At least if this movie is to be believed.)

I was pulled into the romance.  That’s part of the reason I found some of the other stuff annoying.  I wanted to see more with Haley and Rob.  There’s a second relationship that I was also rooting for, although they got more of the awkwardness of the script that Haley and Rob did.

While these movies aren’t that great, I’m still finding myself drawn to them just because of the settings.  If that’s you, you’ll want to watch Love in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Otherwise, you can skip it.

This movie is part of this two movie DVD release.

Ornament Review: Winter Fun with Snoopy #28 - Shoveling Snow - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Cute scene

Cons: But is it fun?

The Bottom Line:

Doing wintry chore

Snoopy, Woodstock make cute scene

But does not seem fun

You’ve Got a Weird Definition of Fun

Snoopy has enjoyed quite a few fun things over the course of the Winter Fun with Snoopy series.  I do have to seriously question if he’s really have fun in the twenty-eighth entry in the series since he’s shoveling snow.

The ornament itself is great as always.  Snoopy has a shovel that is about half his size, but he’s using it to push the show that has recently fallen.  Woodstock is along for the ride as always.  And, in this case, literally.  You see, he’s sitting on the snow in front of the shovel that Snoopy is pushing.  Snoopy is wearing a purple cap and blue scarf while he does this work. 

Now, I’ll be the first to confess I’m not a cold weather or snow person.  But seriously, who finds shoveling snow fun?  I feel like this might be a sign that the series is running out of ideas.

That aside, I do like the ornament itself.  It’s a cute scene and I just love the idea of Woodstock catching a ride instead of working.

Do remember that this is one of Hallmark’s miniature series.  The ornament is only about an inch tall.  So keep that in mind before you buy it.

Because Snoopy is standing on a snowy path, the ornament has a nice, solid base, so you can easily set it out to be displayed if you so desire.  You’ll find the 28 in a Christmas tree on the bottom of this base.

When you go to hang the ornament, you’ll find it tips just a little to the left.  But you have to be watching for it.

While I might have my issues with whether this is fun or not, I do enjoy this Winter Fun with Snoopy ornament overall.  If you are a Peanuts and mini ornament fan, you’ll like it, too.

Check out the rest of the Winter Fun with Snoopy ornaments.

Movie Review: Game of Love

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Pulls you into the story

Cons: Predictable, Audrey at the beginning

The Bottom Line:

Developing game

A predictable romance

Ultimately fine

Will They Win the Game?

When I heard about Game of Love, one of Hallmark’s romance movies, I thought it sounded like it could be fun.  Due to the movies I have on my DVR, it took me a while to get to it.  It had its moments, but it was a typical romance movie overall.

Audrey (Kimberley Sustad) is a board game designer who works best as a team of one.  She’s cut out any hope of romance in her life.  So when her game company decides they are going to create a game about romance, she is less than enthused.  Even worse, she is assigned to work on it with Matthew (Brooks Darnell), a marketing wiz brought in to help the company.  Oh, and they are going to rush it through the design phase so they can submit it to an annual awards competition coming in just four weeks.

You know where the story goes from here.  And the movie does a good job of hitting the expected squares on the way to the finish.  It’s not exactly ground breaking, but it is creative in how they find the elements the game needs as the two leads build their relationship.

Of course, I had so many questions along the way.  Like is there any way a game could be ready in four weeks?  Oh, I get they needed to put pressure on the characters to make the plot work, but I just kept running up against that question.  And there’s the question of how much replay a game like this would get.

Then there’s Audrey.  She’s a self-absorbed jerk at the beginning of the movie.  Yes, I get they were going for some character growth, but I can’t tell you how much I disliked her.  They really needed to tone her down.

The film does manage to keep the Hallmark cheese to a minimum, which is a good thing.

Even with knowing how the movie would end, I got pulled into the story.  I was frustrated with the rushed ending, however.  I feel like they should have given us a bit more than a few rushed realizations to wrap things up.

All this said, I did find myself rooting for Audrey and Michael and caring about the outcome.

If you are looking for a light Hallmark romance, Game of Love is fine.  While it has weaknesses, it is a light if forgettable movie.

Ornament Review: Season's Treatings #17 - Charcuterie Board - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Festive salty treats

Cons: None for me

The Bottom Line:

Lay out salty treats

Diff’rent focus for series

But it’s still a treat

Some Treats for Your Salty Tooth

So far, the ornaments in the Season’s Treatings series have focused on sweet treats.  And, when it comes to Christmas, I usually do think of those sweet treats.  But this year, the series took a turn and is presenting something for those who enjoy salty snacks with a festive charcuterie board.

The board is shaped like a Christmas tree.  While the face of the board is white, it has a fun green border.  Up at the top of the tree, I mean board, we have a spread ball decked out to look like Rudolph complete with a red nose.  His antlers are pretzels and his eyes are olives.  Also on the board, we have a snowman spreader, crackers, a piece of Swiss cheese, and another spread.

The good ornaments in this series always make my mouth water, and this one is no exception.  Obviously, it’s watering for appetizers instead of dessert with this one, but the result is the same.  I love the creativity of the Rudolph ball.  And the rest look good enough to eat.  I have to keep reminding myself it’s fake.

As with most of the ornaments in this series, you can lay it out, but it is fairly flat.  It makes sense given when it is supposed to represent.  But this wouldn’t look that good even as part of a display if it isn’t hanging.

Fortunately, the hook is in the Rudolph spread, and the ornament hangs straight.  It’s looking very good on my tree.

And you’ll find the 17 in a Christmas tree on the back of the ornament.

Those who enjoy salty snacks and have been waiting their turn in the Season’s Treatings series will be thrilled with this charcuterie board.  Since I’m an equal opportunity snacker, I’m enjoying it as well.

Enjoy the rest of the Season’s Treatings ornaments.

Ornament Review: Deck the Shelves - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Fun ornament for book lovers

Cons: Green books tend to blend into the tree

The Bottom Line:

Books stacked like a tree

Making readers’ spirits bright

A fun ornament

How Could This Book Lover Resist?

If you’ve noticed, I typically get pop culture or series ornaments from Hallmark.  But I do look at the rest of the line.  Even though I was cutting back on ornaments this year, Deck the Shelves caught my eye, and I knew I had to get it.

As the title suggests, this is an ornament for book lovers.  The ornament is framed like a Christmas tree, with the sides being painted to look like wood.  Inside, we have three shelves, each filled with books that are various shades of green.  There’s a star on top.  And each shelf has a decoration of some sort.  Two of them have ornaments, and one has a second star.

I mean, really, how could I not get this ornament?  It’s cute and fun and makes me smile.  I’ll confess that many of my Hallmark ornaments don’t wind up on my tree each year, but I have a feeling this one will need to be part of my permanent rotation.

I do wish the books weren’t all green.  I get it, they are supposed to help represent the tree.  And they are various shades of green, which makes the ornament more interesting to look at.  But it does tend to blend into the tree a bit.  I prefer ornaments in other colors so they stand out more.  And this is coming from someone who loves green.  But that’s my only complaint.

The base of the tree is nice and wide and flat, so you can set this out to display year-round if you wanted to.  And when you go to hang the ornament, you’ll find that it hangs straight.

When I bought this ornament in November (I spread out my purchases), I bought the last one in my store, so I’m not the only one who likes this one.  If you want to add Deck the Shelves to your collection, I suggest you do so quickly.

Ornament Review: Kronk and the Squirrel - 2025 Hallmark Release

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Captures Kronk and a squirrel friend perfectly

Cons: You owe me no cons

The Bottom Line:

Kronk and a squirrel

Movie fans will love this pose

It’s making me smile

This Ornament is so Squeaky!

Hallmark released two ornaments this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Emperor’s New Groove. While the ornament of the emperor was a regular line release, they also released this limited-edition ornament of Kronk and the Squirrel. 

Any fan of the series will recognize him right off the bat since he looks exactly like he does in the movie. He’s standing with his arms crossed under his chest. He’s looking out of the corner of his eye at the squirrel on his shoulder. The squirrel is looking at him, obviously engaged in conversation. 

While I did cut back on ornaments this year, I had to get this one. Kronk and his talking to squirrels is such a funny part of the movie, and the ornament captures that perfectly. 

And my review title is playing on those moments as well. This is not a magic ornament in any way. There are no sound clips. But I couldn’t pass up the reference for my title. 

While Kronk is standing on his feet, he’s top heavy. If you set him out to be displayed, you’ll find he tips over easily. I’d recommend you hang him on your tree. And when you do, you’ll find he tips forward slightly, but nothing that will be obvious when you have him surrounded by branches. 

Kronk would not have been at the top of the list of characters I would have expected to represent this movie, but I’m glad Hallmark selected him. Any fan of the movie will agree with me - he’s perfect.