# A Hallmark Christmas: Santa’s Diversity Dilemma

- Link: https://chatterblast.com/blog/a-hallmark-christmas-santas-diversity-dilemma/
- Published: 2023-12-20T10:31:52-05:00
- Author: chatterblastteam

The brisk air pushes around the frosty snow as the blizzard storms on. Luckily, 
you’re cozied up inside enjoying the perfect mid-December evening: a steaming cup
of hot cocoa, the fuzziest blanket known to mankind, and of course, that one Christmas
movie about falling in love during the holidays.

Hold on. What’s that movie called again? “A Princess for Christmas”? Or maybe it’s“
Road to Christmas”? No wait, it has to be “Good Morning Christmas!” 

That’s right. We’re talking Hallmark movies. 

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## **The Perfect Plot**

One of the biggest joys of the holiday season is binging on iconic Hallmark movies.
Yet, year after year, all we get is the same story with a different title slapped
onto it.

Though I’m hardly complaining. Give me some festive socks and comfy pajamas, and
I’ll be there watching. Every. Single. Year. (Don’t judge. In 2021 it was estimated
that [over 80 million people](https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2023/11/22/tis-the-season-a-hallmark-christmas-movie-outrated-everything-on-cable-news-last-week/?sh=6c12770c504b)
give into the Hallmark Christmas movie temptation each year, so I know I’m not alone.)

[Since the first Hallmark movie in 1951](https://screenrant.com/best-hallmark-movies-all-time/),
the company has mastered the cheesy, feel-good love story. And despite the deserved
judgment on the questionable acting and poor quality, people keep going back to 
them. 

It’s undeniable that people love nostalgia, and Hallmark absolutely takes advantage
of that. The holidays in general thrive on good memories and happy feelings, and
Hallmark movies provide just that. Busy single girl goes home for Christmas. Girl
meets handsome Christmas tree salesman. Girl gives up her big-city career to be 
with handsome Christmas tree salesman and lives happily ever after. The predictable
plot lines filled with clichés are ingrained in our brain, and every time we see
one, we get another small boost of happiness. 

The predictability makes the movies almost stress-relieving to watch. Every time
a person turns on a Hallmark Christmas movie, they can expect the same thing: a 
small town unexpected love story that leads to a lesson on the meaning of life.

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This simple formula has proven successful for decades now, and although it has become
a bit repetitive, why fix what isn’t broken?

## **A Glaring Issue** 

There are actually quite a few answers for that question, the biggest of which is
the lack of diversity presented in these movies. 

As a South Asian, queer woman, I’ve constantly wondered why none of these movies
felt relatable to me. Yes, the ridiculously unbelievable plot lines may be a part
of that, but it’s always felt like something more.

Hallmark movies overwhelmingly show heterosexual, able-bodied, white characters.
Although any lack of diversity in media is already damaging enough, this issue is
worsened when used in movies that are supposed to represent an idyllic norm, such
as a classic Hallmark Christmas story.

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When Hallmark movies, which are are intended to trigger warm and fuzzy feelings 
we’ve experienced before, continuously feature straight and white characters, it
pushes the idea that this is what a “normal” family is—a notion that is obviously
not accurate to the world. 

The list of people that do not see representation in Hallmark movies is endless:
those in interracial relationships, LGBTQ+ members, people of color, individuals
with disabilities, and more.

Not only does this prevent appeal to those who don’t fit the Hallmark company cookie
cutter mold, but it also in many ways defeats the root purpose of the movies. For
an organization that aims to create nostalgic, feel-good movies, they are keeping
their viewers to a narrow demographic. 

## **A Happy Ending?**

To answer the question on  everyone’s mind—yes, I unfortunately will still be watching
Hallmark movies this holiday season. I know, I know, a disappointing answer. But
hey, I’m an embarrassingly hopeless romantic… what can you expect? Besides, if people
like me aren’t sitting down to watch these and complain loudly about it after, how
will Hallmark ever progress? Because clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks this
way.

This year [Hallmark plans to premiere 31 new holiday movies](https://thestylus.org/dashing-through-diversity-is-hallmark-doing-enough/).
Of these films, six will feature a lead character who is a racial minority, one 
will feature a Jewish storyline, and one will focus on a queer couple, so someone
must be listening. 

Granted, eight out of 31 films is still a small percentage that remains inaccurate
to the real world, but this first step has promise of more improvement in the future.

So as I (and many others) tune in for some classic Christmas joy this year, I’m 
looking forward to seeing more people who look like me, and hoping these movies 
start to feel a bit more relatable. 

My Christmas wish? Years ahead with tastier cocoa, warmer blankets, and increased
diversity.

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