Have you ever watched a cheesy Hallmark movie? Perhaps you wonder why they appeal to a certain demographic. The truth is, many of us love a happy ending. Danielle Page and, behavioral scientist Pamela Rutledge discuss why: “‘The human brain loves patterns and the predictability is cognitively rewarding,’ explains Rutledge. ‘Those predictable story arcs that draw on the standard patterns we recognize from fairytales offer comfort by presenting life as simple and moralistic.’ Which can serve as a much-needed break from the complexity of real-life holiday chaos. As for the absence of cinematic wow factor that’s become a ‘hallmark’ of these movies (sorry, had to), there’s a reason why we’re so forgiving of it. ‘The lack of reality at all levels, from plot to production, signals that the movies are meant to be escapism entertainment’” (Danielle Page, “Here’s Why It Feels So Good to Watch Those Hallmark Holiday Movies,” Today, November 15, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/here-s-why-it-feels-so-good-watch-those-hallmark-ncna1080841). It may seem silly, but the hope of a happy ending is sometimes what we need to make it through that next holiday gathering or even our next day when we don’t know what we may face. Our faith reminds us that ultimately, we too will get our happily-ever-after in eternity.
