Christmas At Sea, Season 1, Episode 2 Review: Docking Around the Christmas Tree

I can’t believe that it’s July and I am talking Christmas. But watching Christmas at Sea, suddenly I feel like the joy of Christmas, and my heart has grown three sizes. Grinch no more by December is the goal.

Christmas at Sea has been a beautiful idea (and yes, we are only on episode 2) because it not only brings joy, but it reminds you of all of the ways that are possible and the way that joy can be spread everywhere.

I am not a person who uses the word joy very easily. But with Hallmark, the word spews out, and I suddenly find myself thinking that everything can mean something if you allow it to. I know I am repeating myself, but I am okay with that. Everyone needs hope, and if you find it, it’s okay to not let it go.

Hope is fleeting sometimes. I think that there is this beauty and finding it, once you’ve lost it.

If we’re being honest, I strongly dislike Christmas. Even just closing my eyes and trying to think about a good one – well, I can’t remember it. Finding something that brings me joy and makes me want to love Christmas – I am here for that.

Who knows, I may grow to love something Christmas outside of movies one day. My Mom is looking down from heaven and saying it’s about time.

EVERYONE IS IN ON IT

Look, Rob and Donna are really adorable, and I love how nervous he is over a proposal. He knows that she’ll say yes, but it’s the whole getting married on the cruise thing she may not be up for.

Paul tells Tyler about officiating the wedding, and before you know it, other people are involved, and the entire crew of Hallmark actors are in on it. They want to make this trip special for everyone, and this will really make Rob and Donna’s whole cruise.

Rob has to gain the courage to ask. I just really wish he would.

Donna has had a lot going on in her life, but she’s persevering. She wants to get back to living her life instead of just existing. She wants to get back in the gym, and when she goes into the one on the ship, she meets Nikki DeLoach.

The conversation between Nikki DeLoach and Donna was inspirational. DeLoach offered a different view of herself in the conversation. So supportive, empathetic, and genuine. She was the person that Donna needed at the moment, and I loved that Donna got this moment.

I loved that when it was picture time for Rob and Donna, Paul Campbell came forward to hug her. I loved that she was having all of these moments that made her feel alive, valued, and like a princess.

Rob is doing all of these things to make sure that she’s happy, and then seeing her so happy, I felt like that had to be a win for him.

NOW PROPOSE!!!

SWIMMING WITH THE PIGS

When you’re heading to the Bahama’s you have a lot of choices for excursions. Kerry and her girls decide to swim with pigs. Now, I grew up on a farm, and there is no way that I would do that. NEVER.

But Kerry and her girls – well, they chose to and chose to spend the day on the beach.

Paige has already spoken to her sister-in-law, Al, about the fact that she wants to move back to California. She doesn’t know how her Mom will take it, but she knows that she needs to tell her.

Paige talking about this with her Mom will be scary. Our parents always want what is best for us, but I think as we get older we know where our hearts are going to take us.

And the truth is, having to realize what is best for you and putting yourself first isn’t an easy thing. It’s HARD. Parents want to keep you close and yet let you have wings. Paige gathering the courage to tell her Mom what she wants – it was a reminder that we all need to communicate and put ourselves first, while still being there for each other.

But at least the conversation around her returning to California has happened.

TYLERS MAMA

One of the things that is so beautiful about Tyler Hynes is his commitment to family, so it is no surprise that he brought his Mom on the cruise. I think that’s a beautiful thing, because these are the moments that you’ll treasure. Time with one’s Mama is time well spent.

His Mama is a celebrity in her own right. Fans spotted her at the photo opportunity and flipped out. I loved watching them tell her just how special he is. She took it all in stride and spoke to them, like the champ that she is. I do believe that she’s entitled to her own privacy, but I also love that she is there for all the Hynies. She was so sweet and kind – love her and love that Hallmark showcased her.

IT IS AN ERIN CAHILL SIGHTING

We haven’t seen much of Nate and his grandmothers. We did get to see them in the gift shop, and Erin Cahill came in.

Erin Cahill – I love that she’s taking every moment on this cruise to be with the fans. Her smile is infectious, and I love it. She goes to talk to Nate and his Grandma’s telling them that they all know that he’s there for his 16th birthday.

I loved that she offered to pay for everything in their hands. I don’t even wanna assume that Hallmark just let them have it. Why? Because I want to live with the joy and sweetness that Erin brings to everyone she encounters.

I thought it was sweet, and I also adore her. Her kindness shines.

PUSHING THE LIMIT

Best friends. Sometimes you’re born with one, and sometimes you find one. Victoria and Laura are the ones born into it. Sisters.

They have decided that on this cruise, they are going to pitch their script. I admire this so much. I don’t dare to even tell anyone that I write. But here we are, and they’re on a ship, taking their best shot and putting 100% in.

I mean, you only fail on the chances that you didn’t take, so I get it.

Alicia and Gloria found each other and grew to be family. The best friends balance each other out. I love to watch their friendship, because it is goals. They make sure that each one is living their lives to the fullest.

And so to challenge themselves, they decide that their outing is going to be on ATVs. That is like a no-no for me because I am scared, but hey, maybe I need to get out of my comfort zone, too.

The great thing about all of the people on this cruise is that they are willing to show themselves – their fandom selves and their personal selves. The reality is that sometimes we need to let loose and let our fandom hearts soar.

Hallmark allows us to do that.