Okay, y’all… let’s be honest with one another. Who else watches Hallmark Christmas movies around the clock this time of year? Hands up! It’s okay. You can admit it.

I am a bit of a self proclaimed Scrooge. Ask my husband and kids. Christmas music? Meh. Decorating? Meh. Yes, I decorate every year, but it’s not because I want to. It’s because I see the sideways glances from my family when I say I don’t want to decorate. It’s because Christmas is my husband’s favorite holiday. It’s because the kiddos still have that magical Christmas spirit in their hearts. That’s why I decorate.

However, I discovered the Hallmark Channel a couple Christmases ago. For whatever reason, I tuned in for a whole movie. And, ever since, I’ve been hooked. I feel as though I’m now an expert. I’m telling you… there’s a formula to these things, and they very rarely stray. Girl works in city. Girl travels to tiny, quaint, charming Northeastern town. Girl runs into handsome, wholesome, single fellow, and they get off on the wrong foot. Through a series of serendipitous events, they are forced to continuously spend time together serenaded by endless Christmas music eventually causing them to fall in love. The end.

But, I’m getting way off track. All that to say, if I start watching the Hallmark Channel in mid November, I’m usually pretty spirited enough come early December. You might even catch me singing a Christmas song or drinking hot chocolate. And, I’m not opposed to decorating (even though I won’t admit it).

Because my husband, Aaron, would like for me to be in the Christmas spirit, he does not oppose my obsession with Hallmark Christmas movies. I guess it’s the sacrifice he has to make. He certainly makes snide comments under his breath throughout the entire movie, though. (Marriage is a give and take, y’all. Am I right?)

One thing he likes to do is search Google Maps for the town in which the particular movie takes place. He then reports back on whether or not that town actually exists. More times than not, they don’t exist. This discovery shapes his next comments which are as predictable as the movies themselves. “That does not happen. No place is like that.” And on, and on, and on ad nauseam. (Those are the mild comments… some shouldn’t be repeated.)

These little towns are so idyllic. Who wouldn’t want to live there? There’s a part of me that agrees with him… no place is like that. But, then, I think about Comanche and how far Christmas in Comanche has come over the past few years. Y’all, we’re not a Hallmark movie Northeastern town. But, we’re pretty darn special. Let’s think about this. Let’s talk about some of the top reasons to get out and enjoy Comanche during the holiday season. Okay?

1. Shopping

We have some super cool, very unique little shops in Comanche. Let’s talk about a few of them.

Comanche Mercantile

If you haven’t been in this new addition to the town yet, you need to make this a priority. This 1880’s style mercantile is housed in the old Higginbotham’s building which Revitalize Comanche has impeccably restored. Everything is hand-made by local artisans. From Christmas décor to chocolates to jewelry to knives, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Plus, they have a gorgeous Christmas tree that screams Hallmark movie!

The Soda Shop

Y’all, this is another little gem from years gone by. I wasn’t around in the 50’s, but I’m pretty sure that if I had been, stepping through these doors would feel like stepping back into my glory days. There is so, so much authentic charm in here from the mint green Hamilton Beach milkshake blender to the vintage soda fountains to the jukebox with 50’s favorites. (Rockin’ Robin anyone??) This is the perfect spot to take a break from Christmas shopping and grab a sweet snack.

Unique Antiques & Collectables

Now, this shop is cool! If you’ve ever driven down North Austin Street (which, who hasn’t?), I’m sure you’ve spotted this store. I know I rubberneck every time I drive by just to see what new additions Paula has made to the window displays. I’ll tell you what, I’m willing to bet she’s got the very best selection of vintage porcelain signs and memorabilia for miles around. Add to that all the other treasures to be had, and you could totally get swallowed up by nostalgia and not notice that a couple hours have passed.

2. Harvest Restaurant

Surely everyone in Comanche and the surrounding areas is familiar with Harvest? This is a legit restaurant with a legit chef! We are so very lucky to have a big city restaurant in our quaint little town. Chef Todd carefully curates a new menu every 3 months comprised of locally sourced ingredients as well as Braveheart steaks, fresh seafood, pasta, and wild game. Todd’s menus are always innovative and diverse. If you’re anything like me, your love of food coupled with being naturally indecisive causes a real problem when it comes time to order. Just give me one of everything! Harvest is the perfect place to have lunch with friends or a dinner date with your honey.

3. The Light Show on the Square

There’s something about thousands of colorful, blinking Christmas lights synchronized to music that makes this one pretty hard to miss. Even this self proclaimed Scrooge can’t help but feel like a kid again every time I drive past the courthouse at night. I can’t get the radio tuned to 87.9 fast enough, and I can’t get my car to go slow enough. (I could just get out and walk around, eh? There’s a novel idea.) With iconic characters from Christmases past dotting the landscape, there’s just a magical draw for adults and kiddos alike.

4. Stone Eagle Beer Garden

Stone Eagle Beer Garden sits on the Northeast corner of the square perfectly marrying German culture with the Texas way of life. It’s quirky & kitschy, family friendly, and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a cold beer with some friends. And, don’t worry… with indoor and outdoor rock fireplaces, you’ll stay toasty warm. Enjoy live music every weekend, and, during the months of December and January, Stone Eagle is featuring a spiced mulled wine, made with Brennan Vineyards Austin Street Red. So, after your dinner date with your honey at Harvest, you can hop on over next door to do some boot scootin’ at Stone Eagle.

5. The Ice Skating Rink

Yep, you read that right. Comanche now has our very own ice skating rink housed at the community center. Y’all, this is such a great family outing! The kiddos will love it, and, parents, if you’re a little nervous to get out there (we have a lot farther to fall, right?), it’s still a barrel of laughs watching everyone else navigate the “ice.” Ice skating under twinkling Christmas lights with the sound of familiar Christmas tunes… it doesn’t get much merrier than that! The best part? It’s free for kiddos of Comanche county, $3 for kiddos outside the county, and $5 for adults. So, round ’em up and check it out!

So, let’s recap. Comanche offers a really unique shopping experience, amazing food, a beer garden with an atmosphere that can’t be beat, the best Christmas light show for miles & miles around, and a place to ice skate under twinkling lights. Sounds pretty Hallmark to me. Suddenly, I have an urge to go decorate. Merry Christmas, y’all!