Ahead, read our ranking of the 26 best Hallmark Christmas movies that bring us the most comfort and joy.

Christmas comes but once a year — unless you are an avid watcher of the Hallmark Channel during the holidays. Then it comes two weeks before Halloween and lasts 70 nights, leading right up to the end ...

For the two cable networks, tapping into niches, hobbies and sports teams allows the them to invite new audiences in, while keeping loyal viewers satisfied with a break in formula.