Finally, Hallmark’s holiday fare makes a gay couple ‘part of the family’

When Jonathan Bennett was first sent the script for “The Christmas House,” his initial thought was, “Who’s my love interest? We aim to produce programming that resonates in a powerful, emotional way and reflects the experiences of viewers from all cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, belief systems, and lifestyles.” Notably, the LGBTQ representation in “The Christmas House” isn’t simply focused on coming out, which has frequently — and rather dully — been the central tension of films and TV series built around queer characters. In the first scene with the entire family, Bennett’s onscreen mother tells Harder’s character with a smile: “Have I told you lately, you’re my favorite son-in-law?” Movies Comfort viewing for the holidays: Three feel-good new releases for a most unusual season In a year when many holiday traditions will be upended, films such as “Happiest Season,” “The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two” and “Godmothered” look to keep the spirit of holiday movies alive. One Million Moms, the same conservative advocacy group that pressured the network to pull the ad last year, launched a petition to have the movie removed from the schedule and to boycott the company “as long as Hallmark pushes the LGBTQ agenda.” Grossman — who is gay, as are Bennett and Harder — understands where they’re coming from and hopes to meet some of these Hallmark fans halfway.