Hallmark Channel is the home of holiday cheer thanks to its annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming — which just keeps getting bigger and better.

Every year, fans are treated to a slew of feel-good holiday movies starring Lacey Chabert, Andrew Walker and more beloved actors. While the stories showcased are different, there are a lot of themes that are present throughout every film, including love, family and Christmas spirit.

“These movies mean so much to me. I really am genuine when I say that,” Chabert exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2021. “They’re not just jobs, and I feel a responsibility to the audience to make the absolute best movie I can.”

So what makes those movies great? Fake snow, tree lightings and more cliché moments that viewers and Us can’t get enough of, obviously. Whether it’s a man named Nick or a nod to the season via elaborate costumes, there are some things you’ll find in almost every Hallmark holiday movie.

Scroll down for a complete breakdown of what you can expect to find in nearly every project: