If you’re anything like us, then no holiday season is complete until you watch a deliciously cheesy seasonal film à la The Hallmark Channel (or Netflix... or Great American Family... or Lifetime... you get the idea).
While it’s unlikely one of these holiday films will ever get filmed here in Lakeland, we can still dream. With a little help from ChatGPT, we’ve created a fill-in-the-blank, “Mad Libs"-style activity for our readers + followers to write up their own Lakeland-inspired holiday films.
Fill in the blanks, then send your completed story to us by Dec. 16 — we’ll select our favorite story to share in a future newsletter. Now let’s get cheesy.
“A Lakeland Christmas Miracle”
It’s the week before Christmas in the (adjective) city of Lakeland and (character name 1), a successful (job title), is back in town to visit family after years of living in (different city). When they arrive, they discover that Lakeland’s (annual holiday tradition) is at risk of being canceled due to (reason). Refusing to let this happen, (character name 1) agrees to help save the (annual holiday tradition).
While sipping on a (beverage) at (local coffee shop), (character name 1) bumps into (character name 2), a quirky (job title) with a passion for (hobby). (Character name 2) is just as upset as (character name 1) about (annual holiday tradition) being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but (character name 1) is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to (different city) after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to head (job title) after all.
Finally, the day of the (annual holiday tradition) arrives and it has the biggest turnout ever — (number) people. Mayor Mutz declares that (annual holiday tradition) is officially saved thanks to (character name 1) and (character name 2) and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, (character name 1) decides that Lakeland is the place where (verb) happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of (job title) right here in town. They share a kiss with (character name 2) under the glow of the (color) Christmas lights before walking to (local coffee shop) to split a (food item).
🏆 And the winner is
After receiving dozens of submissions, we’re pleased to announce Wendy S. as the winner of our favorite Lakeland-inspired holiday film submission. Take a look at their masterpiece below, along with two of our honorable mentions.
Winner: Wendy S.
It’s the week before Christmas in the adventurous city of Lakeland and Joshua, a successful Swan Wrangler, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Lake Placid. When they arrive, they discover that Lakeland’s Town Square Tree Lighting is at risk of being canceled due to a hurricane. Refusing to let this happen, Joshua agrees to help save the Town Square Tree Lighting.
While sipping on a hot cocoa at Andrew’s Coffee, Joshua bumps into Noelle, a quirky Children’s Museum Director with a passion for mural painting. Noelle is just as upset as Joshua about the Town Square Tree Lighting being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Joshua is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Lake Placid after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to Head Swan Wrangler after all.
Finally, the day of the Town Square Tree Lighting arrives and it has the biggest turnout ever — 8 people. Mayor Mutz declares that the Town Square Tree Lighting is officially saved thanks to Joshua and Noelle and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Joshua decides that Lakeland is the place where performing happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Swan Wrangler right here in town. They share a kiss with Noelle under the glow of the silver Christmas lights before walking to Andrew’s Coffee to split a cruffin.
Honorable Mention: Cindy M.
It’s the week before Christmas in the enchanting city of Lakeland and Ramona, a successful Movie Set Designer, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Los Angeles. When they arrive, they discover that Lakeland’s Christmas Parade is at risk of being canceled due to there being no fat white bearded men to pose as Santa. Refusing to let this happen, Ramona agrees to help save the Christmas parade.
While sipping on a cafe breve at Mitchell’s Coffee House, Ramona bumps into Lawton, a quirky Animal Colourist with a passion for rescuing animals. Lawton is just as upset as Ramona about the Christmas Parade being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Ramona is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Los Angeles after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to Head Movie Set Designer after all.
Finally, the day of the Christmas Parade arrives and it has the biggest turnout ever — 50,000 people. Mayor Mutz declares that the Christmas Parade is officially saved thanks to Ramona and Lawton and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Ramona decides that Lakeland is the place where love happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Movie Set Designer right here in town. They share a kiss with Lawton under the glow of the multicolor Christmas lights before walking to Mitchell’s Coffee House to split a fried egg “sandmitch.”
Honorable Mention: Meredith P.
It’s the week before Christmas in the swantastic city of Lakeland and Gary, a successful Activities Director, is back in town to visit family after years of living in Plant City. When they arrive, they discover that Lakeland’s Christmas Parade is at risk of being canceled due to the Lake Morton swans disappearing. Refusing to let this happen, Gary agrees to help save the Christmas Parade.
While sipping on a craft soda at Black & Brew, Gary bumps into Morton, a quirky Swan Wrangler with a passion for hiking. Morton is just as upset as Gary about the Christmas Parade being canceled and agrees to help save it.
As the two work together, sparks begin to fly, but Gary is not here for romance. They fully intend on returning to Plant City after the holidays — they’re up for a promotion to Head Activities Director after all.
Finally the day of the Christmas Parade arrives and it has the biggest turnout ever — 38 people. Mayor Mutz declares that the Christmas Parade is officially saved thanks to Gary and Morton and they receive keys to the city.
Holding the key in their hand, Gary decides that Lakeland is the place where serving happens best, and realizes that they can still pursue their dream career of Activities Director here in town. They share a kiss with Morton under the glow of the azure Christmas lights before walking to Black & Brew to split a cruffin
