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).
