Life Lessons from the Classics
This time of year, many people are busy with the holidays.
Our traditions are wrapped in our family history, our religion, our culture. No matter your background or practice, you likely will find yourself watching at least one classic Christmas movie.
Most years I try to resist. Do I really need to watch It’s A Wonderful Life again? And then somehow, I find myself sitting down with my family as it starts, swept into the well-known plot from many years ago. I wish it stopped there, but just the other evening I watched Frosty the Snowman.
What is it about these classics that pull us in?
Perhaps because it will make me feel less guilty, I started thinking about the lessons these movies teach. Each offers more than entertainment. There are many life lessons that are woven into each one—too many to list.
Here are a few lessons from some of the movies I’ve seen far too many times to admit:
Grinch
Love cannot be purchased in a store (or even online).
Don’t give up on anyone because everyone can change.
Elf
Pure joy will win over even the most resistant.
Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from being yourself.
The Santa Clause
Accidents, mistakes, and failures may be the start of something awesome.
Being is often more important than doing.
Miracle on 34th Street
All positive achievements start with belief.
Always put people ahead of profit.
Rudolph
Everyone has something special to offer the world.
What you think is a negative may be your greatest positive.
It’s A Wonderful Life
You likely will never know the full extent of your impact.
A great community supports one another.
Christmas Vacation
Persistence is power (some sequels can actually be good, so don’t give up!)
Pursue your dreams.
Frosty the Snowman
True love is giving yourself even when it hurts.
Don’t be nasty.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Look for meaning beyond commercialism.
A little love changes everything.
A Christmas Carol
Bitterness and greed will destroy.
It’s never too late to make a major change.
The Polar Express
If an adventure beckons, go.
When you believe, everything changes for the better.
Hallmark Christmas Movies
(lumped together because they are all the same).
Stop daydreaming.
Dump your current date because your true love is waiting in a small town.
