One of the best things about Christmas is the Christmas movies we all know and love, and watch over and over again. The reason we love these movies is that they’re not only entertaining, but many of them have valuable life lessons that can stay with us long after the holiday hoopla has passed. Do you have a favorite Christmas movie that you’ve taken a life lesson from? Here are some of the most popular movies and the lessons we can learn from the characters and their stories.
Elf. In the movie Elf, Buddy the Elf says, “Smiling is my favorite!” We think that’s an excellent lesson to learn in life. No matter what’s got you down, from holiday crowds to traffic, bad weather to busy airports, too many gifts to wrap or too much eggnog, smiling is a great way to make yourself and those around you feel better instantly. Besides, it’s what fuels Santa’s sleigh!
It’s a Wonderful Life. In this classic holiday movie, the character of Clarence is an angel trying hard to earn his wings. Clarence tells George Bailey, the main character, that “No man is a failure who has friends.” This is a valuable lesson to learn, as too many people view success and failure in terms of material goods, money, or position. But as George learns, the true value in life comes from those who love and support you when the chips are down.
Rudolph (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). Rudolph was different from all of the other reindeer, who used to laugh and call him names, but when Santa needed someone to guide his sleigh on a cloudy wintry Christmas Eve night Rudolph’s bright red nose that glowed was exactly what Santa needed. Rudolph’s unique characteristic, that previously caused him to feel out of place, was ultimately what helped him save the day for little boys and girls the world over. Sometimes our differences are just what the world needs.
Frosty the Snowman. Frosty is made of snow, so even though he’s brought to life by some children and a magic hat, his life is destined to be short. Frosty knows his time is limited, but he doesn’t let that keep him from having fun. He frolics about, leading the children who created him on adventures, and ultimately puts his friends first. Frosty makes the most of the time he has, and sacrificially gives his life to prevent a little girl from freezing to death. Fun and friendship are Frosty’s priorities, and that’s a great lesson to learn in life.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Poor Mr. Grinch hates Christmas and Christmas music and attempts to ruin this holiday for all the inhabitants of Whoville. But the Grinch eventually changes his mind about Christmas when he sees how the people of Whoville embrace the Christmas spirit. The positive attitude of the townspeople transformed the Grinch’s cold, cold heart, melting it like sunshine melts Christmas snow. One of the most important life lessons any of us can learn is just how much our attitude can impact others. We may not be able to control what other people do, or how their actions affect our lives, but we can control how we react, and we always have the choice to forgive and focus on the positives.
This Christmas season we hope you watch your favorite Christmas movie and spread a little extra Christmas cheer by choosing to focus on the things you have to be truly thankful for, like friends, family, loved ones, and the intangible things that bring true happiness and joy to each and every day, not just during the holiday season but all year round.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Current to all of you.
