The holiday movie binging season has officially kicked off, and the heart-growing happy movie times will carry us through the rest of the year. But did you realize these classic Christmas movies can teach us valuable life lessons?
Holiday movies and TV specials can teach us how to live better and enjoy more happiness all year. Let’s take a look at some of these life lessons from a few old favorites to enjoy this time of year.
13 Life Lessons From Classic Holiday Movies and TV Specials
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sing joyfully. Before he had his change of heart, singing was what the Grinch liked least of all. Surround yourself with the music of the season and sing along.
Resist commercial pressures. The Grinch learned that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Focus on the true meaning of the holidays by sharing time with loved ones and looking for ways to make others happy.
Let your heart grow bigger. Seuss suspected that the Grinch suffered from a heart two sizes too small. As soon as it grew three sizes larger he brought back the toys he stole, put everything right and got to love his new friends in Whoville.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Recognize that one person can make a difference. While the challenges around us can seem overwhelming sometimes, we each affect our environment. George Bailey leads a modest life, but he prevents good old Bedford Falls from turning into a sleazy Pottersville.
Celebrate the potential to create better outcomes. With all the talk about “toxic” people, we may sometimes overlook the fact that we all possess a mix of constructive and destructive qualities. By appealing to the good in people, George helps them to succeed in every walk of life.
Welcome help from others. As powerful as George is, he still needs Clarence, the angel, to help him through a rough night. Regardless of whatever weaknesses you possess, you can still serve as somebody’s angel if you’re willing to reach out.
A Christmas Carol
Teach old dogs new tricks. We may sometimes feel that our habits are too ingrained to change. Scrooge proves that a life of stinginess can give way to one of kindness even late in life.
Come to terms with your past. Recognize the unhealthy patterns that get between you and greater happiness. Scrooge’s greed cost him his first love. You may need to become more generous to transform your relationships.
Become more resilient. The Cratchit family remains cheerful in spite of their poverty. Tiny Tim appreciates his blessings even though he’s poor and disabled. If we bear our hardships with patience, we can protect our peace of mind.
Pay attention to your dreams. We spend about one-third of our life sleeping. Put that time to good use by listening to what your dreams may be trying to tell you.
Other Holiday Shows and Movies
It’s OK to Believe in Santa Claus. “Miracle on 34th Street” was ahead of its time in questioning consumerism. Plus, it may offer the best legal argument for believing in Santa Claus.
Focus on others. Steven Spielberg’s cartoon, “Pinky and the Brain,” is about more than a laboratory mouse trying to take over the world. The friendship between the two mice shines through when Pinky writes to Santa saying it’s okay to forget about him and just give Brain what he wants.
Work for world peace. The true story of the 1914 Christmas truce is captured in “Joyeux Noel.” If German, French and Scottish troops can call a ceasefire on one Christmas Eve, maybe we can all be more peaceful.
Enjoy your favorite holiday movies and specials this year and let’s share their inspiring messages with our children.
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