By Trey Brown
Training Specialist
Chilly weather, carols, fruit cake and classic movies are some of the signs that the holiday season is upon us. This is a magical time of year when we celebrate miracles and spread cheer to one and all. Although, it is tempting to get caught up with the stress associated with things like in-laws and bills, a favorite holiday movie brings back fond memories and reminds us of the holiday spirit. While watching your favorite holiday movies this year, try looking for special meanings and hidden gifts inside. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid
Message: Acceptance and Giving
This movie is considered a comedy classic, mostly because of the unique and outrageous events that happen to Clark Griswold. In addition to all the outrageous slap-stick comedy, messages of acceptance and giving are prevalent throughout the film. Clark Griswold wants his family to have the best Christmas ever. However, Clark’s plans quickly go awry when uninvited family shows up, Christmas lights don’t work, he gets locked in the attic, the Christmas turkey turns out to be dryer than the Sahara, a family cat is electrocuted, and most of all, the Christmas bonus he was depending on turns out to be a yearlong membership to the “jelly of the month club” instead of a check. After all the obstacles that come Clark’s way, he realizes the importance of accepting one’s family by concentrating on their strengths, rather than their weaknesses. We are reminded of giving when Clark buys presents for the children of his unexpected house guests and when Clark’s boss, Mr. Shirley, is reminded that it doesn’t matter how successful you are if you have to hurt the people that helped make you successful. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an enjoyable “laugh till your tummy hurts” movie, but it’s important to remember the lessons given to us by this holiday classic.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Henry Travers
Message: Self Worth
George Bailey grew up with giant dreams and aspirations. He dreamed of seeing the world and building “cities that touch the sky.” However, tragedy strikes just before he is set to leave his hometown to being these adventures, leaving George behind to run the family business and take care of everyone but himself. Hardship after hardship hits George and he begins to loath his family, friends and life because he is bound by obligation. In the end, George finally realizes how good his life really is when Clarence, an angel, shows him what the world would be like without him in it. Like George, we have specials gifts and make important contributions to the world even though we may not see it. We must value ourselves; one of the reasons this story has stood the test of time because of the theme that each and every one of us matters and is worth far more than we may realize. It is important that we all have self worth, celebrate our gifts and see value in all that we do.
ELF
Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zoey Deschanel, Bob Newhart
Message: Believe and Generosity
We are childlike. We live in wonder. Buddy the Elf exemplifies these ideas as he begins his journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his biological family. Buddy quickly learns that not everyone in New York City are as friendly as those from the North Pole and that no one really seems to believe in Santa Claus. In bringing Christmas cheer to everyone he encounters, Buddy reminds us all about the true meaning of Christmas and that the spirit of believing and family are more important than any material possession. During the holidays we sometimes get caught up in what we get, rather than what we give. Try not to worry about how much you get or are able to give, but cherish important relationships, memories and the gift of each other.
The Family Stone
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Craig T. Nelson
Message: Family and Acceptance
There is nothing more important than family. Meeting the family of a loved one for the first time can be both scary and intimidating. When Everett brings his girlfriend, Meredith, home to meet the family for the first time she finds herself overwhelmed in a room full of room of history and inside jokes. Meredith finds it difficult to fit into the complicated family dynamic and Everett’s family does not immediately embrace her. Throughout all of their petty arguments and squabbling, the family realizes that the time they have with each other is a precious gift and that they need to stop judging each other for their differences and accept people for who they truly are. So many times we do not accept those who are different from us. We fight the things we can’t change and worry about what is outside of our control. This holiday season, try to remember the time we get to spend together is one of the greatest presents we can receive.
Bad Santa
Starring: Billy Bob Thorton, Bernie Mac, John Ritter
Message: There is Good in Everyone
This movie is not suitable for children, however it carries a good message all the same. We have all done things we regret. We have all suffered in some way. We had moments in our lives where it was difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Willie, the main character in this movie, despises his life and everyone in it. He spends his time posing as a Santa Claus in malls so he can stake them out s in order to rob them. Unexpectedly, Willie encounters a kid that believes he is the real Santa Claus. As a result of seeing the “good” in this horrible person, the kid slowly starts to make Willie think about his lifestyle and we see him change for the better. Bad Santa shows us that everyone has “good” in them. By choosing to focus on the positive, you are helping to bring all of the goodness out. This season, choose to see the “good” in not only people, but in every situation you encounter.