13 Life Lessons From Classic Holiday Movies and TV Specials

Granted that the stories presented in these holiday classics are given the Hollywood treatment and a Hollywood ending. But don’t let that turn you off. As in all of the great stories throughout human history, there are archetypal elements to them that make it so that the meaning and impact of the story resonates strongly with all kinds of people from all kinds of societies and cultures.

The truth is that the messages presented in them can be felt by people from all creeds, sects and religious beliefs. Yes, they are Christmas holiday classics but the lessons that they try to convey are universal. The only down side to these stories is that we tend to forget about them for the rest of the year.

These are some of the most important life lessons from a few old favorites and some other works that may be less well known.

 

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”:

1. 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.

As the saying goes, “Sing like no one is listening and dance like no one is watching”. Even the dancing applies to us men!

2. Resist Commercial Pressures.

The Grinch learned that the meaning behind Christmas doesn’t come from things bought from a store. Things are just that: things. Focus on the true meaning of the holidays by sharing time with loved ones and looking for ways to make others happy.

3. Let Your Heart Grow Bigger.

Dr. 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.

For a man with an open heart, the importance of people and the meaning to life should easily be apparent to him.

 

 

“It’s a Wonderful Life”:

(One of my favorite movies of all time!)

1. Recognize That One Person (One Man – Maybe Even You?) Can Make A Difference.

While the challenges around us can seem and often are sometimes overwhelming, we all create our own environment. George Bailey leads a modest life, but among many other things, he prevents good old Bedford Falls from turning into the sleazy Pottersville.

“Merry Christmas, you wonderful old Building and Loan!”

2. Celebrate The Potential To Create Better Outcomes.

With all the talk about “toxic” (men) 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.

3. Welcome Help From Others.

As fiercely committed to his beliefs 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. And if you need help yourself, there is absolutely no shame in asking for it.

 

 

“A Christmas Carol”:

1. Teach Old Dogs New Tricks.

We may sometimes feel that our habits are too ingrained to change. No-one is that set in their ways. But any change has to come from wanting to change. Sometimes we need that proverbial kick in the backside to wake us up. Scrooge proves that a life of stinginess can give way to one of kindness even late in life.

2. 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.

3. Come To Terms With Your Past.

Recognize the unhealthy patterns that get between you and your greater good and successes. Scrooge’s greed cost him his first love. You may need to become more generous to transform your own relationships and in general, achieve your goals.

4. Become More Resilient.

The Cratchit family remains cheerful in spite of their poverty. Tiny Tim appreciates his blessings even though he’s poor and crippled. If we bear our hardships with patience, we can protect our peace of mind. Yes, life can, does and will suck at times. The question is always the same: How do you choose to deal with it and what are you going to do about it?

BAM! Bonus Recommendation: For a little bit more modern twist on “A Christmas Carol”, be sure to check out Bill Murray in 1988 “Scrooged”. There are some moments in that film that will have you and your kids rolling on the floor with laughter!

Said by the great Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present, “Oh, what is this, Frank? Oh, oh look, Frank! It’s a toaster!”

 

 

Other Holiday Programs and Movies:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Believe In Santa Claus.

“Miracle on 34th Street” looks like it was ahead of its time in questioning consumerism. It’s also timeless in affirming the importance of having faith and maybe even believing in small miracles. Plus, it may offer the best legal argument for believing in Santa Claus.

Conclusion

Many of us men look forward to watching our favorite holiday movies and specials each year. There is a good reason that many of us do. The message in the stories wring true with us and we feel it from within ourselves, Maybe even touching our soul, if there is such a thing.

If you don’t have a family holiday movie tradition, maybe this year is the time to start one. It’s a great way to revisit the universal and inspiring messages of these classic stories and share them with our children.