Life Lessons We Learn in Classic Holiday Movies
Believe it or not, some of the best life lessons we learn are those lessons learned in heartwarming movies! Holiday movies and TV specials can teach us how to live better and enjoy more happiness year round. These are some of the most important life lessons from a few old favorites and some newer Christmas movies alike. While the holidays hold a different meaning for everyone, these lessons are taught in beautiful ways through these wonderful films.
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“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
1. Sing joyfully
Before he had his change of heart, singing was what the Grinch liked least of all. As time went on, he found he began to enjoy the sounds of the season. Surround yourself with the music of the holiday season and sing along for all to hear.
2. Resist commercial pressures
The Grinch learned that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. All too often, we get caught up in the retailer’s viewpoint of the holiday season. 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.
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“It’s a Wonderful Life”
4. Recognize that one person can make a difference
While the challenges around us can seem overwhelming sometimes, we all create our own environment. George Bailey leads a modest life, but he prevents good old Bedford Falls from turning into a sleazy Pottersville.
5. 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.
6. 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”
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 own relationships.
10. 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.
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“Elf”
11. Accept Who You Are and Be Proud of it
Buddy knew that he was raised by elves but he didn’t quite realize he was different at first. When we realize who we are, it’s important that we are proud of the person we grow to be. Love yourself for everything you are and never let others change your opinions of yourself!
12. Spread Cheer at every time of year
It never fails at Christmas time that you will always come across those who are less than joyful about the season. This can make it difficult to see the happiness in the air. Continue to be true to your happiness and spread the cheer in your heart.
13. Find the excitement in life and embrace it
While some may have seen Buddy as overly childish or bubbly, what he truly was, was happy and cheerful! To be able to live a life of very little worry and embrace all of the beauty around us is a wonderful way to experience life!
“Miracle on 34th Street”
14. There is power in believing
Susan desperately wants a big house for Christmas. Kris Kringle isn’t sure that he can provide that, but Susan has to believe. In life, we have to believe that we can truly make things happen for ourselves. “Whether you believe you can or you can’t, you’re right.”
15. Holidays should be spent with the ones you love
In this movie, as in life, we are reminded that those we love are important not only during the holiday season but every day of the year.
16. It is possible to find love again
In the movie, Doris is a single, divorced mom. Mr. Gailey grows to have feelings for Doris, but she has built up such a wall around her heart from being hurt, that she doesn’t even take notice.
Related: DIY Christmas Grinch Slime
Many of us look forward to watching our favorite holiday movies and specials each year. It’s a great way to revisit their inspiring messages and share them with our children. Finding new favorites is one of my family’s favorite ways to spend time together during the holiday season. Truth be told, we break out the Christmas movies right after the Halloween season is over!
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What are the best lessons you have learned from a holiday movie or special? Let us know in the comments!
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
