Well, friends…’tis the season. Snow is beginning to fall, malls are jam-packed, and the sounds of carols can be heard everywhere. The holiday season can also be marked when we start to see our favourite Christmas movies air on television. And let’s be honest, when the weather outside is frightful, nothing is quite as delightful as relaxing with family or friends to watch a holiday classic.
Most of us have a favourite Christmas movie. If you’re all about comedy, perhaps you’re a huge fan of the Griswald family or Will Ferrell in Elf. If you like heart-warming drama films, Miracle on 34th Street might be your cup of tea. And if you associate the holiday season with debauchery, (let’s hope not…), Billy Bob Thornton provides more than enough of that in the expletive-ridden Bad Santa.
The choice can come down to timing. Like many people my age, we were little kids when Home Alone debuted, and consequently we became HUGE fans. For myself however, it wasn’t the ‘obvious’ reasons that made this my favourite Christmas movie.
Sure, who didn’t love seeing little Kevin McCallister bombard his family with multiple zingers. I’m sure we all wanted to tell our family members to go fly a kite at times, but it seems only Kevin had the fortitude to do so. Take this for example, while arguing with his mom on the second floor:
Mom – “You’re the only one acting up. Now get upstairs!”
Kevin – ” I am upstairs, dummy.”
Classic.
There’s also the enjoyment of watching a kid outsmart criminals using his coaxing skills and booby-traps. In my first home, my bedroom window was right next to the front door. I used to fear someone ‘torpedoing’ head first through the window to get me, just like a bad movie. After witnessing Kevin’s ability to thwart criminals, that fear subsided….as ridiculous as that may sound.
My favourite aspect of the movie though, was all of the lessons learned in the encounters between Kevin and his neighbour, ‘Ol Man Marley.
1. Don’t judge. Especially based on someone’s outward appearance.
At first close encounter, Kevin screams bloody hell in the old man’s face. To be fair though, his eyes were super-beady, and it was quite the stare he gave Kevin at the supermarket when he’s buying his toothbrush (American Dental Association approved, of course). But through these chance encounters, Kevin was forced to come face-to-face with Marley. And after only a few words, Kevin quickly realizes Marley’s demeanour does not match his outward appearance. In fact, it’s quite the opposite….he seems calm and endearing. This is a wonderful lesson for children, teens and adults.
2. The holidays are about family and friends.
As Kevin continues conversing with Marley, he is questioned about his current troubling situation. It’s through these interrogations that Kevin begins to reflect on his own behaviours, and how they affect others. Furthermore, he quickly realizes Marley is suffering from a more permanent form of loneliness. And that being alone, especially during the holidays, is saddening.
Kevin did something we’re probably all guilty of….wishing at times that everyone we know would just disappear. Sadly, this can, and has happened, overnight. So let’s take this lesson from Kevin: Be grateful for your family and friends!
3. Adults can be just as irrational as kids.
Marley is also forced to self-reflect. Kevin’s curiosity forces him to answer tough personal questions about his fears of contacting his son. They had a fallout (like many of us do) many years ago and have not spoken since. Kevin, as only a kid can, points out the obvious. You’ll never know unless you try. In all reality, a son probably misses his father (much the way Marley still missed his son). Besides, even if the feud remains, at least there is closure. Kevin is also quick to point out the first two lessons mentioned above. If there is ever a time to shed yourself of silly pride and contact a former loved one or friend, it’s the holiday season.
Christmas movies are great because they encompass important underlying truisms about our lives, and they are generally heart-warming stories. They are great reminders of the importance of family and friends, but also the need to be caring and compassionate to others. Not just at Christmas, but all the time.
No matter what your favourite Christmas movie is, I encourage you to make some time to watch it with your friends and family this holiday season. Bust out the egg-nog, make the popcorn, and curl up on the couch. It’s part of what this season is all about!
May we all have the ability to embrace our inner-Kevin and have a wonderful holiday season!