Things I've Learned from Christmas and Holiday Movies

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays on a white background with a green tree.

This time of year can be difficult for many people. There are struggles of loneliness, depression, feelings of not having enough or not being enough to others. The advertising around the holidays often show “perfect” families with “perfect” dinners in “perfect” settings, and that is not the reality for most of the world.

There is sadness.

There is lack.

There is heartache.

There is grief.

There is an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

There is a turning away from faith.

There is loneliness.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

For those who don’t have a faith to turn to, some of the most important lessons you can learn can come from Christmas and holiday movies. The lessons are important ones to keep close to your heart during this season:

• You are enough, exactly as you are.

• You are important to others, and your presence in this world means more than you know, so never ever give up on life.

• You can change your ways if you decide to.

• You can be generous, give of yourself, regardless of whether you have a lot or a little. Time and caring is worth more than any amount of money.

• You can make a huge impact on this world, no matter how big or how small you feel your role in this world may be (does anyone else remember the Christmas cartoon about the mouse family that looked after the clock, that had to fix it for Santa to arrive?)

• Family, no matter how difficult or imperfect it may be, is always the greatest gift.

• Those who we love will always be with us.

• Our hearts can grow three times larger (or more) if we choose to let other people in.

• Never staple antlers to a mouse’s head. (Scrooged anyone??)

• Have grace for one another, and you’ll be surprised how neighours will take care of each other when in need.

Know that whether or not you have faith, you are loved.

God doesn’t shy away from those who have rejected him; he is the father waiting for the prodigal child to return, running towards us, welcoming us home. He is the shepherd, searching for the lost sheep leaving the other 99 safe in the fold to find us. He is there for us always, whether we realize it or not.

And on this Christmas day, it is a day to remember that God loved us so much, he gave the world a piece of himself in Jesus, born as a baby to bring peace into this world. To give us hope beyond what we see in this world.

There is always hope.

There is peace to be found.

There is enough love for everyone in the world.

I wish you every blessing on this day, and for every day of the year. May God’s love and peace wash over you and protect you, warming your soul and letting you know you are worthy. You are loved. You matter, and your presence is very much requested in this world.

Do not give up.

Do not lose hope.

Love God, and love each other.

Amen!