Tis the Season: Movies that Bring Joy to the Soul
Take time, as this Christmas season comes to a close, to contemplate the deeper meanings of watch-worthy Christmas Movies.
By Roan Fair
Christmas Traditions
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching corny Christmas movies with my family. While it is easy to focus on the light and joyful features, it is important to ponder their deeper meanings. Far from the redundancy of Hallmark films, the following Christmas classics inspire us to refocus our lives on what truly matters—our family and our God.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation is a funny Christmas story about the chaotic world that is the holiday season. The film follows the Griswold family as their father, Clark, attempts to give the family the best Christmas ever. In true Hollywood fashion, Clark’s attempts as perfection backfire in comedic and catastrophic ways: not to mention the craziness brought on by the extended family.
Although celebrating Christmas with the Griswold family may be excentric and disastrous, the importance of family lies at the center of the film. Clark’s desire for the perfect Christmas is merely a distraction from his frustrations with his job. The message of the film however, is that money and perfection are not required for a good Christmas. While many of us do not look forward to interacting with our own Cousin Eddie’s around the holiday’s, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation shows us that family, no matter the quirks, will always be there for us.
The Muppets’ Christmas Carol
The Muppets beautifully reject the heart of greed and consumerism in this rendition of Dicken’s Christmas Carol. I believe the songs and larger-than-life Muppets make this version the best depiction of the Christmas classic. The film neatly mixes humor and serious thoughts that are easily accessible to adults and children alike.
What makes The Muppets’ Christmas Carol one of my favorite holiday traditions is how humorously and seriously singing puppets can communicate the need to refocus on what matters each Christmas season. This film reminds us that avarice and greed drive loved ones away. The message can be understood by all ages: Christmas is a “special time of caring” that reminds us to refocus our lives on the important things. Money is no replacement for a loving family and holiday cheer.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Dr. Kengor and I both agree that this 1946 film is the greatest Christmas film ever produced. It’s A Wonderful Life presents the life of George Bailey as he struggles to find peace during a Christmas financial crisis. When the Bailey Bank & Loan faces bankruptcy, George considers suicide before his guardian angel Clarence steps in and shows him what life would have been like if he wasn’t around.
This heartfelt film usually doesn’t leave a dry eye in the room. It is a powerful reminder that regardless of the struggles we often find ourselves in each one of us is loved and cherished by many. What we don’t often consider is the presence of God’s love throughout the film. Prayers are answered, signs are given, and angels are sent to deliver a divine message: life is more than the struggles we face. It’s A Wonderful Life is a fantastic film which removes us from the craziness of family, bad jobs, or financial struggles to remind us how true the title really is.
Roll Film
Christmas, like any holiday, can get crazy. Meals need made. A lot of presents need wrapped. Millions of Americans are travelling. Family is—well—its family. But as Christian’s Christmas is a time for unlimited joy and celebration of our Savior’s love. So, take time this Christmas to refocus on the joys we all share and sit back, relax, and enjoy these holiday classics.
Merry Christmas from the Institute for Faith & Freedom
About the Author
Roan Fair is a History and Political Science double major at Grove City College. On campus, he is the Senior Articles Editor for the Grove City College Journal of Law and Public Policy. He also serves as a student executive for the BEST Robotics Competition, a high school program hosted by the college and is the Vice President for the college’s Federalist Society chapter.
Roan serves as a TA for Dr. Verbois in the political science department. His interests include early American history, political theory, and the legal field. Finally, after graduation, Roan plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in private practice.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.
Cover Image: Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash