In our house one sacred holiday tradition is the annual Christmas classic cinema celebration. This week as we hang our stockings, finish wrapping the last gifts, we watch White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Christmas in Connecticut, The Bishop's Wife, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas Vacation, and of course, It's a Wonderful Life, I love this movie starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed.
Frank Capra had no idea his sentimental small town fantasy would become a favorite.
As the story is told on Christmas Eve, the night of miracles, and good old George Bailey certainly needs one. After a life time of saving the lives of others, he's giving up on his. He's broke, disgraced, facing prison, and in despair over a savings and loan shortage that is truly not his fault. After wishing he'd never been born, he's about to jump off a bridge, when he's rescued by his guardian angel who temporarily grants his wish by showing him what the world would have been like without his contribution to the world.
George believes he's never had a lucky break, But when he steps back to reconsider his choices, he realizes they were the right ones. He's also a rich man; he has a loving and supportive wife, healthy children, work that makes a difference, and more friends than his house can even hold at one time. He realizes, it's a wonderful life he was about to throw away.
Every year that I watch this movie with my family I discover just how wonderful my life is ~ I don't have to jump off the bridge, I can step back and take another look at my life and the lives I've touched.
This treasured tradition is important to me and my family, and I hope we will continue to do it year after year ~
Merry Christmas!!
From Our Family to Yours
