Why we love It’s a Wonderful Life
Living in the present moment can be difficult, and our busy lives make it even more so, especially during the Christmas season. The season can weigh heavily, pulling us in a hundred directions. Our minds drift to memories of past Christmases that seem warmer, then quickly project into the future: Will Mom or Dad still be here? Will the children be alright when they leave?
TL;DR
- The Christmas season can make it difficult to stay present due to busy lives and anxieties about the future.
- 'It's a Wonderful Life' explores the theme of losing gratitude for the present moment through George Bailey's crisis.
- George Bailey's life is re-evaluated when he sees Bedford Falls without him, realizing his value is in his impact on others.
- The film suggests that embracing the present, including its difficulties, leads to acceptance and gratitude.
- Spiritual and literary examples, like St. Francis de Sales and F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' also warn against dwelling on the past or future at the expense of the present.
- The Nativity story, like the film, involves fear met by awareness and a call to embrace the moment rather than escape it.
- 'It's a Wonderful Life' reminds viewers to be grateful for existing miracles rather than seeking a utopian Christmas.