Lessons behind festive films

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Lessons behind festive films Christmas movies are a great way to get into the festive spirit. But they can also teach us some great life lessons too. Here’s five must-see movies if you want a moral to the story… HOME ALONE (1990) Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister’s family drive him mad – and vice versa. But they soon miss each other when the family jet off on their Christmas holiday, with Kevin home alone, thousands of miles away. Cue some very guilty, panicking parents. And a schoolboy forced to fend for himself and defend the family home from nasty burglars. Wellbeing moral: be mindful On the surface, the lessons here seem clear – Christmas is all about family, right? But that might not apply to everybody. With mindfulness all the rage right now, we can look at the film’s message a little differently. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress and chaos, to be constantly distracted and so overwhelmed we lose touch with what’s really important. We could all benefit from slowing down a little, reconnecting with the moment and relearning how to be truly present. ELF (2003) More than twice the size of the other elves, Buddy causes mayhem in the North Pole, and heads to New York to find his real dad. More chaos ensues though, as the calamity-prone outsider continues to get things wrong, much to the frustration of his strait-laced father. But in the end of course, Buddy’s boundless enthusiasm and positivity help save the day, and brighten the lives of those around him. Wellbeing moral: self acceptance We’re all different – and that’s OK. In fact, it’s great, because your quirks are what make you you, and ultimately what other people will love you for. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t always ‘fit in’. Having a good heart and positive outlook are what matters most, so stop comparing, learn to accept yourself and let ‘you’ shine. JACK FROST (1998) Schoolboy Charlie is devastated when his dad Jack is killed suddenly in a road accident. Adding to the heartache is the fact Jack had been so sidetracked by his dreams of making it as a musician that he hadn’t always been there for Charlie, or spent enough time doing important things with him. Fortunately for the Frost family, Jack magically comes back to life the following Christmas – in the form of a snowman – and gets the chance to put things right. Wellbeing moral: live today In movies, anything can happen, including coming back from the dead as a person made of snowflakes. These things are trickier to pull off in real life – but you can still create your own second chances. If there’s something you really want to do or say, which is really important to you, ask yourself what’s really stopping you and why you keep putting it off. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) Facing financial crisis, family man George Bailey becomes suicidal and heads to a bridge on Christmas Eve, overwhelmed with despair and shame. Clarence is sent down from heaven with the task of saving George, in order to earn his angel wings, and succeeds in changing the desperate businessman’s mind by showing him how things might have turned out for his loved ones had he never been born, in a poignant reminder that his worth and value extend far, far beyond his current financial woes. Wellbeing moral: male depression It may be more than half a century since this movie was made, but its message is even more relevant today. Suicide is a huge killer. Awareness of male depression is vital, as is the importance of reducing stigma around mental health, improving access to support, and ensuring we all do our bit to encourage men to talk about their worries and ask for help. THE HOLIDAY (2006) LA hotshot Amanda and British journalist Iris both have relationship problems – and both find their lives transformed when, on a whim, they connect via the internet and swap homes for the Christmas holidays. Amanda realises she needs to relax, stop putting so much pressure on herself and working so hard, opening her up to meeting a man she actually connects with. Iris finally decides to give up on Jasper, who’s been taking advantage of the fact she has adored him for years, and lets herself fall in love with a man actually worthy of her time and affection. Wellbeing moral: take control There’s a fantastic exchange in The Holiday, where ageing film director Arthur says to Iris: “Iris, in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend.” And Iris responds: “You’re so right. You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for God’s sake!” It’s a lightning bolt moment for Iris – and something we should all realise. But becoming the ‘leading lady in our own lives’ means we have to be honest with ourselves, and take responsibility for the part we play in dysfunctional relationships/unhappy jobs/whatever rut we’re stuck in. Don’t wait until the credits roll to wish you’d been brave enough to take action… Read the original story at: Lessons behind festive films