Last night Mary Kate, Mike and I got in our PJ’s, mixed us up some hot chocolate, busted out the doughnuts, and settled down for our annual viewing of the best Christmas movie ever made “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
It was Mary Kate’s first time seeing it. I was excited to introduce my daughter to this gem of American cinema. I’ll never forget the first time I watched this movie. I was pretty young. I remember I was really sick and had been laying in bed for days. Our family had just received our first VCR for Christmas (yes it was a long time ago). We had opened the VCR early so we could record holiday movies. I remember how amazed we were with the new technology, being able to record movies straight from television! It couldn’t get better than that! “It’s a Wonderful Life” was one of the first movies we ever recorded. I watched it over and over. I’m sure most of the profound message of the story escaped me then, but I remember loving it just the same.
I’ve watched this movie many times since then, with various people. Some of my favorites watching companions include Grandma Winnie, every year that I lived with her during college, and Mike, when we were dating. It was his first time seeing it, and I remember being so happy that he held my hand while we were watching. Every time I watch this movie it gets my endorphins flowing. It’s just a feel good story.
George Bailey is my hero. He always does his duty, even when it means sacrificing his dreams. He always does right by others. He gives of himself all his life, and in the end gets the chance to see what all his efforts have done. He learns what truly matters. I love the quote written in Clarence’s book at the end, “No man is a failure who has friends.”
Last night after the movie ended, and after I had wiped all the tears and boogers off my face (I cry shamelessly every time I watch), I asked Mary Kate what she’d learned from the story. She said she learned that people shouldn’t get discouraged because everyone’s life is important.
Right Mary Kate, you’re exactly right. Every life is important. What a great message at Christmas time or any time for that matter.
“See George Bailey, you’ve really had a wonderful life.”
Oh, how I love this movie!
9 comments:
Truly my very most favorite Christmas movie of all time. I have to watch it every year for Christmas to be complete. My friend is coming over this week to watch it with me and I am sooo looking forward to it! I'm glad you shared it with your daughter!
I hadn't even thought about what it would be like to introduce my daughter to this movie. Sweet! It is a treasure. I like that you made a big deal of watching it with Mary Kate. And that she is wearing a shiny dress. :)
im thinking i need to see this...
Jill, I love this movie. I ordered it for Rob for an anniversary present and it turns out he bought it for me too. I watched it Saturday and loved it just as much as ever.
I like the part when he says "I love this drafty old house"! He puts perspective on lots of stuff. However, my favorite part is when he's lost the money, is hugging the little guy who has been hanging icicles on the tree, and the little guy puts icicles on his head! You have to love it!
What a great family tradition you are starting! And what a great post. I just love the feelings that warm us up at Christmas time! She'll remember that night for the rest of her life.
(And, you'll never believe this, but I didn't see this movie until 2 years ago. It was after I had surgery and was flat in bed..and I decided it was about time! It was great! What have I been missing all these years?)
I agree Jill, it is a great movie, and many lessons you can learn from it. That is awsoem you shared it with Marykate! I love being with family. Merry Chrismas and a happy new year. I love and miss you!
Well said Jill. I love this movie as well and introduced it to Zack a few years ago. Even he couldn't make fun of it. It's just too good.
We watched this movie the other night with Joshua. It took us a lot longer to get through because of the million questions. I also asked him afterwards what he learned and got out of it. He said "it was really long" and "why did that old man hit his bad ear?" Of all the things to remember about that movie he remembered something at the beginning. He does have an incredible memory. Lots of great lessons to learn. Watching Christmas movies has been one of my favorite things to do this season. It is something I rarely do on a normal basis.
Post a Comment