Michael Lee Stallard

The 1951 movie “A Christmas Carol” based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel starring Alistair Sim as Scrooge,  is about a man who idolizes wealth and status which isolates him from family and friends and makes him miserable. Scrooge gets a wakeup call in the form of a nightmarish visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

“A Christmas Carol” is all about how certain character vices lead to relational isolation that result in dysfunction and death.  This is in contrast to virtuous character that leads to human connection, thriving and life. Charles Dickens understood just how powerful human connection is and that it comes from the character strengths of compassion, empathy, generosity, kindness and magnanimity. These are character strengths and virtues we celebrate during the holiday season.

The same themes of connection and character are explored in the holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  The movie starred Jimmy Stewart and was directed by Frank Capra. Stewart’s character, George Bailey, is contrasted to that of Potter, the selfish owner of the primary bank in town. At one point a frustrated George tells his sweetheart “I want to do what I want to do,” which is to travel the world. He never does, however, and comes to regret it when the Savings and Loan he leads nearly goes bust. This triggers a crisis of confidence in George’s life. He wonders if Potter’s selfish character is wise and that his selflessness is foolish.

Just as in “A Christmas Carol” our protagonist receives a visit from the other side. On the brink of suicide George is visited by an angel named Clarence who helps George find his way by seeing what a future based on Potter’s values would look like. In the end, George’s family and friends rally around him to save the S&L — and the day– and the experience gives George the conviction of character he needs to be an even greater leader of his S&L and in his community.

George’s journey in the movie is so true in life. During the inevitable difficult seasons we experience the human connections we have with family and friends help us get through. When we experience that and reflect on its meaning, it gives us a conviction about what character values are right and wrong. I wrote about my own similar journey in an essay entitled “Alone No Longer.”

The themes in these movies are very relevant today.  With families separated by geography and divorce and fewer people participating in spiritual communities and civic organizations, human connection and community have declined.  This decline has corresponded to a decline in joy and rising anxiety and depression.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  This holiday season, I hope you will take time to reflect on the message of connection in these holiday movie classics.