“You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?” – Clarence, Angel Second Class [It’s A Wonderful Life]
Dedicated to my Grandmother, Ann McNicholas
A few years ago, on a family ski trip in the mountains of New Hampshire, a very wise family-friend gave me some advice that I will never forget. It was late at night, and a few of us, enjoying beers on the deck by the fire, were quietly admiring the shining full moon and dancing stars cast shadows across the vast mountain ranges in the distance. While catching up on life events, one subject turned to another until talk of the approaching Christmas festivities led to discussions of best-loved Christmas movies. Of course, Frank Capra’s, It’s A Wonderful Life, was brought up and I mentioned that it was my Grandmother’s personal all-time favorite, but that I’d not seen the full movie, only bits and pieces. As soon as the words left my mouth, an older mentor who I deeply respect, Marc, looked at me in utter disbelief. Without a word, he grasped me by the shoulder and said, “Kid, if there is any guidance I can give you, go home and watch It’s A Wonderful Life. Do it as soon as you can. You don’t know about life, or the human condition, or anything for that matter, until you watch that movie.” His zeal intrigued me and I made a promise to heed his advice. When I got home, I immediately watched the movie and throughout the story I was deeply moved by the selflessness, morality, and character of George Bailey.
Since it was my Grandmother’s favorite, I naturally quoted an excerpt from the movie when I read her eulogy. At the time, I did not understand why she loved it so much until I watched it uninterrupted, in awe of the timeless life lessons and universal wisdom it embodies. On the surface, the film is a Christmas classic, the underdog coming out on top. However, when you dig deeper, you come to understand that the film exudes what truly makes us all human through an emotional tale of sacrifice, kindness, selflessness, character, and integrity. Ultimately, this is why It’s A Wonderful Life has stood the test of time – the movie is more than 70 years old, and today in 2023 it resonates strongly with viewers. It has since become a Christmas family tradition to watch the movie in our household, as it is a healthy reminder of what matters and what doesn’t, and gives the viewed a dose of perspective on what is truly important in life.
Sacrifice and Selflessness
“All you can take with you is that which you‘ve given away”– Peter Bailey
Throughout the film, George exemplifies selflessness and, as a result, great sacrifice. As a boy, the selfless act of saving his younger brother Harry from drowning and hypothermia forced him to sacrifice his hearing in his right ear due to a subsequent infection. His father’s abrupt passing forces him to take over the Bailey Building and Loan to prevent a hostile takeover from miserly Mr. Potter, sacrificing his trip abroad to see the world, and forcing him to stay in Bedford Falls, and giving his life savings and college funds to his brother Harry. When George has finally found happiness with his wise and beautiful wife Mary, they sacrifice their honeymoon and wedding money to support the customers after a “run on the bank” and keep the Bailey Building and Loan solvent.
Ultimately, all of these “setbacks,” catch up with George and his grace and patience are tested until he is finally at his wit’s end, and as a result, becomes bitter and cynical about the cards he was dealt. However, unbeknownst to George, by dedicating his life and sacrificing so much in the service of others, the community rallies behind and rescues him in his darkest hour.
No Man is A Failure That Has Friends
“A toast, to my big brother George – the richest man in town.” – Harry Bailey
George considers himself a failure because he was never able to travel the world, go to college, and be a successful entrepreneur. By never leaving Bedford Falls, over the years, George improves the lives of so many people that he builds long-lasting friendships and relationships.
My favorite scene from the movie that never allows for a dry eye and fills the soul, is when George’s brother Harry comes back to see him in a snowstorm and offers a toast, “To my big brother George, the richest man in town.” In reality, George is not the richest man in town from an economic perspective, Potter is. But, Potter is a miserable, horrible person; only ever in the company of his employed assistant and alone on Christmas Eve surrounded by his leather-bound books in his mansion. George on the other hand was rich in character, grace, and integrity; and, as the movie brilliantly shows, money and materialistic amenities are not the true currency in life – family and friends are, and the richness of those relationships are what truly matter.
Perspective and Impact
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” – Clarence, Angel Second Class
Throughout the movie you see the stressors for George: he lives on $45 dollars a week, has a drafty house in disrepair, while trying to balance making an honest living and also helping others. The $8,000 that goes missing is the last straw, and the viewer can see him becoming another person, yelling at Mary and the children, and questioning why they had so many children. In his desperation, George isn’t able to see what he has – the love from his wife and family and support from his friends.
George is given the opportunity by his Guardian Angel, Clarence, to see the Twilight-Zone ridden world of Bailey Falls, now Pottersville, without him: Harry drowning, Mrs. Bailey a miserable slumlord, Uncle Billy in an insane asylum, Mary a lonely librarian, and Mr. Gower the druggist, now an alcoholic, guilt-ridden from poisoning a child. At this moment, George finally realizes what he had and the tremendous impact he made in the lives, however small, of his family, friends, and the community and world at-large.
Through this process, George has now gained an immense amount of perspective, and realizes how blessed he truly is: a healthy, beautiful loving family, a caring wife, even love for his drafty old house and the Bailey Building and Loan. Going to jail over $8,000 doesn’t seem all that bad now, considering the alternative and with a realization of the blessings he was overlooking.
This Christmas season, please try not to think about finances, work stress, or anything that may be taking up space in your psyche. When it does, remember George Bailey and Clarence, and the universal wisdom they offer, to gain some perspective on what really and truly matters in life. In my opinion, a silver lining of COVID-19 is that people, at least in my community, have started to take a hard look at their priorities, and have realized the value and importance of a local community tree lighting, a local hockey fundraiser, breaking bread with neighbors and friends, making memories with family, and buying hot chocolate from kids trying to earn some spending money.
Remember, in the words of our favorite Guardian Angel, “You really do have a wonderful life” – thanks for the reminder, Clarence, Merry Christmas!
