Nothing says the countdown to Christmas is officially on than binge watching your favourite Christmas movies.
No matter whether you’re a fan of Love Actually, Home Alone, or are a Hallmark TV special fanatic, Christmas films are an integral part of the festive season.
However, these festive favourites do more than just bring a holly jolly feeling to December. If you look close enough, there are nuggets of wisdom we can use all throughout the year.
As we look forward to December 25th, we’re shining a fairy-light on the Christmas movies we can all take financial lessons from.
1. The Santa Clause
Lesson: Always read the small print
Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) learns the importance of reading the small print the hard way in the Santa Clause.
After startling Santa during a Christmas Eve delivery, and causing him to fall from the roof, Scott is left with eight reindeer and instructions to put on the suit if anything were to happen to the man himself.
Not taking a moment to think he does exactly what he’s told, only to later discover he’s now bound by a clause in the small print to be Father Christmas for the rest of his life.
This 1994 classic offers a good reminder to always check the small print when signing up to any financial commitment. Whether it’s buy now, pay later, a credit card or loan, or a debt solution, it’s important to be aware of all the terms before signing on the bottom line.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Lesson: Don’t get caught up in the hype
If there was ever a line in a festive film that summed up the importance of the occasion, it’s this: “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
Who’d have thought that this heartfelt reminder would come from the creature whose heart was two sizes too small.
We all know the story. The whimsical tale by Dr. Seuss tells the tale of the Christmas-hating Grinch, who plots to bring the over-the-top festive celebrations of Whoville to an end once and for all.
However, just before throwing all the town’s presents off the top of Mount Crumpit, he has the realisation that there’s more to Christmas than gifts. The joy of the festive season can’t be bought and that’s a lesson we should all remember – especially in the age of social media.
Although it might seem hard, try not to get caught up in the hype and remember you don’t need to spend what you can’t afford just to keep up with others.
3. A Christmas Carol
Lesson: Change is possible
Originally published in 1843, festive tales don’t get much more classic than A Christmas Carol.
Penned by Charles Dickens, it tells the story of greedy Ebenezer Scrooge – a cold hearted businessman with no sympathy or care for those less fortunate.
There have been many iterations of this story over the years, but whether you’re a fan of Bill Murray taking on the tale or the Muppets, the lesson always remains the same… You are capable of change.
Don’t let the ghost of Christmas past stop you from making positive changes to your spending. Whether it’s cutting back on the number of gifts you’re buying, asking for help with Christmas dinner, or even just making a pledge to budget a little better in the new year, change is possible.
4. Home Alone
Lesson: Have an emergency fund (and don’t forget your children)
Naturally, any list of iconic Christmas films needs to include Home Alone.
In 1990 we were introduced to Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left behind amidst the rush of going on a family holiday.
Unsurprisingly, chaos ensues with young Kevin forced to defend his home from the Wet Bandits – a pair of clumsy robbers determined to break into the McCallister house.
While Kevin is successful in defending his home with the help of booby traps, there are a few financial lessons we can take from this film beyond home security.
Importantly, this film offers a reminder of the importance of having an emergency fund in place.
By expecting the unexpected you can be prepared to cover the cost of things like a broken boiler, washing machine, or hot tar on the stairs… An emergency fund could also provide a safety net should you find yourself off work with illness or redundancy. In short, it could help you navigate life’s surprises.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
Lesson: Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Frank Capra’s 1946 tells the tale of frustrated Bedford Falls businessman George Bailey (James Stewart) who learns the importance of being surrounded by supportive friends and family.
Having faced financial troubles for most of his adult life, despite running the local building and loan company, things take a dramatic turn for George when a large sum of money goes missing from the family business.
Faced with the prospect of losing everything that is dear to him George believes his loved ones would be better off with him dead.
However, thanks to the support of his friends, family and guardian-angel-in-training Clarence Oddbody, he soon learns: “no man is a failure who has friends.”
It’s an important reminder that no matter what your financial situation, it’s important to reach out for support. You don’t need to carry your money worries on your own. Whether you speak to friends, family, or seek specialist support from a company like UK Debt Expert, help is always available.
