With the countdown to December 25 officially on, there’s no better way to get into the spirit than with a Christmas movie.
Whether you’re Love Actually loyal or a Home Alone fanatic, festive films are an integral part of festivities.
However, as well as getting us in a jolly mood, the best Christmas classics are packed with little nuggets of wisdom we can use all year round.
And while you might not look to the likes of Ebenezer Scrooge for financial guidance, there’s a lot to be taken from some of our favourites.
To celebrate the most magical time of year, we’re shining a (fairy) light on five of the nation’s top festive picks in search of financial lessons we can all benefit from.
1. Jingle All the Way
Lesson: Be a good role model
This 1996 classic is a tale as old as time for many parents struggling to get their hands on the most coveted toy of the season.
For Howard Langston, played by leading man Arnold Schwarzenegger, that toy is Turbo Man. A notoriously absent father, Howard believes he can make it up to his young son Jamie by getting his hands on the action figure.
After a series of Christmas Eve hijinks, Howard soon learns that it’s not the toy that matters, it’s his time his little boy deems to be more important.
Instead of overspending on lavish gifts, give the gift of time this Christmas. From planning a family day out to a local attraction to planning a cosy night in with a take away and snacks, it’s the little things that can have the biggest impact.
2. 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 this 1994 classic.
When Scott startles Santa mid-Christmas Eve delivery, he falls from the roof and disappears leaving only eight reindeer and a suit with instructions to put it on if he’s involved in an accident.
Following the instructions, Scott pops on Saint Nick’s suit but fails to read the small print. He doesn’t notice that he’s agreed to and is now bound by a clause in tiny print to be Father Christmas for the rest of his life.
This is a good lesson in making sure you know what you’re signing up for – especially when it comes to a long term commitment. Whether it’s a loan agreement or a financial solution, like an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), it’s important to be aware of all the terms and conditions you’re agreeing to.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
Lesson: Relationships are worth more than what’s in your bank
When it comes to Christmas classics, it doesn’t get better than It’s a Wonderful Life.
Frank Capra’s 1946 masterpiece tells the story of frustrated Before Falls businessman George Bailey (James Stewart). Faced with potentially losing his beloved building and loan company to town scrooge Mr Potter, George believes his loved ones would be better off with him dead.
However, thanks to the love and prayers of his friends and family as well as a helping hand from guardian angel in training Clarence Odbody, he soon learns: “No man is a failure who has friends.”
It’s an important reminder that no matter your financial situation, you don’t need to carry your worries alone. Whether you speak to friends and family or seek specialist support from a company like Carrington Dean, help is always available.
4. A Christmas Carol
Lesson: Money can’t buy you happiness
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is a timeless lesson about greed.
Haunted for his refusal to help the poor and acceptance of the festive season, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future make a point of showing Mr Scrooge all he’s missed in his relentless pursuit of money.
The lesson here is that money can’t buy you happiness when driven by greed. While it’s important to live well and manage the money you do have, don’t allow it to consume you.
This story also offers a reminder that it’s never too late to change or start over.
5. Elf
Lesson: Stay positive
Buddy the Elf said it best: “I just like smiling. Smiling’s my favourite.”
You may not think Will Ferrell’s 2003 box office hit Elf would be a go-to for financial lessons, but stick with us.
In this Christmas comedy everyone’s favourite elf Buddy finds himself on a mission to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who not only doesn’t know he exists but is in need of Christmas spirit.
Despite being faced with a dad who is already on the naughty list and trying to navigate the mean streets of New York City, Buddy never loses his positive outlook.
What’s the lesson here? Never feel like a cotton-headed ninny muggins for asking for help with debt. There’s tailored support available to help you, and others, in the same situation to regain control. When dealing with debt it’s important to have goals that you’re working towards and to always stay positive on the journey to achieving them.
If you’re worried about debt and covering the cost of Christmas, remember you’re not alone. Carrington Dean can help find a solution suited to your needs.
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