I’m a sucker for a Christmas movie. This time of year I love indulging in the magical and non-sensical and Elf would have to be at the top of my Christmas movie list. With a host of famous faces and starring funny guy Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, it’s a great way to kick off the Festive Season (but I watch it all year round as well!).
Now this article isn’t a review of the movie Elf, but I am all about taking the fun bits of this movie and finding the lessons in them. So, here’s 4 lessons from my favourite Christmas movie Elf.
You’re not a cotton-headed-ninny-muggins
Being different is good. Whilst it can be hard to feel like you’re not like the ‘norm’, you have your own beautiful unique talents, traits and personality. And these are often more useful that you can imagine (like in Buddy’s situation being tall enough to change the batteries in the smoke detectors).
Trying to fit in is often so much harder and stressful than being true to yourself and standing out. With time, courage and the right support, anything is possible.
You can find treasures in the most unlikely of places
When Buddy is sent to the mailroom by his dad with the promise of happy, shiny things, he’s severely disappointed to be faced with a glum, crowded and dingy basement.
Instead of closing himself off and shutting down with disappointment, Buddy is open to finding the joy in the situation. As a result, he finds friendship with an ex-con and ends up dancing on the table!
If you’re unsure about a situation, give it a go and see what happens. You never know what you may discover as a result. Like a new friend!
Work with your strengths
Whilst it’s great to remain open and try new things, it’s also important to know when something is just not in your wheelhouse. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing or finding that it’s not really a strength of yours despite giving it a good go, there’s no point sticking with it if it doesn’t light you up.
Instead, find the things that bring you joy and lean into them, because there’s a good chance that it will make someone else’s day too.
For Buddy this meant accepting that he wasn’t great at making Etch-a-Sketches, but decorating was definitely his thing, which also brought joy to others.
Stay true to you
This is a tough one! Even when people are skeptical or are doubting your abilities – they may laugh at you or even not believe in you – be unapologetically you. There’s someone out there who needs you, needs to hear what you have to say and even needs to work with you. You have the power to impact the lives of others, but you can only do that by staying true to yourself.
If you haven’t already watched the movie, then make sure it’s on the list this year. I’d love to know what lessons you take from the movie too.