What can holiday movies teach us about how to live better and enjoy more happiness year round? In this episode I share 13 of the most important life lessons from a few old favorites and some other works that may be less well-known.

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[0:07] What can holiday movies teach us about how to live better and enjoy more happiness year round?
In this episode I share 13 of the most important life lessons from a few old favorites and some other works that may be less well-known.

[0:26] Music.

[0:34] Hi my name is Biggi Fraley. I’m The Arthritis Coach. Welcome to the show!
I hope you don’t mind me keeping this episode light and fun. It’s the holidays after all, and I just love this time of year.
If you read my newsletter available at https://biggifraley.com/insider,
you already know I’m a big movie buff. So, I thought it a good idea to combine my two loves,
and share with you important lessons from some of my favorite holiday movies that you can apply year-round.
First off we have: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Lessons we can learn from this movie are… Sing joyfully.
Before he had a change of heart, singing was what the Grinch liked least of all. Surround yourself with the music of the season and sing along.
Resist commercial pressures. The Grinch learned that Christmas doesn’t come from a store.
Focus on the true meaning of the holidays by sharing time with loved ones and looking for ways to make others happy.

[1:54] Let your heart grow bigger.
Dr. Seuss suspected that the Grinch suffered from a heart two sizes too small.
As soon as it grew three sizes larger he brought back the toys he stole, put everything right, and got to love his new friends in Whoville.

[2:17] Next, my absolute favorite, that I make sure to watch every year, is “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Recognize that one person can make a difference.
While the challenges around us can seem overwhelming sometimes, we all create our own environment.
George Bailey leads a modest life, but he prevents good old Bedford Falls from turning into a sleazy Pottersville.

[2:50] Celebrate the potential to create better outcomes. With all the talk about toxic people,
we may sometimes overlook the fact that we all possess a mix of constructive and destructive qualities.
By appealing to the good in people, George helps them to succeed in every walk of life.
Welcome help from others. As powerful as George is he still needs Clarence, the angel, to help him through a rough night.
Regardless of whatever weaknesses you possess, you can still serve as somebody’s angel if you are willing to reach out.

[3:33] And then there is “A Christmas Carol.” Now, what can we learn from this movie?
First, you can teach old dogs new tricks. We may sometimes feel that our habits are too ingrained to change.
Scrooge proves that a life of stinginess can give way to one of kindness even late in life.
Pay attention to your dreams. We spent about 1/3 of our life sleeping.
Put that time to good use by listening to what your dreams may be trying to tell you.

[4:11] Come to terms with your past. Recognize the unhealthy patterns that get between you and greater happiness. Scrooge’s greed cost him his first love.
You may need to become more generous to transform your own relationships. And, become more resilient.
The Cratchit family remains cheerful in spite of their poverty. Tiny Tim appreciates his blessings even though he’s poor and crippled.
If we bear our hardships with patience we can protect our peace of mind.

[4:51] And here are just three more lessons from some other holiday programs and movies. Number one, focus on others.
Steven Spielberg’s cartoon “Pinky and the Brain” is about more than a laboratory mouse trying to take over the world.
The friendship between the two mice shines through when Pinky writes to Santa, saying it’s okay to forget about him and just give Brain what he wants.
And, number two, work for world peace. The true story of the 1914 Christmas truce is captured in “Joyeux Noel.”
If German, French, and Scottish troops can call the ceasefire on one Christmas Eve, maybe we can all be more peaceful.
And, number three, believe in Santa Claus. “Miracle on 34th Street” looks like it was ahead of its time in questioning consumerism. It’s also timeless in affirming the importance of faith.
Plus, it may offer the best legal argument for believing in Santa Claus. Many of us look forward to watching our favorite holiday movies and specials each year.
It’s a great way to revisit their inspiring messages and share them with our children.

[6:14] I hope you enjoyed the holidays and this episode.

[6:19] A new year is just around the corner, and starting next week we’ll get serious about your New Year’s resolutions and the changes you are hoping to make next year.
Maybe you need some help deciding what those resolutions and changes should be for your unique situation?
Then I encourage you to check out my new course, Commit to Change, which you can find at https://thearthritis coach.com/ctcpodcast.
You’ll also find this link in the show notes. And, it’s a magical link, because when you click it,
a discount will automatically be applied just for you, my podcast listener!
You know, this course is truly fun, yet effective, and it will help you stop negative self-talk, remove obstacles to your success, and gain clarity.
And, with that, you will know exactly what action to take daily.
So, don’t miss this opportunity and start the new year out right. And as always, if you enjoyed today’s show,
please do share it on your favorite social media outlets and join me next week for the latest episode of The Arthritis Coach podcast, available 
every Wednesday morning at 4 a.m. Pacific on your favorite podcast channel.

[7:47] Until then, take care and have a Happy New Year! Bye, bye.