These are hard times. No one can deny that and no amount of denying can change that fact. Perhaps it is better to think and behave much like the characters in many Hollywood movies which, based on an essay I read earlier, uphold the spirit of Christmas. In the essay titled “In Hollywood, hardship boosts Christmas spirit,” written by John Petkovic, the idea that things will get better in the end was highlighted.
The way Hollywood sees the holiday, these are hardships that reveal the true meaning of Christmas.
Picking up on a sentiment born in the Dickensian 19th century, Christmas movies have made the most of the least, spinning tales of holiday woe that are meant to assure us. It doesn’t matter if you’re broke, because Christ, your fellow man and maybe even Santa Claus — if you’re good and lucky — will come through in the end.
Indeed, there are countless Christmas movies wherein the protagonist meets hard times and yet experiences the true meaning of Christmas. This may happen in various ways – with family, friends, or whatever other agent – but the theme is recurring. An ordinary person meets seemingly insurmountable problems and then somehow, help is given along the way. It is the classic happy ending that all of us dream of at some point. This theme is actually even observed in movies that are not about Christmas.
This year is perhaps of the most difficult years that we all have experienced. This is especially true for those in their 20s and 30s. Let’s be reminded by Hollywood movies – they may be make believe but there are some insights to gain from them.
Originally posted on December 7, 2008 @ 1:59 pm