Unwrapping Success: Powerful Messages Hidden in Christmas Shows
“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”
- Fred Gailey, "Miracle on 34th Street"
Christmas is a time filled with joy, togetherness, and reflection. As we spend time with loved ones, many of us find comfort in the familiar holiday TV classics. I DVR all of them and begin to watch them one by one as Christmas gets closer. The stop-motion classics are some of my favorites: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Animated shows like “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Polar Express,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Live performances like “Elf,” “Scrooged,” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas.” They are all part of my lead-up to Christmas.
This article isn’t just about the shows or debating the messages that these shows are presenting. I want you to look deeper into the dialogue of these shows. Even though they were made for children, some very teachable moments are hidden within them. I probably could write several articles about these, but I will focus on three; you can do the rest for yourself! (HAHA)
Let’s get into the three powerful quotes from these Christmas classics, which resonate during the holidays but can also inspire us to continue to move forward on our journeys toward success.
Taking Your Next Step: “The Polar Express”
“The thing about trains ... it doesn’t matter where they’re going.
What matters is deciding to get on.”
— Conductor, “The Polar Express”
At the heart of “The Polar Express lies a simple yet transformative message about taking action. The conductor’s words remind us that having faith in yourself to move forward in your life is the key. Too many will stand on the threshold of success but won’t take that next step.
We often hesitate because we lack clarity about our future—whether in our careers, relationships, or personal goals. The critical element isn’t knowing your destination; it’s having the courage to take that first step. I haven’t made a professional move for which I knew how it would turn out, but I believed in myself enough to take that next step. Early on, my courage to take the next step came out of arrogance, and I paid for my recklessness. As time went on, my moves became calculated, taking into account the risks and rewards, but I never lost faith in myself and that I would help move the process forward successfully.
These were the three things I kept in mind as I climbed the ladder from a high school coach to being a Super Bowl champion:
Embracing Opportunity
· Take Action: Often, we find ourselves waiting for the "perfect moment" to begin pursuing our dreams. However, just like boarding a train, we must jump at the opportunity to move further down the road.
· Be Open to Experiences: Every journey has its ups and downs. Embrace each moment as a learning opportunity that contributes to your growth.
· Prepare for Success: Be prepared to succeed. While you wait for the train to come, actively build your knowledge bank so that you will have the answers before you hear the questions.
Remember, success is not merely about achieving goals but also about having the courage to take the next step along your path.
Believing Beyond Sight: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
“Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!”
— Jack Skellington, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Jack Skellington's fervent declaration highlights one of life's most potent truths: belief often precedes visibility. In our pursuit of success—personal or professional—we may not always see immediate results or a clear path forward. Yet, faith in ourselves and our aspirations can be the driving force behind extraordinary achievements.
Cultivating Faith in Yourself
· Visualize Your Goals: Imagine what success looks like for you. Visualization can solidify your belief in what's possible.
· Stay Resilient: Challenges and setbacks are part of every journey. Jack reminds us that even when things seem bleak or unclear, maintaining belief in our potential can lead to miraculous outcomes.
· Believe in YOU: Even when your goals haven’t become “real,” continue to believe in yourself, continue to work hard, and continue to move along your path to accomplish your goals so you can achieve your dreams.
When we keep trusting ourselves, we find that this inner conviction empowers us to chase after dreams that may seem out of reach, turning them into reality through determination and hard work.
The Power of Change: “Scrooged”
“That’s the one good thing about regret: It’s never too late.
You can always change tomorrow if you want to.”
— Claire Phillips, “Scrooged”
Regret is a universal experience; however, Claire Phillips’ wise words offer solace by reminding us that it’s never too late for transformation. Every day presents a new opportunity to reshape our paths and redefine what success means to us.
Turning Regret into Motivation
· Live in the Present: If we continue to drag our past into our present, hoping we can somehow change the past, we will adversely affect our present. When we have negatively impacted our present, it will cause the future to be adversely affected. Learn from the past and live in the present so your future will be all you hope it will be.
· Learn from Mistakes: If things haven’t worked out exactly how you planned, use the lessons you received as stepping stones for future growth. Failure is not the end of a journey; it’s just a chance to come back and do it better next time.
· Make Conscious Choices: Each new day is an opportunity for reinvention—evaluate what changes you wish to make and take positive steps toward them. Everyone makes mistakes; those who become successful make adjustments in themselves and the path they are taking to accomplish their goals so they can achieve their dreams.
Actively making the changes in our lives requires courage and conviction, but ultimately, it will lead us closer to achieving the goals and dreams we have always envisioned. Holding on to grudges and the past will be an anchor that holds us back from being all we can be. Change your tomorrow by living totally in the present. We can’t change what has happened, but we can change the future.
Holiday Lessons for Everyday Success
As we enjoy the magic of Christmas shows this season, take a moment to reflect on the powerful hidden lessons regarding success. When we “listen between the lines,” we can embrace opportunities like the conductor from “The Polar Express,” believing in unseen possibilities with Jack Skellington's optimism or transforming regrets into motivation inspired by Claire Phillips' wisdom. These messages can carry us far beyond the holiday season.
This year, let’s carry these insights into our daily lives:
1. Decide to start your journey today!
2. Believe in your potential despite uncertainties!
3. Recognize that change is always within your grasp!
Making these principles part of your everyday life will illuminate your path toward personal and professional success long after the last holiday lights have dimmed. So, this season—and beyond—let’s make every moment count as we chase our dreams together!
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
