It's an Awesome, Wonderful Life

Post contributed by Leonard Phelps

There is no more nostalgic holiday story than It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stuart. I love watching it with my kids every year. Like so many of us, we take our lives for granted, and forget to count our blessings. I love how Jimmy Stuart gets to see how the world would be different if he had never been born. His mother was the saddest one I saw, as she lost her other son since he was not there to save him. His life had had a positive impact on so many people, and all he could see was his problems. Looking back, he was able to look forward with more hope. His angel, Clarence, helped him see his life through new eyes. Clarence was a funny character, adding a touch of humor to what could have been a very serious movie.

I love sitting back with my kids, as we enjoy this holiday classic. My children have an appreciation for what we have now when they see the time their grandparents lived in as young people. It's a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite non-animated Christmas special. As for me, I am thankful that we have direct tv satellite specials, so we can enjoy this and many other holiday favorites.