Page 13 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Winter 2022

EXPLORE | SAFETY & SECURITY WINTER/HOLIDAY EDITION 2022
A Christmas Carol (multiple versions)
Lesson Learned: It’s never too late to change your money habits – and lease on life.
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted for the big screen numerous times, but
the story of a heartless businessman, usually in
the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, who finds redemption by the end, remains the same. Ebenezer’s transformation from a penny-pinching grouch who refuses to help the poor – “Bah-humbug” – to a kind giving soul who embraces holiday joy with opened arms, begins after he’s been visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. By the end of his journey, Scrooge realizes that his greed and obsession with money consumed him so much that he lost everything important to him.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Lesson Learned: Always read the fine print.
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“Ho, ho, ho,” said in Tim Allen’s raspy growl. The “Santa Clause” has been a family favorite film since it debuted in the early ’90s and has spawned several sequels throughout the years. This movie offers you a behind-the-scenes look at how the Santa business works. Should anything happen to Santa, the next person to don the red suit becomes the next Santa Claus. Had Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) taken the time to read
this fine print on Santa’s business card before putting on the Santa suit, he may not have become the jolly Saint Nick that we all adore.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Lesson Learned: Happiness isn’t measured by excessive consumption.
The title would suggest that the horrible (but lovable) Grinch is successful at stealing Christmas. And he is – sort of. After he steals all the Who’s presents, bows, garland, trees, lights,
anything Christmas – including the roast beast – the Grinch hears the Who’s celebrating Christmas without their belongings and realizes that Christmas spirit isn’t a physical item that you possess. He ponders, “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little
bit more.”
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Lesson Learned: Money isn’t everything.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is an American holiday classic that tugs at the heartstrings. The movie follows protagonist George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, a man whose good deeds have helped the town of Bedford Falls, but he fails to see his worth. He’s encountered a stroke of bad luck when his business is on the verge of collapse and he’s in danger of going to jail for bank fraud after an $8,000 loan is misplaced. When George is unable to deal with his problems any longer, he’s visited by his guardian angel, Clarence, who shows George what the town would look like if he didn’t exist.
At the end of the film, George realizes that even with his financial woes, his family and his life are worth more than money. It’s a happy ending when George’s family, friends and the town come to his aid by donating money to help save his business before authorities have the chance to arrest him.
As you snuggle in to watch a Christmas movie this year, think about the lessons you can learn from the characters’ financial faux pas.
We hope you have the “hap-hap-happiest Christmas” ever.
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