“We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup!” Eating like an elf may not have been the smartest idea I learned from the children’s movie Elf, but it has taught me a few more lessons that have, thankfully, stuck with me throughout many years. The movie has many hidden meanings, and many of us could benefit from them. It may just seem like a fun holiday movie, but if you look a little closer, you might learn a few elf trade secrets from Buddy the elf.
Buddy first teaches us that there is nothing wrong with not fitting in. He leaves the North Pole ashamed he does not fit in as an elf because he considers himself a cotton-headed ninny-muggin, but then finds people who love him for all of his quirks. Many of us are worried about not being popular or fitting in with certain social crowds, but just like Buddy, we are all different and people love us for it. Buddy taught me to embrace being a cotton-headed ninny-muggin, and that will lead me to my own adventure.
Secondly, Buddy shows us that we need to get excited about the little things. Whether it is his exclamation, “So, good news…I saw a dog today!”, his childlike excitement towards seeing Santa, or his amazement at the Rockefeller Christmas tree, Buddy is constantly bringing a smile to my face by showing joy in the things most of us take for granted. We should not need expensive and flashy things to keep us happy. The simple wonders around us are all we need.
Lastly, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy’s loved ones helped save Christmas by singing. Some people may not enjoy holiday music being played months before Christmas, but Buddy tells us to go for it. We should show our excitement for the holiday, and singing is a great way to do it. Buddy also showed me that even if you are a terrible singer, someone will always sing along with you to Christmas music.
Everyone knows that Elf is a great movie to watch with family and laugh at, and an even better way to get in the holiday spirit. The next time you are getting ready for Christmas, I challenge you to ask yourself, “What would Buddy do?” You might find that a simple song will make you jolly, seeing a dog will be the highlight of your day, and you might just go crazy over receiving a bottle of syrup.