We've all seen the hilarious, feel-good movie that is "Elf", but have we really taken the time to understand it? This classic Christmas movie teaches people of all ages life lessons that are deeper than "spreading Christmas cheer."
Help others, even if they don't ask.
Buddy cooked breakfast for his family, decorated a store, and decorated his family's home. Although his attempts to help everyone weren't always appreciated, the principle that he was so willing and excited to help others is admirable. If you notice a friend feeling down, I'm not sure I'd love to eat spaghetti with maple syrup for breakfast, but it's the thought that counts.
Spread love shamelessly
One of my favorite qualities of Buddy was his honesty and friendly ambiance. Buddy is not afraid to blurt out compliments or uplift others, so neither should we! Although it may seem awkward or "weird" to compliment a stranger, don't let this stop you from making someone's day.
Don't be afraid to apologize
Unlike Buddy, I hate to admit it that I'm not ALWAYS right. Sometimes, the fear of looking vulnerable or "less than" can prevent us from apologizing and ultimately be a detriment to our relationships. Although it can difficult, there's much to be gained from taking responsibility for your actions and apologizing. So, If you "accidentally" crammed cookies into your parents' VCR, just take the fall and move past it.
Maintain a positive outlook
Besides his quirky sense of humor, people can't help but like Buddy for his optimistic attitude. Despite his father's rejections and criticism, Buddy remains optimistic about life - which can be difficult to do. Although it can be challenging, having a positive attitude has been proven to be motivational and stress-relieving.
There's so much to love about Buddy the Elf, it's hard not to find him admirable. His quirky sense of humor, optimism, and affectionate personality are just a few of his most praiseworthy qualities. We all have so much to learn from Buddy, so start taking notes to get yourself a spot on the nice list this year!
