Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without your family gathering in the cosy living room, snuggling under blankets to watch (or doze off in front of) some classic holiday movies.
Though they are all enjoyable, some Christmas films go the extra mile and become more than mere entertainment. Amid the heartwarming lessons about treasuring what truly matters in life and celebrating the importance of family and love, some festive films also contain surprising pearls of financial wisdom.
From the importance of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and building an emergency fund, to the value of focusing on long-term goals and remembering to enjoy the journey, many Christmas movies are filled with financial insights all wrapped up in festive cheer.
So, read on to discover four classic Christmas films with surprising lessons about financial planning.
1. Home Alone and the need for an emergency fund
The Home Alone movie franchise introduced the world to Macaulay Culkin in the role of Kevin McCallister and has become a Christmas classic since the release of the first film in 1990.
In the film, Kevin is accidentally left behind when his parents, overwhelmed by the chaos of a large family, forget him on their holiday trip, only realising their mistake when it’s too late. Left to fend for himself, Kevin must protect his home from the “Wet Bandits” – a pair of clumsy burglars intent on robbing the McCallister house.
With no immediate resources, Kevin must rely on his creativity to craft a series of elaborate booby traps to keep the thieves at bay. And while his efforts are successful in fending off the burglars, the aftermath leaves the house in disarray – hot tar on the stairs, paint spilled across the floor, scorch marks on doors, and an overall chaotic mess.
Kevin’s parents would not only need home insurance to cover significant repairs but also an emergency fund to address the costs that might not be covered – it’s unlikely many policies would account for “booby trap damage”.
While you hopefully won’t be restoring a household ruined by your forgotten child anytime soon, there are other more likely instances that may require you to have an emergency fund.
Whether it’s an unexpected repair, a medical expense, or redundancy, an emergency fund offers a vital safety net, allowing you to navigate life’s surprises without compromising your financial stability.
2. Arthur Christmas and the value of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney
Arthur Christmas tells the story of the Santa Claus dynasty – a family of legendary gift-givers who pass the title of “Santa” down through generations.
The current Santa, Malcolm Claus, has modernised the operation with advanced technology, delegating many responsibilities to his efficiency-obsessed eldest son, Steve. However, this high-tech approach has drained much of the magic from the role.
When a malfunction in the system results in a child being missed on Christmas Eve, it’s up to Malcolm’s kind-hearted youngest son, Arthur, to save the day – with a little help from his grandfather, the Grandsanta.
The film explores intergenerational dynamics and the challenges that arise during the transfer of responsibilities, highlighting the importance of having a clear and well-communicated plan for succession.
Just as Malcolm Claus is no longer able to effectively carry out the role of Santa, there may come a time when you’re unable to make important financial or personal decisions yourself.
In this scenario, you and your family may benefit if you have registered an LPA.
An LPA enables you to appoint someone you trust to step in and make decisions on your behalf, ensuring clarity, avoiding conflicts, and maintaining continuity – whether it’s managing finances, overseeing healthcare decisions, or even delivering Christmas presents on time.
3. The Polar Express and the power of keeping faith in the long term
The Polar Express is a heartwarming Christmas story about a young “Hero Boy” who is losing his belief in Santa and the magic of Christmas. When he embarks on a journey aboard a train to the north pole, he discovers that Santa is real, even though most adults can no longer see or hear him, as they’ve lost the belief that makes the magic visible.
Years later, now an adult, the boy still hears the ringing of Santa’s bell, a sound only those who believe can hear. The Polar Express offers a profound lesson about how the power of long-term belief and commitment to what truly matters can help keep magic and wonder alive throughout your life.
Just as the boy’s unwavering faith allows him to experience the joy of Christmas into his adult years, long-term financial stability comes from staying focused, consistent, and committed over time.
Even if markets fluctuate and others lose faith and exit, maintaining your holdings and focusing on long-term time horizons can help ensure you recover from losses and achieve your life goals.
So, by keeping your belief, just like the boy, you may get to enjoy the magic of long-term growth for many years to come.
4. A Christmas Carol and the importance of enjoying yourself on the way to your goals
A Christmas Carol is arguably the best-known Christmas story, second only to the nativity itself. With themes of redemption and the importance of generosity, it captures the true spirit of the holiday season.
Charles Dickens’ tale has been adapted countless times, and each version delivers the same enduring message about focusing on what truly matters in life.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly old man who hoards his wealth with no thought for others, driven solely by the pursuit of money. Despite his fortune, he finds no joy in life and has nothing meaningful to spend his riches on.
When Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, he’s forced to confront the emptiness of his existence. He realises that his relentless focus on accumulating wealth has cost him the love, connection, and happiness that make life worth living.
In this way, A Christmas Carol offers a profound lesson about the importance of enjoying the fruits of your labour. While financial planning is essential for reaching your goals and securing your future, it’s equally important to enjoy life’s journey and share your success with others.
Unlike Scrooge, who waited until it was almost too late, A Christmas Carol reminds us to strike a balance between planning wisely and living fully.
Get in touch
To learn more about how financial planning could help you through the Christmas season and the rest of the year, get in touch.
Email info@blueskyifas.co.uk or call us on 01189 876655.
Risk warnings
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate estate planning, cashflow planning, tax planning, trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, or will writing.